Range Master AM1000 Configuration guide

Unpack
You should have the transmitter and
power supply, Antenna, two crystals if
you ordered the AM1000C model, a tun-
ing tool, and a spare shunt.
First
Find a place to put the transmitter, higher
up in the building is better, you may want
to try several locations to find the best
place. Try to find an low traffic location.
Mount
Mount the transmitter to a wall, the unit
should be used indoors only. See the dia-
grams for suggested mounted ideas. Keep
in mind you need to plug in the power
supply.
Connect
Connect your Audio and antenna. See the
diagrams for guidelines to mount the an-
tenna. Keep the antenna away from metal.
The antenna wire should be attached so it
will not move. You can use staples, tape,
ect, to attach the antenna wire.
Connect your audio to the RCA jack. You
may need an adapter cable if you device
has a 1/8” jack for example. If you want
to drive the audio balanced bring the
twisted pair cable into the hole, connect
the two wires to the AF+ and AF– con-
nections on the terminal block.
Crystal
Be sure to install the crystal if you have
the AM1000C crystal model.
You are trying to peak the meter. As you as rotating the Cap
Tune you should see the meter peak. If the meter goes down
when you rotate the Cap Tune either way then you are tuned.
The goal is to have the meter at the most peak voltage possi-
ble you can obtain by moving the shunt and Cap Tune. Ad-
just the Radio Power Gain if it is helpful. If two shunt posi-
tions seem to work use the one that peaks with the Cap Tune
in the most counter clockwise position.
Power
Setting the power is easy, simply rotate Radio Power Gain
until Set Power LED turns Green, rotate very slowly. Now
turn the Audio Gain back all the way up. Once the Audio
Gain is turned up the LED will flash red and green.
Tuning
Plug in the power, the Set Power LED should come on. (Refer to the above diagram) Turn the Audio Gain all the way down
counter clockwise. Turn the Cap Tune so it is near the middle of it’s range, 5 turns from either end, it is a 10 turn device. Place
the shunt on the Coil Tune bank near the middle, position 5 or 6. Then turn Radio Power Gain up unit the Tune Meter shows
about “4”. Now move the Coil Tune shunt up and down the bank, you are looking for the position that gives the highest reading
on the meter. You will need to look at the reading, move the shunt, remove your hand then recheck the reading. Having your hand
on the shunt will effect the meter reading. Once this is done take the tuning tool, and adjust the Cap Tune.
AM1000 INDOOR INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS

Antenna
Placement of the antenna is important for
good range. Radio waves will go through
wood, rockwall, ect, but will be slowed by
brick, masonry, shingles, walls with metal
studs. Try to have nothing be space (air) be-
tween the antenna and the radios you want to
receive the signal if possible. If you are trying
to get your signal outside it may be possible to
feed the antenna outside for better outside
radiation. It is important to try different loca-
tions.
”Section 15.219 Operation in the band 510 - 1705 kHz.
(a) The total input power to the final radio frequency
stage (exclusive of filament or heaterpower) shall not
exceed 100 milliwatts.
(b) The total length of the transmission line, antenna
and ground lead (if used) shall not exceed 3meters.
(c) All emissions below 510 kHz or above 1705 kHz
shall be attenuated at least 20 dB below the level of the
unmodulated carrier. Determination of compliance with
the 20 dB attenuation specification may be based on
measurements at the intentional radiator's antenna out-
put terminal unless the intentional radiator uses a per-
manently attached antenna, in which case compliance
shall be demonstrated by measuring the radiated emis-
sions.”
If you have trouble feel free to call, but check a few common problem first:
-Is your audio level high enough? Is it on? Audio is a gate on the power, if there isn’t enough audio the range will suffer
-Check the voltage at the terminal block with a voltmeter, is there at least 12 volts there?
-Low range is often a bad ground, it could be poor soil conductivity in you area, a broken ground wire, This is common
when using an electrical ground. It is possible to improve the electrical ground, consult an electrician if you don’t feel quali-
fied. Another ground rod can be added at the main building ground location.
-Be sure you set the power properly
-Be sure the “Audio Gain” is turned up
-Be sure the crystal is in
-Here is a way to check transmitter operation: temporarily turn power up, you can draw a small spark from one of the round
red coil leads or the antenna with a lead pencil if the unit is working correctly. If it is to bright in the room you may not see
the spark
RangeMaster Transmitters, Inc.
[phone] [phone]
Digital Volt Meter
RANGEMASTER FCC CERTIFIED AM TRANSMITTER
Getting good Range
You can use audio equalization/ compression limiting equip-
ment to improve your audio signal. It is also possible to use
audio processors designed only for AM transmitters, to boost
your range (see website). Get your audio level as loud as you
can, your station should sound as loud as others.
Mostly range is about the antenna placement.
Be sure the wires to the transmitter are not moving around
and are clamped down before you tune, if wires or the trans-
mitter are moved the transmitter needs to be retuned.
It is possible to use multiple transmitters for more range, also
the unit has a digital link, see the website
http://www.am1000rangemaster.com