RF Central RFX-PHT User manual
Portable High-Powered Transmitter (RFX-PHT)
OPERATORS MANUAL
Copyright 2005 RF Central
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 1 of 30
CONTENTS
1GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION...............................................................................4
1.1 Health & Safety ......................................................................................................5
1.2 Maximum RF Power Density Limits........................................................................6
2INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................7
2.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.....................................................................................7
2.2 RFX-CMT DESCRIPTION......................................................................................9
3ACCESSORIES / OPTIONS..........................................................................................12
3.1 Vehicle Installation Kit ..........................................................................................12
3.2 Antenna Options...................................................................................................13
4SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................................................................14
5SYSTEM OPERATION..................................................................................................15
5.1 Camera Interfaces................................................................................................15
5.2 Operator Controls / Menus...................................................................................15
5.3 Initialization Menu.................................................................................................15
5.4 Main Menu............................................................................................................15
5.5 Ch / Frequency Menu...........................................................................................18
5.6 Encoder Menu......................................................................................................18
5.7 Audio 1 Menu.......................................................................................................18
5.8 Audio 2 Menu.......................................................................................................18
5.9 Status Menu.........................................................................................................19
5.10 Status Monitoring .................................................................................................19
5.11 System Configuration – Engineering Menu..........................................................19
5.11.1 Prog Channels..............................................................................................19
5.11.2 FW Inventory................................................................................................20
5.11.3 Video Input/Video Format.............................................................................20
5.11.4 Audio Input...................................................................................................20
5.11.5 Temperature.................................................................................................20
6PREPARING FOR OPERATION...................................................................................21
6.1 EQUIPMENT PREPARATION .............................................................................21
6.1.1 Preparing Portable High Power Kit (PHT) ....................................................21
6.1.2 Preparing Camera-Mount Configuration (CMT)............................................21
6.1.3 The Receiving Equipment ............................................................................22
7Connector Pin Outs .......................................................................................................23
7.1 SDI / CVBS Video BNC........................................................................................23
7.2 Video Connector...................................................................................................23
7.3 Audio Connector...................................................................................................23
7.4 Power Connector..................................................................................................23
7.5 Remote Connector ...............................................................................................24
8Module Descriptions ......................................................................................................25
8.1 Block diagram.......................................................................................................25
8.2 Audio / Video Encoder..........................................................................................26
8.3 COFDM Modulator ...............................................................................................27
Power Amplifier..............................................................................................................27
8.4 Front Panel...........................................................................................................28
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 2 of 30
1 GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
The information that follows, together with local site regulations, should be studied by
personnel concerned with the operation or maintenance of the equipment, to ensure
awareness of potential hazards.
WARNING- RF Power Hazard: High levels of RF power are present in the unit. Exposure to
RF or microwave power can cause burns and may be harmful to health.
Switch off supplies before removing covers or disconnecting any RF cables, and before
inspecting damaged cables or antennas.
Avoid standing in front of high gain antennas (such as a dish) and never look into the open
end of a waveguide or cable where RF power may be present.
Users are strongly recommended to return any equipment that requires RF servicing to RF
Central.
WARNING- GaAs / BeO Hazard: Certain components inside the equipment contain Gallium
Arsenide and Beryllium Oxide that are toxic substances. Whilst safe to handle under normal
circumstances, individual components must not be cut, broken apart, incinerated or
chemically processed. In the case of Beryllium Oxide, a white ceramic material, the principal
hazard is from the dust or fumes, which are carcinogenic if ingested, inhaled or entering
damaged skin.
Please consult your local authority before disposing of these components.
CAUTION- Tantalum Capacitors: When subjected to reverse or excess forward voltage,
ripple current or temperature these components may rupture and could potentially cause
personal injury.
CAUTION: This system contains MOS devices. Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) precautions
should be employed to prevent accidental damage.
The information contained in this manual remains the property of RF Central and may not be used, disclosed, or reproduced
in any other form without the prior written permission of RF Central.
RF Central reserves the right to alter the equipment and specification appertaining to the equipment described in this manual
without notification.
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 4 of 30
1.1 Health & Safety
Exposure to Non Ionizing (RF) Radiation/Safe Working Distances
The safe working distance from a transmitting antenna may be calculated from the
relationship:
D = √ PT. GR
4π.w
In which D = safe working distance (meters)
PT = transmitter or combiner power output (watts)
GR = antenna gain ratio = anti log (gain dBi ÷10)
w = power density (watts/square meter)
The RF power density value is determined by reference to safety guidelines for exposure of
the human body to non-ionizing radiation. It is important to note that the guidelines adopted
differ throughout the world and are from time-to-time re-issued with revised guidelines. For
RF Central use, a maximum power density limit of 1w/m² is to be applied when calculating
minimum safe working distances. Appendix A refers.
Important Note: It must be remembered that any transmitting equipment radiating power at
frequencies of 100 KHz and higher, has the potential to produce thermal and athermal effects
upon the human body.
To be safe:
a) Operators should not stand or walk in front of any antenna, nor should they allow
anyone else to do so.
b) Operators should not operate any RF transmitter or power amplifier with any of its
covers removed, nor should they allow anyone else to do so.
Worked examples
Antenna Transmitter Power
Type Gain (dBi) Gain Ratio 2W 4W 10W 30W
OMNI 4 2.5 1 1 1.5 2.5
HELIX 20 100 4 5.6 9 15.5
PARABOLIC
DISH 35 3,162 22.5 32 50 87
MINIMUM SAFE DISTANCE (METERS)
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 5 of 30
1.2 Maximum RF Power Density Limits
The RF Radiation Power Density limit figure recommended by RF Central is based upon
guideline levels published in:
a. IEEE standard C95.1 1999 - IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with respect to Human
Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
b. Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-varying Electric, Magnetic & Electromagnetic
Fields (up to 300 GHz) published in 1998 by the Secretariat of the International Commission
on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
Both documents define guideline RF power density limits for "Controlled" and "Uncontrolled"
environments. An uncontrolled environment is defined as one in which the person subjected
to the RF radiation may be unaware of and has no control over the radiation energy received.
The uncontrolled environment conditions can arise, even in the best regulated operations and
for this reason the limits defined for the uncontrolled environment have been assumed for the
RF Central recommended limit.
Documents a) and b) also show the RF power density guidelines to be frequency dependent.
Different power density / frequency characteristics are presented in the two documents. To
avoid complexity and to avoid areas of uncertainty, RF Central recommends the use of a
single power density limit across the frequency range 100 kHz to 300 GHz. The 1w/m² power
density limit we recommend satisfies the most stringent of the guidelines published to date.
Footnote: The IICNIRP document may be freely downloaded from the internet at
www.icnirp.de/documents/emfgdl.pdf (PDF file)
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 6 of 30
2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Designed to utilize the RFX-CMT, the RFX-PHT portable 2 GHz digital transmitter comes with
either 5 or 10 watt max. power output. It provides a means to make any “news car” into a “live
car”. “Run and shoot” vehicles now become “run and transmit” The PHT can also be used in a
standalone mode for temporary transmit application. RF Central warranties the PHT for 3
Years.
This manual is to be used in conjunction with the RFX-PHT unit, which is composed of two
major components; the RFX-CMT and the Amplifier case.
Various optional accessories are available for the PHT described in detail in paragraph 2.3.
(fig. 2-1) – PHT Case (top view) (fig. 2-2) – PHT Case (standing)
(fig. 2-3) – PHT Case (opened with CMT installed) (fig. 2-4) – PHT Case (opened with CMT unclipped)
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 7 of 30
(fig. 2-5)
(fig. 2-6) (fig. 2-7)
(fig. 2-8) (fig. 2-9)
Remote Control
Amplifier Output
(to antenna)
Video In Audio #1 Inpu
t
Audio #2 Inpu
t
Power In
(12 VDC at 12.5 Amps)
Transmitter-to-Amplifier
Jumper
RFX-PHT
Control Panel
(Yellow LED)
(Red LED)
(Green LED)
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 8 of 30
2.2 RFX-CMT DESCRIPTION
The core transmission component of the RFX-PHT is the RFX-CMT.
The RFX-CMT Wireless Camera system is designed for all applications, both indoor and
outdoor, in which a mobile camera is essential to the televised program production. The
RFX-CMT simply clips onto the battery adapter plate, transforming a standard news gathering
camera into a wireless camera.
The CMT system is comprised of the transmitter that contains an audio encoder, video
encoder, COFDM modulator, power supplies and an RF power amplifier. In its CMT
configuration, it is attached directly to a camera with an omni-directional antenna (see
diagram 2-1 & 2-2).
CMT Inputs
(fig. 2-10) (fig. 2-11)
Audio In
(connected)
Audio In Alternative Power
Supply In
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 9 of 30
(fig. 2-12) (fig. 2-13)
SDI/CVBS Input cable
connected
Switchable
Component / Composite
Video
Switchable SDI/CVBS
Input
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 10 of 30
Typical RFX-CMT mounting configuration
(diagram 2-1)
External Views of the RFX-CMT
RF OUTPUT POWER
AMPLIFIER
(diagram 2-2)
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 11 of 30
3 ACCESSORIES / OPTIONS
3.1 Vehicle Installation Kit
The RFX-PHT Vehicle Installation Kit includes a mounting plate which secures the RFX-PHT
carry case in place, a magnetic mounted rooftop omni-directional antenna, and DC power
cable for vehicle battery power. Additional options are shown in table 2-1, below.
RFX-PHTMT
PHT Vehicle Mounting Plate
RFX-MAM
Magnetic Antenna Mount
3 strong 5-inch diameter magnets
RFX-RRM
Roof Rack Antenna Mount
Quickly & easily clamps to standard roof rack
RFX-OMNI-4.5
4.5 dBi Omni Antenna
9” long, 1 ¾” diameter, N-type male connector
RFX-AT8
8 dBi Omni Antenna
24” long, ¾” diameter, N-type male connector
RFX-WCM
POV Camera Suction Cup
Windshield Mount
RFX-PHTPS
PHT Power Supply
110 VAC input, 12 VDC output
RFX-CCK
Complete PHT Vehicle Wiring Kit
Power, Video, Audio, Remote switch, & Antenna Cables
RFX-PHT unit mounted in vehicle
Table 2-1
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 12 of 30
3.2 Antenna Options
Antenna options for the RFX-PHT system vary based on a number of considerations. The
transmit and receive ends of the link can be considered separately, since each application is
unique.
Omni-directional antennas are typically used with the RFX-PHT link. However, some
applications allow for more directional solutions, providing more robust transmission to the
receiver. Directional antennas are typically used when higher gain is required and can be
utilized in a variety of ways, from GPS auto-tracking to human control, or simple directional
pointing.
Receive antennas used with the RFX-PHT can be either Omni or Directional. For improved
receive system performance, diversity reception can be used with an array of multiple
antennas. RF Central’s diversity receiver technology uses maximum ratio combining to pull
together the output of all the antennas providing extremely robust / exceptional / exponentially
more reception.
Contact RF Central for more specific antenna information.
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 13 of 30
4 SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Band 1.990 - 2.500 GHz
Tuning Range /
Frequency Selection
To accommodate FCC channel plans; up to 16
pre-set channels, tuning in 0.5 MHz steps,
selectable via control panel
Transmit Power Adjustable to 5 Watts (higher power available
– contact RFC)
Skirts -30 db typical at 5 Watts
Modulation COFDM DVB-T (2k carrier)
Modulation Modes QPSK, 16 QAM, 64 QAM FEC: 1/2 2/3 3/4 5/6
7/8 Guard interval: 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32
Data Rate 4.98 to 31.7 Mbit/s
Bandwidth 8MHZ, 7MHz, and 6MHz
Encoding Options MPEG 2: 4:2:0/4:2:2 (DVB standard)
Video Input Digital: SDI 270 Mbit/s
Analog: NTSC/PAL composite or component
Audio Input 2 x analog inputs, mic/line selectable
Power Requirements 12VDC (12 Amps)
110VAC Power Supply available
Size 14 x 10.5 x 6.5 inches
Weight 15.5 lbs
Environment Temperature: -4° to +122° degrees F
Altitude: 14,500 ft
Humidity: 95% long term
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 14 of 30
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006
5 SYSTEM OPERATION
The following operation detail is specific to the RFX-CMT transmitter module of the RFX-PHT.
5.1 Camera Interfaces
The RFX-CMT transmission module of the RFX-PHT can be supplied with one of two battery
and camera interfaces:
•Sony ‘V’ Block / IDX
•Anton Bauer Gold Mount
These provide a flexible and versatile mounting system suitable for a wide range of cameras
and battery options.
The RFX-CMT is first mounted onto the camera rear battery interface. If required, an
appropriate battery can then be docked onto the rear of the RFX-CMT transmitter. The video
and audio cables must then be connected between the camera and the RFX-CMT, see 5.11.3
and 5.11.4 for details of the hardware configuration via the Control Panel.
If a battery is docked onto the rear of the RFX-CMT, no external DC power lead is required.
A separate lead is only required if a battery belt or external power supply is used.
Care should be taken to prevent damage to an external power supply if a battery is docked,
since current can be taken FROM the Power Connector.
5.2 Operator Controls / Menus
The RFX-CMT is configured using an LCD display and six push buttons. These are arranged
as four navigation buttons (▲▼◄►), Enter and Clear.
The Enter button is used to store the modified parameter in non-volatile memory; this
parameter will then be used to configure the RFX-CMT and will also become the default value
when next powered on.
The Cancel button can be used to exit a menu without storing the parameter in memory.
Various menu levels are provided to allow the operator to access the different hardware and
operating parameters:
5.3 Initialization Menu
At switch on the status of the initialization is displayed. If any errors are found with the
initialization of the major functions; Video, Audio, Encoder and Modulator; an error message
will be displayed. During initialization the Status LED will be off.
5.4 Main Menu
This is the display screen during normal operation of the RFX-CMT and indicates the TX
frequency, Channel number (or Manual frequency) and the current Encoder memory settings.
The ▲▼ buttons are used to select the required sub-menus; Ch/Freq, Encoder, Audio1,
Audio2 and Status, the Enter button is then used to select. The ◄► buttons are used to
display the current operational state.
Page 15 of 30
During normal operation the Status LED will be green indicating ‘healthy’ state of the RFX-
CMT.
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 16 of 30
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 16 of 30
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 17 of 30
5.5 Ch / Frequency Menu
This menu is used to select one of the sixteen pre-programmed channels (CH1 – Ch16) or
‘manual’ frequency selection. The ‘Man’ setting allows control of the transmit frequency in
0.5MHz steps within preset limits (0.5MHz steps are applicable to this version of the
transmitter; earlier versions have 1MHz steps).
The Enter button allows the ◄► buttons to select the required digit, the ▲▼ buttons then
select the required value. The Enter button then stores the value and returns to the Main
menu.
5.6 Encoder Menu
Using the ▲▼ buttons, this menu is used to select the required MPEG encoder operating
parameters. These are held in sixteen non-volatile memories (0 – 15). The ◄► buttons are
used to display for the selected memory:-
Modulation mode - QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM
Code rate - 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8
Guard interval - 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, ¼
Data rate - 4.976471 to 31.668449 Mbit/s
The encoder menu also selects the MPEG profile; 4.2.2, 4.2.0 and SP@ML (low delay)
Pre-programmed encoder parameter sets can vary according to individual customer
requirements; a separate sheet is included in the documentation accompanying the
equipment when shipped from the factory. As a guide, a typical set of 16 pre-set parameters
is included in Appendix A – Section 9
5.7 Audio 1 Menu
The Audio menus are split into two levels: Select Input and Set Level. The ▲▼ buttons and
Enter are used to select the required audio sub menu. The audio input can be set for either
Line or Mic input; selecting Mic gives a fixed +20dB gain.
There is also a level adjustment providing a +/- 20dB adjustment in 0.5dB steps. This level
adjustment is intended to cater for variations in camera audio output levels; it is NOT intended
to use these adjustments to set microphone sound level. It is assumed that the mic pre-amp
and limiter within the camera is used for this purpose.
5.8 Audio 2 Menu
As 5.7 above but for setting the Audio 2 input and level.
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 18 of 30
5.9 Status Menu
The status menu is used to confirm the condition of the RFX-CMT. If the Status LED is red
indicating a fault or warning, the Status menu will indicate the nature of the problem.
The ▲▼ buttons are used to scroll through the various functions:
Video Input - a valid video input is present
TS Present - the MPEG encoder is generating Transport Stream
TS Rate - TS data rate matches the modulator data rate
Synth Locked - the RF synthesizer is locked to correct frequency
PA Enabled/Disabled - the RF PA is powered or disabled
RF Output - greater than +14dBm is present on the output
5.10 Status Monitoring
There is a red/green ‘status’ LED indicating the condition of the RFX-CMT , if a fault or
warning exists the LED will indicate Red and the Status menu will indicate the nature of the
fault / warning. During initialization of the unit the Status LED will be off.
The Status LED is capable of flashing RED to indicate a warning, or flashing GREEN to
indicate no video input. This is due to:
GREEN No Video Input. Check the camera is switched on and the video lead is
correctly connected
RED The PA is turned off. To disable the RF Power Amplifier the Cand ◄are
pressed as the RFX-CMT is switched on. This allows
the transmit frequency to be checked before the PA is
switched on. The PA can be re-enabled by re-cycling
the power.
5.11 System Configuration – Engineering Menu
The Engineering menu provides the method of hardware configuration. No user adjustments
or setup is provided internally.
The engineering menu is entered by pressing the ◄and ‘C’ buttons simultaneously for
~10seconds, then releasing the ‘C’ button.
5.11.1 Prog Channels
Each of the sixteen frequency channels can be independently allocated the required
frequency with 0.5MHz resolution.
The ▲▼ buttons are used to select the Channel to be assigned. The Enter button then
allows the four ▲▼◄► to edit the required frequency. The Enter button then stores the
value and returns to the Main menu.
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 19 of 30
5.11.2 FW Inventory
The firmware version for the encoder and main unit controller can be obtained from this menu
5.11.3 Video Input/Video Format
The RFX-CMT can accept either CVBS, YC, YUV inputs in either PAL (625) or NTSC (525)
via the six pin LEMO Video input connector or can be set to generate internal test bar
patterns of 75%, 100% or alternating between these two.
SDI digital video can also be input via the BNC 75Ωconnector if required this can also be
used to input CVBS analog video.
Note: The CVBS LEMO input (Pin 1 & 2) is paralleled with the BNC input when CVBS is
selected; only connect to either one of these inputs or an incorrect signal level may result.
Signal routing is managed by the controller according to the selected options.
The ▲▼ buttons are used to select the required video input type. The Enter button then
stores the value and returns to the Main menu.
5.11.4 Audio Input
The RFX-CMT can accept two mono/one stereo analog input(s) via the five pin LEMO Audio
input connector or can be set to generate internal test tones of either 0dBFS or –18dBFS.
Signal routing is managed by the controller according to the selected options.
The ▲▼ buttons are used to select the required audio input type. The Enter button then
stores the value and returns to the Main menu.
5.11.5 Temperature
Provides a display of the internal temperature of the RFX-CMT controller in degrees Celsius
RFX-PHT LAST REV: 13 Dec 2006 Page 20 of 30
Table of contents
Other RF Central Transmitter manuals
