RFI FMC88108-6 User manual

PA88108 Series User’s Manual
Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas
1
User’s Manual
FMC88108-6
6 CHANNEL
VHF FM REPEATER TRANSLATOR
87.5-108MHz
Base Line 1.01
Document Number: INS-42037-1

INS-42037-1: FMC88108-6 User’s Manual
Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 2
Company Overview
RFI has been serving the needs of the wireless communications market for over 30 years. First founded as a manufacturer
of antenna systems, RFI has grown to be a key player in the development, manufacturing and distribution of wireless
technology and energy products. Through our extensive network of resellers, systems integrators and retail outlets, RFI is a
key supplier to both industry and Government.
Our research and manufacturing facilities have talented people, sophisticated test equipment, state of the art software with
class leading manufacturing systems and techniques. Additionally, we have in place a quality management program which
is certified to ISO9001, environmental management system certification to ISO14001 and occupational health and safety
standard AS4801 giving you complete confidence in everything we do.
RFI’s products are truly innovative and as a result we are active around the globe taking our Australian designed and
manufactured products to key markets in Asia Pacific, the Americas and EMEA regions via offices ‘In-region’ in addition to
exporting directly to in excess of 50 countries.
One of RFI’s key principals is to remain totally customer focused as we recognise our future depends on the success of our
customers. We know that to be chosen as your supplier we must add value to your business and to achieve this we will
work hard to deliver the best product when and where you need it and back this up with the very best technical support
available.

INS-42037-1: FMC88108-6 User’s Manual
Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 3
Document Number INS-42037-1
Copyright 2015 RF Industries Pty Ltd
First Printing: 3rd February 2015
Version Number
Version Date
DRAFT
3rd February 2015
Approved
5th February 2015
Baseline 1.01
13th February 2015
Disclaimer
Product part numbering in photographs and drawings is accurate at the time of printing. Part number labels on
RFI products supersede part numbers given within this manual. Information is subject to change without notice.

INS-42037-1: FMC88108-6 User’s Manual
Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................................................8
1.1 STRUCTURE....................................................................................................................................................................8
1.2 FRONT AND REAR PANEL LAYOUT.....................................................................................................................................10
2. SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
3. ORDERING INFORMATION............................................................................................................................................. 12
4. UNPACKING...................................................................................................................................................................12
5. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY / WORK HEALTH & SAFETY WARNINGS .................................................................. 13
5.1 GENERAL CAUTION........................................................................................................................................................13
5.2 EARTH BONDING ..........................................................................................................................................................13
5.3 HIGH TEMPERATURES ....................................................................................................................................................13
5.4 HIGH VOLTAGE.............................................................................................................................................................14
5.5 ELECTRO STATIC DISCHARGE ...........................................................................................................................................14
6. INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................................................... 15
6.1 INSTALLATION SUMMARY ...............................................................................................................................................15
6.2 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS..............................................................................................................................................15
6.3 POWER ON SEQUENCE ...................................................................................................................................................15
7. OPERATION ................................................................................................................................................................... 16
7.1 FRONT AND REAR PANEL CONTROLS AND INDICATORS.(SEE FIGURE 5)...................................................................................16
7.2 TRANSMIT FUNCTION ....................................................................................................................................................17
7.3 RECEIVE FUNCTION .......................................................................................................................................................17
7.4 BREAK IN FACILITY (BIF) ................................................................................................................................................17
8. TECHNICAL DETAILS.......................................................................................................................................................18
8.1 TRANSLATOR PCB ASSEMBLY ..........................................................................................................................................18
8.2 DISTRIBUTION AND DISPLAY PCB ASSEMBLY ......................................................................................................................19
8.3 PSU MODULES ............................................................................................................................................................20
8.4 VHF (87.5 –108MHZ)FREQUENCY REFERENCE TABLES ....................................................................................................21
9. MAINTENANCE, INSPECTION AND REPAIR ADVICE ........................................................................................................ 28
10. USER NOTES: ............................................................................................................................................................... 29

INS-42037-1: FMC88108-6 User’s Manual
Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 5
Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
RF Industries Pty. Ltd. makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including but not limited to, the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. RF Industries Pty Ltd shall not be liable
for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance or use of the material.
All information contained in this manual has been reviewed. However RF Industries Pty Ltd accepts no liability for
any omissions, errors or construed information.
2007-2015, RF Industries Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction, adaptation or translation without prior written
permission is prohibited except as allowed under copyright laws.
For further information or help with this product contact your nearest RFI sales office or through the following;

INS-42037-1: FMC88108-6 User’s Manual
Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 6
Region
USA
EMEA
ASIA PACIFIC
Sales email
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
Tech Support
[email protected].au
[email protected].au
[email protected].au
Telephone Intl
[phone]
[phone]
[phone]
Telephone local
330 486 0706
01869 255772
1300 000 RFI
Fax Intl
+ 1 [phone]
[phone]
Web
rfiamericas.com
rfiemea.com
rfi.com.au

INS-42037-1: FMC88108-6 User’s Manual
Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 7
VHF FM Repeater Translator
Front View
Rear View

INS-42037-1: FMC88108-6 User’s Manual
Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 8
1. General Description
This manual contains the technical, installation and operating information for the FMC88108-6 VHF FM
Repeater/Translator. The FMC88108-6 is a cost-effective repeater/translator solution for rebroadcast applications. The unit
can be configured with up to six channels. Additional units can be added into a design to cater for applications that require
more channels.
The FMC88108-6 is a compact unit requiring only 1RU rack space. The unit can be configured to customer requirements
and is primarily used for on-frequency (non-translating) operation, but can also be used in a frequency shifted (translating)
mode of operation if desired.
.
1.1 Structure
The FMC88108-1 VHF FM (87.5MHz to 108MHz) unit comprises the following modules:
a) VHF FM Translator module
b) Display/ Distribution module
c) PSU Modules.
Each translator module performs the function of receiving and transmitting a stereo channel. A BIF (Break In Facility) is
provided for an external audio input be applied for emergency purposes.
The receiver input is filtered by a bandpass response filter, before being divided and amplified via a high level amplifier to
provide six equal outputs which are routed to the six translator modules.
The six transmitter outputs are combined via a six way combiner, providing excellent isolation between RF paths which
reduces intermodulation products.
The resultant RF output is made up of six equal carriers (each internally adjustable) with harmonics and intermodulation
products better than -60dBc.
The block diagram is shown in Figure 1 and the front and rear panel illustrations are shown in Figures 2 and 3 respectively.

INS-42037-1: FMC88108-6 User’s Manual
Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 9
Translator PCB
SK1 to Rx
O/P 6
SK3 SK2
SK4 to Tx
I/P 6
Translator PCB
SK1 to Rx
O/P 5
SK3 SK2
SK4 to Tx
I/P 5
Translator PCB
SK1 to Rx
O/P 4
SK3 SK2
SK4 to Tx
I/P 4
Translator PCB
SK1 to Rx
O/P 3
SK3 SK2
SK4 to Tx
I/P 3
Translator PCB
SK1 to Rx
O/P 2
SK3 SK2
SK4 to Tx
I/P 2
Translator PCB
SK1 to Rx
O/P 1
SK3 SK2
SK4 to Tx
I/P 1
66
5
5
4 3 2
1
1 4 3 2
SK13
SK7
SK8 SK9
SK10 SK11
SK12
SK13 SK21 SK20
SK19 SK18 SK17
K16
Front Panel PCB
I/O Board
SK1
SK5
SK6
SK3 SK4 SK2
SK14
65432
1
65432
1
Tx I/P
Rx O/P
PSU #1
L
N
PSU #2
L
N
AC
Switch
Fuse
3.15A
+15Vdc
#1
+15Vdc
#2
AC Mains
N
L
Telemetry
Tx O/P BNC
BIF I/P
BNC
BIF Loop
BNC
+15V #1
+15V #2
Rx I/P BNC
Figure 1: FMC88108-6 Schematic Block Diagram

INS-42037-1: FMC88108-6 User’s Manual
Asia Pacific | EMEA | Americas 10
1.2 Front and Rear Panel Layout
1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 2: Front Panel
7 8 910 11
12 13 14
Figure 3: Rear Panel
1. Program #1 indicators (Rx and Tx active).
2. Program #2 indicators (Rx and Tx active).
3. Program #3 indicators (Rx and Tx active).
4. Program #4 indicators (Rx and Tx active).
5. Program #5 indicators (Rx and Tx active).
6. Program #6 indicators (Rx and Tx active).
7. A/C Mains input (IEC plug).
8. A/C fuse (1Amp, 20mm type).
9. Ground terminal, M5.
10. RF output connector (50Ohm, BNC female).
11. Telemetry connector (D9 female).
12. BIF audio loop (isolated BNC female).
13. BIF audio input (isolated BNC female).
14. RF input connector (50 Ohm BNC female).