TriCom AM-SAT-50 User manual

TRICOM RESEARCH, INC.
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
AM-SAT-50
DAMA CERTIFIED UHF SATCOM
REMOTE BI-DIRECTIONAL
AMPLIFIER
www.tricomresearch.com 17981 Sky Park Circle, Suite M Irvine, CA 92614

AM-SAT-50 OPERATOR’S MANUAL 90400-01078_B
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Information.......................................................................................1-1
1.2 Abbreviations and Glossary...........................................................................1-2
1.3 Equipment Description..................................................................................1-3
1.4 Features..........................................................................................................1-3
1.5 AM-SAT-50 System......................................................................................1-4
1.5.1 Bias Tee..........................................................................................................1-4
1.5.2 Amplifier........................................................................................................1-4
1.5.3 Power Cable...................................................................................................1-4
1.6 Specifications.................................................................................................1-6
2.0 OPERATION
2.1 General Information.......................................................................................2-1
2.2 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors.............................................................2-1
2.3 Operational Procedures..................................................................................2-2
2.3.1 General Information.......................................................................................2-2
2.3.2 Equipment Set-up...........................................................................................2-2
2.3.3 Operating Procedures.....................................................................................2-3
2.3.3.1 Normal Operation ..........................................................................................2-3
2.3.3.2 Bypass Operation...........................................................................................2-3
2.3.3.3 Improper Operation........................................................................................2-4
3.0 INSTALLATION
3.1 General Information.......................................................................................3-1
3.2 Preparation for Use........................................................................................3-1
3.3 Cable Interconnections ..................................................................................3-1
3.4 Wiring Diagrams............................................................................................3-3
3.5 Mounting Provisions......................................................................................3-4

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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 AM-SAT-50 General Operating Parameters ...........................................1-6
Table 1-2 AM-SAT-50 Interconnect Characteristics...............................................1-7
Table 1-3 AM-SAT-50 General Characteristics .......................................................1-7
Table 2-1 AM-SAT-50 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors................................2-2
Table 2-2 AM-SAT-50 System Troubleshooting Guide.........................................2-4
Table 3-1 AM-SAT-50 Coaxial Cable Length Guide.............................................3-1
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 AM-SAT-50 System Components..........................................................1-1
Figure 1-2 AM-SAT-50 Functional Block Diagram................................................1-5
Figure 2-1 AM-SAT-50 Front Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connectors...........2-1
Figure 3-1 AM-SAT-50 Coax Cable Length Guide….............................................3-2
Figure 3-2 AM-SAT-50 Power Cable Wiring Diagram............................................3-3
Figure 3-3 Amplifier Mounting Dimensions…………............................................3-4
Figure 3-4 Bias Tee Mounting Dimensions ………….............................................3-5
Revision Control
90400-01078- Rev A
90400-01078- Rev B – Deleted 75 and 100 Watt power levels on paragraph 1.4.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
This manual provides operating instructions for the DAMA Certified AM-SAT-50
Remote Bi-Directional Amplifier System shown in Figure 1-1. The system is a amplifier/pre-
amplifier designed to provide transmit and receive gain for UHF SATCOM channels, while
eliminating disruptive cosite interference on DAMA and non-DAMA 5 KHz and 25 KHz
channels.
The AM-SAT-50 has been DAMA Certified with several UHF SATCOM terminals.
For a listing of the current certifications please see the Joint Interoperability Test Command
(JITC) website.
Figure 1-1. AM-SAT-50 Amplifier

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1.2 ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY
AGC Automatic gain control
ALC Automatic level control
AM Amplitude modulation
ANT Antenna
BPS Bits per second
CT Cipher text
CW Continuous wave
COMSEC Communications security
dB Decibel
dBm Decibel referenced to 1 milliwatt (0 dBm = 1 mW)
FM Frequency modulation
Hz Hertz
KHz Kilohertz
LED Light emitting diode
LOS Line of sight
MHz Megahertz
mW Milliwatt
PT Plain text
PTT Push to talk
RCV Receive
SATCOM Satellite communications
UHF Ultra-high frequency
VDC Volts, direct current
VSWR Voltage standing wave ratio
W Watt
X-MODE Connector for COMSEC equipment
XMT Transmit

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1.3 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
The DAMA Certified AM-SAT-50 Remote Bi-Directional Amplifier System is used to
provide transmit and receive amplification and cosite filtering for UHF SATCOM
communications. It is suitable for vehicular, airborne, or fixed-station applications and is
compatible with all UHF SATCOM radios. The Amplifier is weather-proof and is typically
located outdoors with the antenna. The Bias Tee is splash-proof and is usually located with the
radio, but may be placed anywhere between the radio and amplifier. The system connects in-
line with the radio and antenna with coax cable, with a connection for DC power input located
on the Bias Tee. There are operator controls located on the Bias Tee and the Amplifier. The
Bias Tee has a Power On/Off circuit breaker. The amplifier also has an auxiliary DC connector
for direct connection to a DC power source when a Bias-Tee is not needed (typically for
vehicle applications). The Amplifier has a three position switch to control receive gain, and a
Five position transmit power switch. The AM-SAT-50 interfaces with other equipment,
including:
Any UHF SATCOM antenna with a 50 Ohm impedance
SATCOM terminals, including the AN/PSC-5 and AN/PRC-117
Conditioned power from a source of +22 to +32 VDC
1.4 FEATURES
The AM-SAT-50 has the following features:
JITC DAMA Certification
Pre-amplification of received RF signals from remotely located antennas
Power amplification of transmit signals to 25, 35, 50 Watts
Transmit and receive band filtering to eliminate interference from co-located radios and
amplifiers
Amplifier front panel indication of system status

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1.5 AM-SAT-50 SYSTEM
The AM-SAT-50 is pictured in Figure 1-1. A functional block diagram is
shown in Figure 1-2.
1.5.1 Bias Tee
The Bias Tee consists of two printed circuit assemblies in a divided aluminum housing.
The DC input connection and RF connection to the radio are located on one end of the Bias
Tee. The Power On/Off switch and RF connection to the Amplifier are located on the opposite
end. When assembled, the enclosure is splash-proof, and may be mounted in any convenient
position.
1.5.2 Amplifier
The Amplifier consists of several printed circuit assemblies, a filtering and switching
network, and associated connectors and switches housed in a watertight aluminum housing.
With normal care and maintenance, the assembly is highly resistant to corrosion from the
elements. The interconnections to the Amplifier are made via two female type N connectors.
Through holes are provided on the base plate for mounting purposes. A DC power connector is
provided on the amplifier for connection to a DC power source when remote operation is not
required, such as vehicle installations.
1.5.3 Power Cable
A five-conductor cable connects the AM-SAT-50 with a DC power source. A wiring
diagram for the cable is shown in Section 3 of this manual. The power cable may be attached to
either the Bias-Tee or directly to the amplifier.

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
Figure 1-2. AM-SAT-50 Functional Block Diagram

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1.6 Specifications
The operating parameters, physical characteristics, and environmental specifications are
shown in the following tables. Please review the latest data sheet or contact the factory
for additional specifications.
Table 1-1. AM-SAT-50 Operating Parameters
TRANSMIT SECTION
Frequency Range 292-318 MHz
RF Power Input 1-20 Watts
RF Power Output 25/35/50 Watts
Harmonics
-60 dBc
DAMA Capability Fully Compliant, including HPW
Maximum Transmit Duty Cycle Continuous
RECEIVE SECTION
Frequency Range
242-268 MHz
Noise Figure 3.5 dB typ
Receive Gain 10/20/30 dB
GENERAL
Input VSWR 1.5:1
Output VSWR 1.5:1
VSWR Mismatch High VSWR indication, no damage with mismatch
DC Power 24 to 28 VDC nominal
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temp/Cooling -20 to +55 C, natural convection
Dimensions 3” H x 6” W x 12” D
Weight 8 Lbs

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Table 1-2. AM-SAT-50 Interconnect Characteristics
Connection Signal/Pin Connector Function
BIAS TEE
RF to Radio RF to/from Radio N female
RF to Amplifier RF to/from Amplifier
N female
+28 VDC DC Power in MS3102E14S-5P
AMPLIFIER
Bias Tee RF to/from and +28 VDC
from Bias Tee
N female
Antenna RF to/from antenna N female
+28 VDC DC power in MS3102E14S-5P
Table 1-3. AM-SAT-50 General Characteristics
Characteristic Specification
Operating Voltage 24-28 VDC nominal, 22 to 32 VDC max
Operating Current 1 Amp typical receive, 8 Amps typical transmit
Operating Temp. -20 to +55 C, over temperature protected
Size
Bias Tee 1.5” H x 3” W x 5”D
Amplifier 3” H x 8” W x 12” D
Construction
Amplifier Weather-proof
Bias Tee Splash-proof

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2.0 OPERATION
2.1 General Information
This section provides information for operating the AM-SAT-50.
WARNING
Electromagnetic radiation from the antenna can damage eyes and other body tissue
when the system is transmitting. DO NOT stand directly in front of the antenna or
in close proximity to the sides or back of the antenna when transmitting.
2.2 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors
The AM-SAT-50 does not require user interaction once installed, inspected, and
powered on. However, there are several helpful status indicators on the Amplifier's front
panel. All of the controls, indicators, and connectors are located on the end panels of the
Amplifier and Bias Tee as shown in Figure 2-1. The functions of these are specified in
Table 2-1.
Figure 2-1. AM-SAT-50 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors

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Table 2-1. AM-SAT-50 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors
CONTROL, INDICATOR,
CONNECTOR TYPE FUNCTION
BIAS TEE
POWER 25 Amp circuit breaker/switch Switches the AM-SAT-50 on & off.
Note: A low loss RF path is provided
through the system when in the off
position
+28 VDC MS3102E14S-5P connector DC power input (mating cable
connector is a MS3106F14S-5S)
TO RADIO N female connector Connects to the SATCOM radio
TO AMPLIFIER N female connector Connects to the Amplifier
AMPLIFER
TX POWER Transmit power level Sets the transmit power level of the
Switch Amplifier to 25, 35 or 50 Watts
RCV GAIN Receive gain level Sets the receive gain to 10, 20 or 30 dB
switch
BIAS TEE N female connector Connects to the Bias Tee
ANTENNA N female connector Connects to a UHF SATCOM
Antenna
+28 VDC MS3102E14S-5P connector DC Power input (mating cable
connector is a MS3106F14S-5S)
28 VDC Green LED Indicates DC power is reaching the
Amplifier
TX Yellow LED Indicates that the Amplifier has
has switched to the transmit mode
VSWR Red LED Indicates that the Amplifier has
Sensed a high VSWR on the antenna
Connection
TEMP Red LED Indicates that the Amplifier has
Sensed a high temperature condition
2.3 Operational Procedures
2.3.1 General Information
The AM-SAT-50 can be used for operation once it has been installed as
described in Section 3.
2.3.2 Equipment Set-up
Refer to Paragraph 2.2 for the locations and functional description of the controls
and indicators. Make sure that the AM-SAT-50 has been installed according to the
instructions provided in Section 3.

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2.3.3 Operating Procedures
2.3.3.1 Normal Operation
In normal operation, the AM-SAT-50 provides receive gain and transmit power
amplification for radios operating in the UHF SATCOM band.
NOTE: Operating outside of the UHF SATCOM frequency bands will not harm the system,
however, the equipment may not appear to be operating correctly and proper communications
will not be established. To operate outside of the SATCOM frequency bands see Paragraph
2.3.3.2.
To operate the system in the normal (power on) mode:
1. Select the desired transmit power setting
2. Set the desired receive gain setting
3. Turn the ON/OFF switch to ON
4. Note that the 28 VDC light is illuminated
5. Begin UHF SATCOM communications
6. Note that the TX light is illuminated whenever the radio is keyed
7. Note that the VSWR and TEMP lights are not illuminated
Paragraph 3.1 contains appropriate Amplifier receive pre-amp gain setting guidelines.
2.3.3.2 Bypass Operation
When powered off, the amplifier systems provide a low loss RF path through both the
Bias Tee and Amplifier. Communications are possible across the 30-512 MHz band in this
mode of operation. This way a single equipment configuration can be changed from a highly
cosite immune UHF SATCOM system to multi-band system simply by powering the Bias Tee
OFF. However, there is no filtering when in bypass mode, so interference with co-located
SATCOM radios may occur. To operate the system in the bypass (power off) mode:
1. Turn the ON/OFF switch to OFF
2. Note that the DC ON light is not illuminated
3. Begin multi-band communications
Note: Operation in the bypass mode may interfere with other co-located UHF SATCOM
radios, since none of the AM-SAT-50s filtering is used when powered off.

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2.3.3.3 Improper Operation
If the communications system seems to be operating improperly, check to make
sure that the equipment is configured in accordance with Section 3. If the problem
persists follow the instructions below.
Table 2-2. AM-SAT-50 System Troubleshooting Guide
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE SUGGESTED FIX
DC ON light fails
to illuminate ON/OFF switch in off position Turn switch ON
DC power source not operating Inspect power source
Power cable faulty Inspect power cable
TX light fails to
illuminate
VSWR light
illuminates
Radio power set too
low
Cable between Bias Tee
and Amplifier faulty
Cable between Bias Tee
and Amplifier
excessively long
TX frequency is outside
of UHF SATCOM band
Increase radio output power
Inspect coax cable
Shorten coax cable
Set TX frequency between 292 and
318 MHz
TEMP light
Illuminates Heat sink is obstructed Move objects which block air
flow around the heat sink
Sun is adding additional heat Block direct sun light from
shining on Amplifier
Amplifier cannot dissipate
enough heat Decrease radio power to the minimum required to operate
system properly
If above does not work Decrease transmission time

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3.0 INSTALLATION
3.1 General Information
This section contains information necessary for preparing the AM-SAT-50 for use.
Included are cable interconnections, wiring diagrams, and mounting dimensions for the Bias
Tee and Amplifier.
3.2 Preparation for Use
After unpacking the system and inspecting for physical damage, select an appropriate
location for the Bias Tee and Amplifier. The Bias Tee is usually installed with the radio and
power amplifier, in a location protected from the weather. The Amplifier is located close to the
antenna. Although the Amplifier is weather-proof, placing it in a location where it is protected
from direct salt spray, rain, and sunlight will tend to increase its service life.
3.3 Cable Interconnections
Attach the cables to the system as shown in Figure 3-1. Cable W1 is supplied
with the system and is detailed in Paragraph 3.4. Cables W2 and W4 may be RG-58,
RG-223, etc. Cable W3 should be RG-214 or better. The loss through cable W4 should
be kept below 0.75 dB for best performance. For example, 5 to 20 feet of RG-214 or 5
feet of RG-223 is acceptable. Table 3-1 provides some guidelines for cable length and
receive preamplifier gain settings.
Low-loss high performance Heliax cable may be used to greatly extend the remote
distance of the amplifier.
Table 3-1. AM-SAT-50 Coaxial Cable Length Guide
CABLE CABLE TYPE LENGTH GAIN SETTING
W2 RG-223 10’
W3 RG-214 100’-250’ 10 dB or 20 dB
(OR)
W2 RG-223 100’
W3 RG-214 10’ – 100’ 20 dB or 30 dB

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Figure 3-1. Coax Cable Length Guide

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3.4 Wiring Diagrams
Figure 3-2 shows the wiring diagram for the Power cable. Table 3-2 provides the pin
numbers, names, and specifications of the signals. Conductors are 16 AWG and are covered
with a mesh nylon jacket. The power supply ends are terminated with 5/16” ring terminals. The
cable is approximately four feet long.
Figure 3-2. AM-SAT-50 Power Cable Wiring Diagram
RED
BLACK
MS3106E14S‐5S
TO 24-32 VDC
TO GROUND
RING TERMINALS



Table 3-2. AM-SAT-50 Power Cable Signal Description
PIN SIGNAL NAME COLOR SPECIFICATION
A, B, E DC Power Red +24 to +32 VDC
C, D DC Ground Black DC Ground


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3.5 Mounting Provisions
Figures 3-3 and 3-4 provide the mounting hole locations for the AM-SAT-50.
Figure 3-3. Amplifier Mounting Dimensions

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Figure 3-4. Bias Tee Mounting Dimensions

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