TX Digicast TXAMP200 User manual

TXAMP200
RF Amplifier
User Manual
WARNING!
This RF Amplifier is capable of eneratin hi h RF potential.
Touchin internal parts, or the connected antenna system, will
cause serious RF burns. Antenna systems should be installed
such that exposure by any person to RF fields cannot exceed safe
limits. The permitted limits vary from country to country. Expert
advice should be sou ht about the safe installation of this
transmission system.
RISK OF FIRE!
RF (Radio Frequency) ener y could cause i nition of combustible
surfaces durin fault conditions. Installation should be left to
qualified personnel. RF can cause burns to skin. Ensure antenna
systems and feeder cables are not situated near, or could fall
onto, any combustible surface.

IMPORTANT!
Always reduce the RF Output power to minimum before chan in
the transmission frequency. Once the new frequency is active,
slowly increase the RF output power control to provide the
required power output level.
WARNING!
Never operate this device without a suitable 50 ohm load
connected to the RF OUTPUT socket, or without a suitably
installed and matched antenna system connected. Althou h the
output of this RF amplifier is protected a ainst antenna load
faults, MIS-OPERATION MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE NOT COVERED
BY ANY WARRANTY.
IMPORTANT!
Correct operation of the coolin fans in this product is vital to
reliable continuous operation. Schedule bi-annual maintenance
checks. We stron ly advise the use of a standby RF amplifier
system for use durin maintenance events or fault conditions, to
prevent prolon ed breaks in transmission.
IMPORTANT!
Consideration should be iven to fittin a suitably rated UPS if
power interruptions are likely. Similarly, telemetry reset of power
may be advisable for equipment in remote areas, or havin
restricted access arran ements.

The TXAMP200 is a powerful 200W (DAB) RF power amplifier.
The product is tested for compliance to UKCA and CE standards, and
meet the requirements of broadcast re ulators.
TX Di icast’s reliable ran e of RF amplifiers are used by broadcasters
worldwide, and benefit from 25 years of en ineers’ desi n experience.
The TXAMP200 uses the latest MOSFET devices, achievin new levels of
efficiency and reliability.
This all-in-one complete DAB broadcast solution also has TCP/IP
connectivity, as well as TTL remote control and monitorin , which
allows easily inte ration into systems with automated back-up.
In
troduction

These instructions should be read in full before the RF amplifier is
operated.
The safety and operatin instructions should be retained for future
reference.
All warnin s on the RF amplifier and in the operatin instructions
should be adhered to.
All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Use of this device into a radiatin antenna requires a valid licence from
a Spectrum Mana ement Authority in most countries.
Use of this device as part of a transmission system, or combined
transmission system not specified by the manufacturer, may require
further testin to ensure that it remains compliant with the essential
requirements and other relevant provisions of current EU Low Volta e,
EMC and Radio Equipment Directives. Approval and clearance from the
Spectrum Mana ement Authority may also be required.
Installation must adhere to safety re ulations and the requirements of
the relevant authorities. We recommend that at least two people are
present durin installation. Keep a file containin installation
instructions and plans, includin details of the transmission system
(antennas, feeders, filters, etc) and operatin instructions for all
equipment at the transmission site at all times. Display posters
detailin first aid treatment and treatment for electrical shock, alon
with telephone numbers for contactin the emer ency services in the
event of personal injury.
Ensure antenna system li htnin strike protection is in place.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover, or any
screws. There are no user serviceable parts inside; refer servicin to
qualified personnel.
Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. The RF amplifier
should not be used near water. Care should be taken so that objects
do not fall - and liquids are not spilled - into the enclosure throu h
openin s.
Before operatin

To reduce the risk of fire, always replace fuses with the same type and
ratin .
The RF amplifier should be mounted into a well-ventilated standard 19
inch equipment rack, usin slide supports. It should be situated so that
its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
The RF amplifier should be situated away from heat sources.
The RF amplifier should be connected to a power supply only of the
type described in the operatin instructions or as marked on the unit.
Precautions should be taken so that the roundin or polarisation of
this appliance is not defeated.
The unit should be cleaned only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
The RF amplifier should be serviced by qualified service personnel if it
does not appear to operate normally, exhibits a marked chan e in
performance, has been subjected to shock, dama e, moisture, or if
forei n objects have in ressed.
The user should not attempt to service the RF amplifier beyond that
which is described in the Operatin Instructions. All other servicin
should be referred to qualified service personnel.
This appliance may become warm under normal operatin conditions.
Recycle accordin to WEEE re ulations.

1. Front and Rear Panels…
1. PSU RETAINING CLIP Push to the ri ht in order to release the PSU,
then pull forward ently, usin the handle.
2. MULTI-FUNCTION KEYS Push-button controls for UP, DOWN, LEFT,
RIGHT and OK. For navi ation of the LCD menu.
3. RF MON BNC RF monitorin point. Provides a sample of the output
RF at approximately -40dB. Do not use for measurin compliance.
4. PSU DC OK This LED indicates that the Power Amplifier Supply (48V
DC) is workin .
5. PSU AC OK This LED indicates that the AC mains power is connected.
6. SYSTEM. If this LED is reen, all system parameters are operatin
correctly. If it is red, the RF amplifier needs ur ent attention.
7. FWD If this LED is reen, the forward RF power is operatin . If this
LED is red, the RF power is not present. This may be intentional, due to
user settin s, or it may be due to a fault with the connected antenna
system.
Controls and Connectors

8. REF If this LED is reen, the forward reflected RF power is within
acceptable levels. If this LED is red, the reflected power from the
antenna system is too hi h, and must be rectified.
9. LOCAL If this LED is reen, the system is operatin normally and can
be accessed remotely, via TCP/IP ethernet. If it is red, the systems
settin s are bein accessed locally (via the front panel display menu),
which takes precedence.
10. RF OUTPUT ‘N’-type socket. This is the RF power output for the
antenna system. Connect the mask filter and antenna to this socket.
11. ETHERNET RJ45 ICP/IP Socket. If internet connectivity is required,
connect the LAN to this socket. Ensure that the local router has
maximum security and Firewall protection enabled.
12. EARTH STUD M4 threaded earth stud. Connect additional earthin
to this point, in accordance with local re ulations.
13. REMOTE . This 9-way ‘D-sub’ socket can be used for remote control
and monitorin of the RF amplifier. It also enables automatic switchin
of N+1 back-up system confi urations.
Pin 1. This output pulls-low when the RF forward power
condition is OK. It will float hi h when an ‘alarm’ condition (no RF
output) is present.
Pin 2. This output pulls-low when the RF reflected power
condition is OK. It will float hi h when an ‘alarm’ condition
(reflected power too hi h) is present.
The above ‘Open Collector’ outputs are capable of operation up
to 50V and sinkin a current of 75mA maximum. The normally
hi h, (ie. ‘pull low’ upon alarm condition) provides inherent
‘power failure’ or ‘cable connection failure’ si nallin .
Pin 3. Groundin this pin will mute the RF output of the RF
amplifier.
14. RF IN. ‘N’-type. Connect the RF source to this input.
15. POWER. Connect a power lead with an IEC C13 connector (and a 13
amp fuse in the plu or at the distribution panel) to this socket. Two
T12 amp (time delay) fuses are fitted within this connector’s Fuse
carrier.

The front panel LCD shows the transmission parameters.
To adjust the RF output settin , press and hold the ‘OK’ key for 3
seconds. The TXAMP200 will enter LOCAL mode and the FWD Power
level will be hi hli hted.
Press the UP or DOWN buttons to select the desired output power,
takin care not to exceed the maximum rated power of 200W.
Display & Menu

IMPORTANT! Connect a suitable rated RF test load to the RF OUPUT
socket before connectin the unit to mains power. FAILURE TO DO SO
MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.
Never carry the RF amplifier by the front panel handle. This is provided
purely to pull the RF amplifier forward, to assist in removal from an
equipment rack.
Install the TXAMP200 in a suitable 19” equipment rack with adequate
clearance and coolin airflow. Use front-to-back rack supports on both
sides of the RF amplifier, and slide the unit into the rack. NEVER ALLOW
THE FRONT PANEL FIXINGS TO TAKE THE WEIGHT OF THE UNIT.
First, connect a suitably rated test load to the RF OUT socket on the RF
amplifier’s rear panel.
Connect the mains lead.
Switch on the mains power.
Press the ‘OK’ key for 3 seconds to enter the settin s menu.
Set the RF Power Output to its minimum level. Press OK to store the
value.
Connect the RF input source and then set the RF Power Output to the
required level. Press OK to store the value.
Installation

Once all settin s are set as required, power down the RF amplifier and
connect the filter and antenna system
Correct operation is confirmed by a front panel reen SYSTEM LED.
Should this turn red, the RF amplifier may shut down or reduce its RF
output and will, in any case, require URGENT attention.
The RF amplifier is desi ned for continuous reliable transmission,
however the fans, air vents and air tunnels must be periodically
checked for correct operation and free airflow.
The coolin fans should be replaced after 60,000 hours of cumulative
operation. This life ratin is for uidance only and is subject to ideal
environmental operatin conditions. Replace any fan that fails or
becomes slow or noisy, immediately. It is recommended that
replacement work must be carried out by the manufacturer or an
approved a ent.
Operation

The TXAMP200 will be supplied with a notification of its factory-set IP
address, username and password. KEEP THESE DETAILS SAFE. Whilst
the RF amplifier’s network confi uration can be chan ed, the username
and password are fixed. Enter the factory-set IP address in the address
bar of an internet browser.
IMPORTANT: Accessin the RF amplifier’s front panel menu will enter
the TXAMP200 into ‘local mode’, where front panel settin s take
precedence over the ethernet connection. The network readin s and
settin s will not be available until the local menu has been exited, and
the main screen is displayed on the LCD.
Select ‘Continue’. Upon successful lo -in, the TXAMP200’s status pa e
will appear.
Network Connection

The IP address and associated network confi urations can be chan ed
by selectin the settin s (‘ ear’) icon:
DCHP can be set, or a new IP address entered. Include the Gateway
address of the local Router, and the desired Primary and Secondary
DNS server addresses, if different.
New browser sessions will prompt for a Username and Password.
When continuin within the current browser session there will be no
prompt to enter a Username or Password.
Like most ethernet enabled devices, the client web browser may fla
the internet connection as 'Not secure'. This can be i nored, because
hardware devices don't usually serve ‘https’ (secure) pa es to clients.
However, eneral network security is VERY IMPORTANT. It is up to the
user to ensure adequate overall security for the internet connection.
Like all computers, on all networks, the RF amplifier's network port will
be continually subject to external hack and ‘Pin of Death’ attacks.
Connect the RF amplifier’s network port to the Internet via a Router
with port forwardin confi ured in such a way as to ensure maximum
local network security. Schedule re ular checks, on an on- oin basis,
to ensure that the Router is runnin the very latest manufacturer’s
firmware.
TX Di icast take no liability whatsoever for dama e or losses caused by
a successful network attack.

RF:
RF Input N female 50 ohm
Input Level +10dBm for rated output
RF Output Power: 200W (DAB)
Power stability: Better than 0.25dB
RF output: N female 50 ohm
Load mismatch: VSWR 2:1 (all phase an les)
RF Monitorin :
RF monitor (front panel) BNC 50 ohm (approx. -40dB)
Remote I/O:
I/O Control: 9-way D-sub female
Network:
LAN: TCP/IP RJ45
Power Supply:
Volta e: 100/240Vac 50/60Hz
Consumption:
Mechanical:
Dimensions (2U): 88 x 482 x 550 HxWxD (mm)
Wei ht: 18k
Environmental:
Operatin Temperature: 0 to 40 de rees C
We reserve the ri ht to alter specifications without notice. E&OE.
Technical Specifications

EC Declaration of Conformity to R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC
We, TX Di icast
Clay Pit Lane
Roecliffe
York
YO51 9FS
hereby take sole responsibility to confirm that the product:
TXAMP200
which this declaration refers to, conforms to the essential requirements of
Directive 2014/53/EU and is CE marked accordin ly:
Low Volta e Directive:
EN60215
Safety Requirements for Radio Transmittin Equipment
ERM/EMC:
ETSI EN 302 077 V2.2.0
Transmittin equipment for the
Di ital Audio Broadcastin (DAB) service
The followin operation conditions and installation arran ements are to be
presumed:
(i) Accordin to Operatin Instruction Manual
(ii) Connected lead len ths of 2 metres or less
M. O’Rorke, Director
September 2020

WEEE - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
The equipment that you bou ht has required the extraction and use of
natural resources for its production. It may contain hazardous
substances that could impact health and the environment.
In order to avoid the dissemination of those substances in our
environment and to diminish the pressure on the natural resources,
we encoura e you to use the appropriate take-back systems. Those
systems will reuse or recycle most of the materials of your end life
equipment in a sound way.
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol invites you to use those systems.
If you need more information on the collection, reuse and recyclin
systems, please contact your local or re ional waste administration.
IMPORTANT!
NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OF
ANY OTHER NATURE ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT. Do
not misconstrue any information as our recommendation to use any
product, process, or equipment in conflict with any re ulatory authority
or patent.
Ensure compliance with all applicable safety requirements when
installin or usin this equipment, and operate in accordance with local
laws overnin the use of radio transmission equipment.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted, in any
form, by any means, without prior written consent of the TX Di icast.
TX Di icast shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental,
consequential or other dama e or loss alle ed in connection with the
supply or use of this product.

The information contained in this document is subject to chan e
without notice. TX Di icast makes no warranty of any kind with respect
to this information. TX Di icast specifically disclaims the implied
warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
TX Di icast
Clay Pit Lane
Bar Lane Industrial Estate
Roecliffe
York
United Kin dom
YO51 9FS
Telephone [phone]
Telephone (International) [phone]
Enquiries: info@txdi icast.com