VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Table of contents Contents Release control record Responding to alarms Corrective maintenance Electrostatic protection Identifying an alarm Troubleshooting tips 1-23 Replacing a suspect PWB, power supply or fan 1-24 PA PWB replacement 1-26 Pre-amp PWB replacement 1-28...
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VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Table of contents Column content OEM code to manufacturer’s cross-reference Common abbreviations/acronyms Wiring/connector lists Wiring lists provided Wiring lists not provided Connector mating information Wire colours Printed wiring board patterns Reading Electrical Schematics Component values Graphic symbols...
VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Release control record Issue Date Reason 2014-11-01 Hardware Release 6 (NARF64E and NARF64E/01). Supports software version VS SW 4.2 Issue 6.0 2014-11-01 Page vii...
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VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Page viii Issue 6.0 2014-11-01...
AUI lockup - see page 1-23 • Replacing a suspect PWB, power supply or fan - see page 1-24 If none of the procedures and alarms described in this section address your problem, contact Nautel for assistance. See “Technical support” on page...
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VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Remote troubleshooting Remote on-air troubleshooting consists of monitoring the transmitter's radiated signal using an on-air monitor or via a LAN connection, and observing the status of each remote fault alarm indicator. Information obtained from these sources should enable an operator to decide whether an alarm response may be deferred to a more convenient time, an immediate corrective action must be taken, or if a standby transmitter must be enabled (if one is available).
VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Electrostatic protection The transmitter's assemblies contain semiconductor devices that are susceptible to damage from electrostatic discharge. The following precautions must be observed when handling an assembly which contains these devices. CAUTION: Electrostatic energy is produced when two insulating materials are rubbed together.
VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Identifying an alarm You can identify an alarm locally by viewing the front panel (see “Front panel alarm checks”) or remotely by viewing the AUI’s Transmitter Status page (see “AUI Transmitter status page checks”...
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4. If troubleshooting and subsequent replacement of a suspect PWB or module causes the alarm to disappear from the View Alarms screen, the alarm has been successfully cleared. If the alarm does not remove the fault condition, contact Nautel. Issue 6.0 2014-11-01...
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VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms AUI Transmitter status page checks If an alarm exists and is being recognized by the transmitter, it is displayed under the Alarms tab of the transmitter status page (see Figure 1.3). The Device name indicates the sub-system origin of the alarm.
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4. If troubleshooting and subsequent replacement of a suspect PWB or module causes the alarm to disappear from the Transmitter Status page, the alarm has been successfully cleared. If the fault condition does not clear, contact Nautel. NOTE: Before undertaking any troubleshooting, record all AUI meter readings and note if any other alarms are displayed on the Transmitter Status page .
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(A1) is outside of its acceptable voltage range (between +1.1 V (+1.2V Fail) and +1.3 V). The VS300 takes no action on this alarm. Check for a +5V Supply Fail alarm: If present, follow the associated troubleshooting procedure. If not present, use a digital multimeter to measure between TP5 (+1.2 V) and TP6 (ground) of the...
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(between -13.5 V and (-15V Fail) -16.5 V). The VS300 takes no action on this alarm. Check for a +15V Supply Fail alarm: If present, follow the associated troubleshooting procedure. If not present, use a digital multimeter to measure between TP13 and TP11 (ground) of the exciter/ control PWB.
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(A1) is outside of its acceptable voltage range (between +3.0 V (+3.3V Fail) and +3.6 V). The VS300 takes no action on this alarm. Check for a +5V Supply Fail alarm: If present, follow the associated troubleshooting procedure. If not present, use a digital multimeter to measure between TP3 (+3.3 V) and TP6 (ground) of the...
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PS distribution PWB (A2). Analog Left Exciter (amber) This alarm indicates the analog left audio input level is too low or is not applied. The VS300 takes no action on this alarm. (Anlg Left Aud Low) Analog Right Exciter (amber) This alarm indicates the analog right audio input level is too low or is not applied.
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Mismatch transmitter does not match the version expected to be seen by the (CPLD Ver version of code installed on the DSP. The VS300 will not be able Mismatch) to turn RF on. Contact Nautel for further assistance. Page 1-12...
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Low) description and troubleshooting action). If no accompanying SRC alarm exists, suspect a problem with the external audio processor or studio feed. The VS300 takes no action on this alarm. Discharging PA PS (red) This alarm occurs when the transmitter has initiated a shutback...
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(amber) below 3000 RPM (half of its nominal value of 6000 RPM). The VS300 will inhibit the RF output if this alarm is present. Check the connection between the fan and the interface PWB (A3). If this connection looks OK, replace the fan (see “Cooling fan...
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(Fwd Power the preset power level and is user adjustable) due to PA failures, Very Low) fan failures, or SWR foldback. The VS300 takes no action on this alarm. See Forward Power Low for troubleshooting tips. HD Summary For use with VS-HD exciter only. Check for related HD alarms and troubleshoot accordingly.
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Exciter (amber) This alarm occurs if the backup battery voltage falls below an acceptable level (2.7 V). The VS300 takes no action on this alarm. Use a digital multimeter to measure the battery voltage (with ac power on). If the battery voltage is low, replace the battery. If battery voltage is OK, cycle ac power (off, then on).
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(+48V Fail) outside of its acceptable voltage range (between +43 and +53 V). The VS300 takes no action on this alarm. Use a digital multimeter to measure between +V and -V of the +48 V power supply. If the measured value is not within the acceptable range, replace the +48 V power supply (see “+48 V Power Supply Replacement”...
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VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Alarm Name Front Panel AUI and Description and Troubleshooting Action LED (color) (Front Panel) No Internal Exciter (red) This alarm occurs if no 10 MHz clock is being detected on the 10 MHz exciter/control PWB (A1). This alarm will cause the transmitter to shut-down and the exciter/controller PWB may not be running.
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PA (red) This alarm occurs if the measured pre-amp current is below 17.5 mA. The VS300 takes no action on this alarm. Try running the Bias Routine in the front panel UI’s System Settings -> Calibration menu. If the alarm does not clear, replace the pre-...
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This alarm occurs if the power supply module (U2) is reporting an ac failure, indicating its ac input voltage is less than 175 V ac. The VS300 will inhibit its RF output until the alarm is cleared. Check the ac voltage applied to the power supply module. If the ac...
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SCA1 Low Exciter (amber) This alarm indicates the SCA 1 input level is too low or is not applied. The VS300 takes no action on this alarm. SCA2 Low Exciter (amber) This alarm indicates the SCA 2 input level is too low or is not applied.
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(Front Panel) SRC1 Unlock Exciter (amber) This alarm indicates that no valid AES/EBU stream data is being detected on the selected AES/EBU. The VS300 takes no action on this alarm. SWR Foldback Output Network This alarm occurs if the transmitter's average reflected power...
VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Troubleshooting tips AUI lockup If the remotely accessed AUI screen stops responding, and subsequent attempts to re-access the AUI are unsuccessful, verify that all network settings are correct (see Network Setup in the Operations and Maintenance Manual).
VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Replacing a suspect PWB, power supply or fan Maintenance philosophy Maintenance on a VS300 transmitter consists of replacing any of the PWBs, power supplies or fans identified in Table 1.2 on page 1-25. Special Tools and Test Equipment The following tools and test equipment are required to troubleshoot a VS300 transmitter.
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Preparation for replacing a PWB or module 1. Disable the VS300’s RF output (RF off) and set its AC POWER switch to the off position. Disconnect all cabling from the rear of the VS300, remove the VS300 from its host cabinet and place the VS300 on a suitable work surface.
FETs are static sensitive. Handle the PA PWB in a static protected manner. 8. Spread a small amount of thermal compound (Nautel Part # HAG39, from the station spares kit), in a thin, even layer, on the top and bottom of the RT1 tab, removed in...
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VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms 10. Secure the PA PWB on the module's heat sink using the four screws removed in Step Ensure correct orientation. Re-install thermistor RT1 under the appropriate securing screw (see Figure MD-2 in section 6 of this manual). Do not tighten the four screws at this time.
FETs are static sensitive. Handle the pre-amp PWB in a static protected manner. 8. Spread a small amount of thermal compound (Nautel Part # HAG39, from the station spares kit), in a thin, even layer, on the bottom surface of the pre-amp/IPA PWB palette.
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VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms 10. Install a FET clamp (Nautel Part # 211-1215) on Q1, ensuring it is parallel to the heat sink. Loosely secure the FET (Q1) with two M3 screws, a new Belleville washer (Nautel Part # HAJ59) and a flat washer (see Figure 1.4 on page...
2. Remove the securing cover over the power supply module (U2) by removing four M4 screws (two on the side of the VS300, two in the bottom of the VS300). Note the orientation of the bracket for installation of the new power supply module. Retain hardware.
Retain hardware. 4. Remove the +48 V power supply from the transmitter. Note the orientation for installation of the new power supply. 5. Locate or obtain a replacement +48 V power supply (Nautel Part # UG79). Reverse Step 1 through Step 4 to reinstall the new +48 V power supply.
3. Remove the two countersunk M3 screws that secure the LVPS (U3) to the transmitter. Retain hardware. 4. Remove the LVPS from the transmitter. Note the orientation for installation of the new power supply. 5. Locate or obtain a replacement LVPS (Nautel Part # UG80). Reverse Step 1 through Step 4 to reinstall the new LVPS.
4. Remove and retain all M3 screws and other hardware that secures the fan to the mounting bracket. Note the orientation of the bracket and fan before disassembling. 5. Obtain a replacement fan (Nautel Part # ZAP42) from the station spares kit, if purchased, or a suitable equivalent (vendor part # is Sanyo Denki 9G0848G103).
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VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Figure 1.5: Fan Bracket Removal B1 and bracket Page 1-34 Issue 6.0 2014-11-01...
VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Exciter/Control PWB Replacement See Figure MD-1 (top view) in the Mechanical Drawings section (Section 6) of this manual. NOTE: The exciter/control PWB is static sensitive and must be handled in a static protected manner.
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VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Figure 1.6: Removing the XLR connector’s “push” lever Figure 1.7: Loosening the BNC connector’s locking ring Page 1-36 Issue 6.0 2014-11-01...
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6. Slightly lift the front edge of the exciter/control PWB and withdraw towards the front of the transmitter. 7. Locate or obtain a replacement exciter/control PWB (Nautel Part # NAPE87A). Remove the "push" lever from the XLR connector as detailed in...
5. Use a 5.5 mm nut driver to remove the M3 nuts, split and flat washers that secure the PS distribution PWB to the transmitter. Retain hardware. 6. Remove the PS distribution PWB from the transmitter. 7. Locate or obtain a replacement PS distribution PWB (Nautel Part # NAPS40). Reverse Step 1 through Step 6 to reinstall the new PS distribution PWB.
A and B of the LPF PWB or on pads C and D of the PA PWB. 9. Locate or obtain a replacement output power probe PWB (Nautel Part # NAPP06). Reverse Step 1...
Pre-amplifier PWB (NAPA27A) - see page 2-3 • Power amplifier PWB (NAPA23/03) - see page 2-3 VS300 electrical schematics The descriptions in this section all refer to the VS300 electrical schematics listed in Table 5.1 on page 5-5 of the VS300 Troubleshooting Manual.
See electrical schematic Figure SD-3. Interfacing The PS distribution PWB provides the interface between the VS300’s power supplies and the rest of the transmitter. It passes: – ac voltage from the AC INPUT (U1) to the power supply module (U2).
VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Detailed Circuit Descriptions Pre-amplifier PWB (NAPA27A) See electrical schematic Figure SD-4. The pre-amplifier PWB (A4) accepts the RF output of the exciter/control PWB (A1) or external source and amplifies it to an intermediate RF drive level for application to the PA PWB (A5). It contains an N-channel FET (Q1) and associated components configured as an RF power amplifier.
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VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Detailed Circuit Descriptions of Q1 via inductors L4 and L5, which provide proper resonating reactance for Q1's output. Cable T3:A and T3:B transform the impedance at the RF output, ensuring an optimum (low) impedance is presented at Q1's output. Cable T4 converts the balanced RF signal to an unbalanced RF Output signal.
When the nautel nomenclature is known: • Refer to the family tree (Figure 3.1) and identify the block(s) associated with the Nautel nomenclature. At the bottom of the main family tree block, a reference is made to “See Part Number Index Tables”. Locate the part's reference designation in the identified reference designation list in this section, noting they are sorted alphanumerically.
Nautel part To obtain the full reference designation for a specific part the Nautel configuration control number must be located in the family tree (Figure 3.1) to include the reference designation of all higher level assemblies.
Nautel's normal supply source for that part. Note: OEM code 37338 is listed for parts manufactured by Nautel or to a Nautel control drawing. United States of America customers should refer all replacement part orders to Nautel Maine Incorporated (OEM code 57655).
VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Parts Lists Common abbreviations/acronyms The following abbreviations/acronyms may appear in the Description of Part column: • Denotes item is designed to be installed using Surface Mount Technology. • Denotes item is a Mass Termination Assembly connector. •...
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Continued from previous page NAPE87A Exciter/Control PWB Assy, VSwith CE REFDES DESCRIPTION NAUTEL # VENDOR # OEM CODE R328 Resistor,SMT,MF,100ohms,1%,1/10W,0603 RFFS26 RK73H1JLTD1000F 59124 R329 Resistor,SMT,MF,100ohms,1%,1/10W,0603 RFFS26 RK73H1JLTD1000F 59124 R330 Resistor,SMT,MF,100ohms,1%,1/10W,0603 RFFS26 RK73H1JLTD1000F 59124 R331 Not Used NOT USED 37338 R332...
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Continued from previous page NAPE87A Exciter/Control PWB Assy, VSwith CE REFDES DESCRIPTION NAUTEL # VENDOR # OEM CODE R367 Resistor,SMT,MF,1500ohms,1%,1/10W,0603 RFFS40 RK73H1JLTD1501F 59124 R368 Not Used NOT USED 37338 R369 Not Used NOT USED 37338 R370 Resistor,SMT,MF,22.1ohms,1%,1/10W,0603 RFFS18 RK73H1JLTD22R1F 59124...
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SARONIX 25.0000(STATIC)(ROH Crystal,SMT,Fund,Par Res,32.768kHz XFPS02N MC20632.7680KA-A0: 1JRT7 PURE SN(RoHS) Not Used NOT USED 37338 NAPF11 RF LPF PWB Assy, VS300 REFDES DESCRIPTION NAUTEL # VENDOR # OEM CODE Capacitor, SMT, Porcelain,27pF 500V, 2% CS89 1111P270GW501X Not Used NOT USED 37338...
VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Wiring/connector lists Section 4: Wiring/connector lists This section contains the wiring information for the hard-wired assemblies of the transmitter, and applicable connector mating information. Wiring lists provided Wiring lists are provided in tabular format. Table 4.1 on page 4-2 lists the tables containing wiring information.
• Capacitor values are shown in microfarads (uF) • Unidentified diodes are part number 1N4938 (Nautel Part # QAP29) Graphic symbols The graphic symbols used on electrical schematics are in accordance with American National Standard ANSI Y32.2-1975 - Graphic Symbols for Electrical and Electronic Diagrams.
VS300 Troubleshooting Manual Reading Electrical Schematics Unique symbols Nautel uses unique symbols on electrical schematics to describe logic (two-state) signals. These signals differ from single-state signals or analog signals that may have multiple values. Type of inputs and outputs On electrical schematics, names used to describe logic (two-state) input and output signals are prefixed with a # symbol.
3-1. Follow the family tree branches to the block that contains the desired reference designation, and associated Nautel nomenclature (e.g., NAPA23/03A PA PWB ). Note the reference designations and Nautel nomenclatures of all higher assemblies in the path, if applicable.
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Reading Electrical Schematics 2. Follow the family tree branches to the block that contains the desired reference designation, while noting the Nautel nomenclatures and names of all higher assemblies in the path, as applicable. Example: A5 NAPA23/03A PA PWB .
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HD UPGRADE RX (+) FROM EXTERNAL HD UPGRADE RX (-) PILOT SAMPLE OUT EXCITER HD DATA (+) +15V HD DATA (-) +15V FROM EXTERNAL EXT 10 MHz SOURCE S2110157 V1 Figure SD-1: VS300 Transmitter - Ac-Dc and Exciter/Control Stages Issue 6.0 2014-11-01 SD-1...
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FAN V - FAN V - FAN V - PA TEMP 1 PA TEMP 1 GND 0.01 PART OF B5920 INTERFACE PWB ASSY S2110123 V3 Figure SD-2: VS300 Transmitter - RF Drive and RF Power Stages Issue 6.0 2014-11-01 SD-2...
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LINE LINE +48V FAN V - LINE/NEUTRAL LINE/NEUTRAL +48V GND/EARTH IRF9540NSPBF 22.1K 82.5K # FAN ENABLE + MMBT4401LT1 FAN V + 0.01 0.01 1000 RXE110 PA V + 0.01 0.01 0.005 # 165 LOAD - MISO 165 SHIFT/LOAD PA V - +VE (PS A) 0603ESDA-TR 0603ESDA-TR...
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PRE-AMP V 82nH 120nH 68uF 0.022 1000pF * DENOTES A MICRO-STRIP TRANSMISSION LINE OF SPECIFIC LENGTH AND CHARACTERISTIC IMPEDANCE. PRE-AMP BIAS 0.022 1000pF 43nH RF OUTPUT 0.0355μH 0.0355μH 10pF 1000pF 10pF 12pF MRF6V2010N RF DRIVE INPUT 43nH 47pF 1000pF S2110045 V2 Figure SD-4: NAPA27A Pre-Amp PA PWB Issue 6.0 2014-11-01 SD-4...
3-1. Follow the family tree branches to the block that contains the desired reference designation and Nautel nomenclature (e.g., NAPA23/03A PA PWB ). Note the reference designations and Nautel nomenclatures of all higher assemblies in the path, as applicable. Example: A5 NAPA23/03A PA PWB .
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Then, repeat this procedure until the desired part or assembly is found. Table 6.1: List of Mechanical Drawings Figure # Title MD-1 VS300 Transmitter (Top and Bottom Views) MD-2 NAPE87A Exciter/Control PWB MD-3 NAPS40 PS Distribution PWB MD-4...
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POWER LVPS SUPPLY SUPPLY MODULE MODULE MODULE DISTRIBUTION EXCITER/ CONTROL TOP VIEW (COVER REMOVED) INTERFACE OUTPUT POWER PROBE PWB PRE-AMP PA PWB LPF PWB REAR VIEW FRONT VIEW Figure MD-1: VS300 Transmitter (Front and Top Views) Issue 6.0 2014-11-01 MD-1...
List of terms Section 7: List of terms This section defines some of the terms that are used in Nautel documentation. Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting Union (AES/EBU) is the name of a AES-EBU. digital audio transfer standard. The AES/EBU digital interface is usually implemented using 3-pin XLR connectors (the same type connector used in professional microphones).
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VS300 Troubleshooting Manual List of terms A setting that controls power level, frequency and audio parameters. The VS300 allows you Preset. to pre-program multiple presets. Printed Wiring Board. PWB. A complete, but temporary loss of RF output power, caused by any one of a variety of Shutback.