VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Table of contents Contents Release control record Responding to alarms Corrective maintenance Electrostatic protection Identifying and troubleshooting an alarm Troubleshooting tips 1-28 Operating with defective PAs or cooling fans 1-29 Operating in FM+HD mode with SWR Foldback...
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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Table of contents Parts Lists Parts information Family tree How to locate information about a specific part Column content Common abbreviations/acronyms Wiring/connector lists Wiring lists provided Wiring lists not provided Connector mating information Wire colours Printed wiring board patterns...
VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Release control record Issue Date Reason 10.0 2018-10-29 Hardware Release 10 (NARF65I and NARF65I/01). Supports software version VS SW 5.2 and higher. Issue 10.0 2018-10-29 Page vii...
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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Page viii Issue 10.0 2018-10-29...
Operating with defective PAs or cooling fans - see page 1-29 • Replacing a suspect PWB, power supply or fan - see page 1-31 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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VS1 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).
VS1 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.
VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Identifying and troubleshooting 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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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms View alarms screen If an alarm exists and is currently being recognized by the transmitter system, it is displayed in the View Alarms screen ( Main Menu -> View Status -> View Alarms ) of the front panel Display (see Figure 1.2).
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5. 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 fault condition does not clear, contact Nautel. Page 1-6 Issue 10.0 2018-10-29...
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VS1 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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5. 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. Page 1-8 Issue 10.0 2018-10-29...
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(A1) is outside of its acceptable voltage range (between +1.1 V (+1.2V Fail) and +1.3 V). The VS1 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 (+1.2 V) and TP4 (ground) of the...
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(between -13.5 V and (-15V Fail) -16.5 V). The VS1 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 TP11 and TP7 (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 VS1 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 TP1 (+3.3 V) and TP4 (ground) of the...
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PAs, suspect the PS distribution PWB (A2). Analog Left Exciter (amber) This alarm indicates the analog left audio input level is too low or Audio Low is not applied. The VS1 takes no action on this alarm. (Anlg Left Aud Low) Analog Right Exciter (amber)
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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 VS1 will not be able to Mismatch) turn RF on. Contact Nautel for further assistance. Cutback Active...
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External Exciter (red) This alarm occurs when the external interlock input wired to the Interlock Open exciter/control PWB (A1) is open. The VS1 will not be able to (External enable its RF output. Check the interlock connection between Interlock) A1J2A-19 and A1J2A-20 on the rear of the transmitter. If the interlock connection is intact, check that all external interlock switches are closed.
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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 VS1 takes no action on this alarm. See Forward Power Low for troubleshooting tips. Issue 10.0 2018-10-29 Page 1-15...
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Power (amber) calculated power in any reject resistor exceeds the high reject power threshold (148 W). The VS1 takes no action on this alarm. Check for associated alarms, and follow the associated troubleshooting procedure if present. Typically, high reject power is the result of a PA failure or removal.
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Digital carriers are muted. Check the IBOC data source. IPA Fail PA (red) This alarm occurs if the IPA Output Low alarm is present and the measured IPA current is below 225 mA. The VS1 takes no action on this alarm. See IPA Output Low for troubleshooting tips.
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F1 of the PS distribution PWB (A2). If the measurement is greater than 1 , replace the fuse (Nautel Part # FA57 in the ancillary kit). If the measurement is less than 1 , or...
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(+48V Fail) outside of its acceptable voltage range (between +43 and +53 V). The VS1 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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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Alarm Name Front Panel AUI and Description and Troubleshooting Action LED (color) (Front Panel) No External Exciter (amber) This alarm occurs if frequency locking to an external 10 MHz 10 MHz souce is enabled and no external 10 MHz is detected. The exciter...
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175 V ac. The VS1 will inhibit its RF output until the alarm is cleared. Check the ac voltage applied to the power supply module. If the ac voltage is...
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This alarm occurs if the power supply module (U2) is reporting a PS failure, indicating its output voltage is outside of its acceptable range. The VS1 will inhibit its RF output until the alarm is cleared. Try replacing the power supply module with a new module (see “Power Supply Module Replacement”...
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SCA1 Low Exciter (amber) This alarm indicates the SCA 1 input level is too low or is not applied. The VS1 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 VS1 takes no action on this alarm. SWR Foldback Output Network This alarm occurs if the transmitter's average reflected power...
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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Table 1.2: Troubleshooting Summary Alarms Summary Alarm Description and Triggering Alarms Name This summary alarm is triggered if any of the following ac power related alarms occur: PS A AC Fail Audio Loss This summary alarm is triggered if any of the following audio loss related alarms...
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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Table 1.2: Troubleshooting Summary Alarms Summary Alarm Description and Triggering Alarms Name Low Battery/Memory This summary alarm is triggered if any of the following battery or memory related alarms occur: Entered Firmware Upgrade Low Battery...
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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Table 1.2: Troubleshooting Summary Alarms Summary Alarm Description and Triggering Alarms Name Power Supply This summary alarm is triggered if any of the following power supply related alarms occur: Discharging PA Volts PS A Over Temp +1.8V Fail...
VS1 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).
VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Operating with defective PAs or cooling fans It is permissible to operate the transmitter with multiple defective power amplifier PWBs or cooling fans. Table 1.4 shows the approximate remaining output power when power amplifiers (PAs) or cooling fans fail.
Responding to alarms Operating in FM+HD mode with SWR Foldback When an SWR Foldback alarm occurs, the VS1’s forward power will be reduced to a level that maintains an SWR that is below the foldback threshold. For FM+HD systems, the reduced forward power also depends on the injection level (e.g., -20 dBc, -14 dBc, etc.) and the aggressiveness of...
VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Replacing a suspect PWB, power supply or fan Maintenance philosophy Maintenance on a VS1 transmitter consists of replacing any of the PWBs, power supplies or fans identified in Table 1.5 on page 1-32. Special Tools and Test Equipment The following tools and test equipment are required to troubleshoot a VS1 transmitter.
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Preparation for replacing a PWB or module 1. Disable the VS1’s RF output (RF off) and set its AC POWER switch to the off position. Disconnect all cabling from the rear of the VS1, remove the VS1 from its host cabinet and place the VS1 on a suitable work surface.
FETs are static sensitive. Handle the PA PWB in a static protected manner. 8. If you are replacing PA # 4 (A9), 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...
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VS1 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 (same as the adjacent PWB). If you are replacing PA # 4 (A9), re- install thermistor RT2 under the appropriate securing screw (see Figure MD-2 in section 6 of this manual).
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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms 2. Using a digital multimeter, check the continuity between each drain lead of the FET (positive meter probe) and the metal flange of the FET (negative meter probe). – If the measurement is open circuit, the PA PWB is OK and does not require replacement.
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 bottom surface of the pre-amp/IPA PWB palette and...
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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms 10. Install FET clamps (Nautel Part # 211-1215) on Q1 and Q2, ensuring they are parallel to the heat sink. Loosely secure each FET (Q1 and Q2) with two M3 screws, two Belleville washers...
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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Figure 1.4: Pre-amp/IPA PWB mounting hardware BELLEVILLE WASHER ORIENTATION SCREW x 2 BELLEVILLE WASHER (HAJ59) x 2 (see inset for orientation) FLAT WASHER x 2 FET CLAMPS (211-1215) Page 1-38 Issue 10.0 2018-10-29...
3. Slide the power supply module toward the front of the transmitter to disengage it from its mating connector. 4. Remove the power supply module from the transmitter. 5. Locate or obtain a replacement power supply module (Nautel Part # UG69J). Reverse Step 1 through Step 4 to reinstall the new power supply module.
4. Disconnect wires # 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13 from the +48 V power supply’s terminal block, noting their destinations. 5. Locate or obtain a replacement +48 V power supply (Nautel Part # UG75). Install the two mounting brackets on the new power supply and reverse...
4. Remove and retain all M3 screws and other hardware that secures the fans to the mounting brackets. Note the orientation of brackets and fans before disassembling. 5. Obtain a replacement fan (Nautel Part # ZAP50) from the station spares kit, if purchased, or a suitable equivalent (vendor part # is Minebea Motor Mfg. Co. 3115RL-07W-B79-E51).
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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Responding to alarms Figure 1.5: Fan Bracket Removal Cooling fan bracket assembly Page 1-42 Issue 10.0 2018-10-29...
VS1 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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VS1 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 1-44 Issue 10.0 2018-10-29...
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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 # NAPE87B). Remove the “push” lever from the XLR connector as detailed in...
5. Use a 5.5 mm nut driver to remove the six 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 # NAPS41A). Reverse Step 1 through Step 6 to reinstall the new PS distribution PWB.
4. Remove the combiner interface PWB from the transmitter by pulling straight up (i.e., disconnecting from edge card connector). Note the orientation of the PWB for installing the replacement PWB. 5. Locate or obtain a replacement combiner interface PWB (Nautel Part # NAPI136). Reverse Step 1 through...
Pre-amp/IPA PWB (NAPA28B) - see page 2-3 • Power amplifier PWB (NAPA23/03A) - see page 2-4 VS1 electrical schematics The descriptions in this section all refer to the VS1 electrical schematics listed in Table 5.1 on page 5- of the VS1 Troubleshooting Manual. Exciter/control PWB (NAPE87B) Detailed theory for the exciter/control PWB (A1) is not included in this manual.
See electrical schematic Figure SD-3. Interfacing The PS distribution PWB provides the interface between the VS1’s power supplies and the rest of the transmitter. It passes: – ac voltage from the AC INPUT (U1) to the power supply module (U2).
VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Detailed Circuit Descriptions LVPS Two +48 V to +5 V dc-dc converters (U2 and U12) and their associated components generate the +5 V rail that is applied to circuitry throughout the transmitter. A +48 V to +15 V converter (U1) and its associated components generate the +15 V that is applied to the exciter/control PWB.
VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Detailed Circuit Descriptions The Pre-amp Bias input voltage is provided by the exciter/control PWB to establish a dc bias current for Q1. The IPA Bias input voltage is provided by the exciter/control PWB to establish a dc bias current for Q2.
Nautel configuration control number. • Locate the part's reference designation and associated Nautel Part # in the list provided at the end of this section. In a PDF manual, use Ctrl-F (find) to quickly locate the reference designation.
This number represents the level of a component in relation to the highest level parts list. In this case the highest level parts list is the VS1’s overall parts list, or the top block in the family tree shown in Figure 3.1 on page 3-4...
Note: This section includes Nautel part numbers only. It does not include original equipment manufacturer (OEM) information (i.e., vendor part numbers). Some vendor information is provided in the Responding to Alarms section of this manual, otherwise contact Nautel to order a replacement part or to request assistance to find a suitable replacement. Description column The Description column contains the name and descriptive information for each part.
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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual Parts Lists Figure 3.1: VS1 Family Tree 1 KW FM BROADCAST TRANSMITTER NARF65I and NARF65I/01 EXCITER/CONTROL PWB POWER SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION PWB INTERFACE PWB SPLITTER PWB NAPE87B NAPS41A PR42D NAPH01B A7 - A9 PRE-AMP/IPA PWB POWER AMPLIFIER 1 PWB...
VS1 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.
VS1 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.
3-1. 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 . Note: The drawings in the Mechanical Drawings section depict the assembly detail of the transmitter and its modules and assemblies.
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EXTERNAL HD UPGRADE RX (-) EXCITER HD DATA (+) PILOT SAMPLE OUT HD DATA (-) +15V OUT +15V OUT FROM EXTERNAL 10 MHz IN SOURCE S2110124 V4 Figure SD-1: VS1 Transmitter - Ac-Dc and Exciter/Control Stages Issue 10.0 2018-10-29 SD-1...
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TP22 PA 2 V + V CTRL PS CTRL V PS CTRL V 0.005 0.01 PA 3 V + TP24 0.005 INH A PA 4 V + # PS A INHIBIT + # PS A INHIBIT + 0.005 0.01 PA 1 V + TP23 INH B 0.01...
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: A6 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 VS1 Transmitter (Front, Rear and Top Views) MD-2 VS1 Transmitter (Bottom and Side Views) MD-3 NAPE87B Exciter/Control PWB MD-4...
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TOP VIEW (COVER REMOVED) EXCITER/ CONTROL DISTRIBUTION LPF PWB POWER SUPPLY MODULE FRONT VIEW REAR VIEW Figure MD-1: VS1 Transmitter (Front, Rear and Top Views) Issue 10.0 2018-10-29 MD-1...
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BOTTOM VIEW (COVER REMOVED) +48 V POW- ER SUPPLY MODULE COMBINER INTERFACE COMBINER MOUNTING PRE-AMP/ IPA PWB MOUNTING PA PWBs (A6 - A9) SPLITTER INTERFACE RIGHT SIDE VIEW Figure MD-2: VS1 Transmitter (Bottom and Side Views) Issue 10.0 2018-10-29 MD-2...
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+15V (7A) TP17 +48V +48V IPA V PRE-AMP PS DISTRIBUTION TP21 NAPS41 +5V-A SER. +5V-B TP10 TP14 +4.096V AC B TMPA TP18 TP11 R7 C34 AC A TMPB TP12 TP20 FAIL A PA 4 TP13 TP15 TP16 FAIL PA 1 TP19 PA 3 PA 2...
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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VS1 Troubleshooting Manual List of terms A setting that controls power level, frequency and audio parameters. The VS1 allows you to Preset. 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.