Lucoro Broadcast FMTX50 User Manual

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User Manual

FMTX50

With Integrated Stereo

Audio Processor and RDS

WARNING!

This Transmitter is capable of generating high RF potential.

Touching 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 sought about the safe installation of this

transmission system.

RISK OF FIRE!

RF (Radio Frequency) energy could cause ignition of combustible

surfaces during 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.

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Summary of Contents for Lucoro Broadcast FMTX50

Page 1 User Manual FMTX50 With Integrated Stereo Audio Processor and RDS WARNING! This Transmitter is capable of generating high RF potential. Touching 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.
Page 2 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. Although the output of this transmitter is protected against antenna load faults, MIS-OPERATION MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE NOT COVERED BY ANY WARRANTY.
Page 3 Introduction The FMTX50 has an integrated multi-band audio processor, stereo encoder and RDS encoder. A digital AES/EBU audio input option is also available. The product is tested for compliance to UKCA and CE standards, and meet the requirements of broadcast regulators.
Page 4: Before Operating
Before operating These instructions should be read in full before the transmitter is operated. The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. All warnings on the transmitter and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. All operation and user instructions should be followed. Use of this device into a radiating antenna requires a valid licence from a Spectrum Management Authority in most countries.
Page 5 To reduce the risk of fire, always replace fuses with the same type and rating. The transmitter should be mounted into a well-ventilated standard 19 inch equipment rack, using slide supports. It should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. The transmitter should be situated away from heat sources.
Page 6: Controls And Connectors
Controls and Connectors 1. Front and Rear Panels… 1. SYSTEM Status LED. Green indicates correct operation, red indicates a system error requiring urgent further investigation. 2. DOWN Push-button. Press this control to navigate the LCD menu. 3. ENTER Push-button. Press this control to navigate the LCD menu. 4.
Page 7 9. AUDIO IN (LEFT) XLR Socket. Connect a +6dB 600ohm balanced audio feed to this socket. Note this is SPDIF IN on digital audio input models. 10. AUDIO IN (RIGHT) XLR Socket. Connect a +6dB 600ohm balanced audio feed to this socket. Note this is AES/EBU IN on digital audio input models.
Page 8 12. USB Socket. RDS content main content update. Connect a Windows PC (running the manufacturer’s free software application) to this port. Use a high-quality USB cable, of 1metre or less in length. 13. MPX IN. If using an external processor and RDS encoder, or a baseband MPX Studio-Transmitter Link, connect to this BNC.
Page 9: Display & Menu
To cancel any alarm icons, press the UP and DOWN buttons together. If the FMTX50 is in MPX input display mode, a deviation level will be shown in place of the left and right audio input displays.
Page 10 RF Power. This option allows setting of the RF output level. Disp Mode. This option selects either the stereo audio input level displays, if the transmitter is being used normally (with its internal Audio Processor and RDS functions active), or a deviation level display for use when the transmitter is used to broadcast a multiplex Baseband feed connected to the MPX IN connection on the rear panel.
Page 11: Installation
Installation IMPORTANT! Connect a suitable rated RF test load to the RF OUPUT socket before connecting the unit to mains power. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. To begin, set the operation mode (MPX input or Audio input) for the transmitter.
Page 12 The deviation level is changed internally, as follows… ELECTRIC SHOCK AND RF BURN HAZARD! DISCONNECT THE POWER BEFORE REMOVING ANY COVERS. To adjust the deviation level, locate the trimmer adjustment potentiometer “DEV” on the internal main circuit board and use a suitable tool to carefully adjust the multi-turn control.
Page 13: Operation
Operation The transmitter is designed for continuous reliable transmission, however the fans must be periodically checked for correct operation and free airflow. Correct operation is confirmed by a front panel green STATUS LED. Should this turn red, the transmission system may shut down its RF output and will, in any case, require URGENT attention.
Page 14: Network Connection
Network Connection The FMTX50 will be supplied with a notification of its factory-set IP address, username and password. KEEP THESE DETAILS SAFE. Whilst the transmitter’s network configuration can be changed, the username and password are fixed. Enter the factory-set IP address in the address bar of an internet browser.
Page 15 Schedule regular checks, on an on-going basis, to ensure that the Router is running the very latest manufacturer’s firmware. Lucoro Broadcast take no liability whatsoever for damage or losses caused by a successful network attack.
Page 16: Audio Processor
Audio Processor The high-quality integrated audio processor is more than an audio limiter found on most transmitters. It has all of the features of expensive broadcast processors, including: Slow gain-riding section (AGC). This will optimise all sources for equal volume over time. So if one studio operator drives the mixing desk louder or quieter than others, the level will compensate accordingly.
Page 17 When setting-up the transmitter for the first time, the ‘fixed’ RDS content must be programmed via the USB interface, using a Windows™ PC or Laptop running the free software available at lucorobroadcast.com/support. 1. Connect a USB cable to the USB port on the rear of the transmitter. If the transmitter is not in service apply power.
Page 18: Radio Text
4. Select the relevant COM Port from the drop-down box, then fill in the remaining fields, as required. PS (Station Name): Maximum 8 characters including punctuation and spaces. Enter the station name, as you would like it to appear on RDS displays (eg. “Hits FM”).
Page 19 The FMTX50 uses a transparent ASCII protocol, to suit a number of radio playout systems with the minimum of additional data processing or interfacing requirements. IMPORTANT! The 9-way D-Sub connector on the rear of the transmitter is used for a number of control and monitoring functions.
Page 20 Remember to send the RDS TA Off character immediately after each travel bulletin. Misuse of the RDS Traffic Announcement feature will result in sanctions by the broadcasting authority. RDS TA can also be activated and deactivated via the transmitter’s 9-way ‘D’-sub connector. Broadcasters planning to use the RDS TA feature, either via RS232 or via the 9-way ‘D’-sub connector, MUST ensure that the ‘TP’...
Page 21: Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications Frequency range 87.5 to 108.0MHz Frequency stability Better than ±200Hz Output power 15 - 50W Harmonic & spurious output -75dBc typical AM Noise <0.5% @ ±40kHz deviation <0.15%@ ±75KHz deviation RF output connector ‘N’ type (F) Monitoring: RF (front panel) BNC (F) -40dB 50 ohms (NOT to be used for measuring harmonic or spurious...
Page 22 EC Declaration of Conformity to R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC We, Lucoro Broadcast Clay Pit Lane Roecliffe York YO51 9FS hereby take sole responsibility to confirm that the product: FMTX50 (and versions thereof with M and RBRX suffix) which this declaration refers to, conforms to all applicable requirements of EU...
Page 23 WEEE - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment The equipment that you bought 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 encourage you to use the appropriate take-back systems.
Page 24 Lucoro Broadcast shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or other damage or loss alleged in connection with the supply or use of this product. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Lucoro Broadcast makes no warranty of any kind with respect to this information.