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Ten-Tec RX-400A User Manual

Hf/vhf/uhf dsp receiver installation and operation
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USER MANUAL

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

HF/VHF/UHF DSP RECEIVER
MODEL RX-400A
TEN-TEC, INC.
1185 DOLLY PARTON PARKWAY
SEVIERVILLE, TN 37862
THIS MANUAL WAS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH MIL-HDBK-1221
1
ST
PRINTING – 3/10
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
PART NO. 74446

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  • Page 1: User Manual

    USER MANUAL INSTALLATION AND OPERATION HF/VHF/UHF DSP RECEIVER MODEL RX-400A TEN-TEC, INC. 1185 DOLLY PARTON PARKWAY SEVIERVILLE, TN 37862 THIS MANUAL WAS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH MIL-HDBK-1221 PRINTING – 3/10 PRINTED IN U.S.A. PART NO. 74446...
  • Page 2 RECORD OF CHANGES CHANGE NO. DATE TITLE OR DESCRIPTION ENTERED BY 7/26/10 para 4.3, page 4-1, add Mission J. Andem Download feature notation 7/27/10 para 5.2.5, page 5-5, add AGC mode J. Andem description 7/27/10 para 7.6.1, page 7-22, add Mission J.
  • Page 3 WARNING HIGH VOLTAGE Is used in the operation of this equipment. DEATH ON CONTACT may result if personnel fail to observe safety precautions. Learn the areas containing high voltage within the equipment. Be careful not to contact high voltage connections when installing, operating or maintaining this equipment.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS PARAGRAPH PAGE LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS……………………………………………………….. LIST OF TABLES…………………………………………………………………… INTRODUCTION Purpose, Scope and Content………………………………………………………….. GENERAL INFORMATION RX-400A Purpose and Function………………………………………………………… Specifications……………………………………………………………………………….. Environmental Conditions………………………………………………………………. Mechanical……………………………………………………………………………………. Electrical………………………………………………………………………………………. PREPARATION FOR USE AND INSTALLATION Unpacking and Inspection……………………………………………………………… Mounting……………………………………………………………………………………… Power………………………………………………………………………………………….. RF,IF, Ext. Reference and Audio Connections………………….……………….

  • Page 5: Paragraph Page

    TABLE OF CONTENTS, cont’d PARAGRAPH PAGE THEORY OF OPERATION Overview…………………………………………………………………………………….. Circuit Descriptions………………………………………………………………………. 5.2.1 Low Band Preselector…………………………………………………………. 5.2.2 Mid Band Preselector………………………………………………………….. 5.2.3 First Converter……………………………………………………………………. 5.2.4 Second Converter……………………………………………………………….. 5.2.5 Third Converter…………………………………………………………………… 5.2.6 First Local Oscillator……………………………………………………………. 5.2.7 Second Local Oscillator……………………………………………………….. 5.2.8 Third Local Oscillator………………………………………………………….. 5.2.9 Logic/DSP Section……………………………………………………………….

  • Page 6: List Of Illustrations

    LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FIGURE PAGE RX-400A Front View RX-400A Rear View RX-400A/RCU-400A Rack Assembly, Front View RX-400A/RCU-400A Rack Assembly, Rear View RX-400A Receiver 3-View Drawing RX-400A Electrical Block Diagram RX-400A/RCU Installation Drawing RX-400A Functional Block Diagram Cooling Fan Filter Removal...
  • Page 7 LIST OF TABLES TABLE PAGE RX-400A Specifications Environmental Conditions Receiver Power Requirements Rack Mount Kit Contents RX-400A Audio Connections Baud Rate Settings Command Parameters PN 74446...

  • Page 8: Introduction

    PURPOSE, SCOPE AND CONTENT OF USER MANUAL This manual provides installation and operation instructions as well as pertinent technical data for the RX-400A HF/VHF/UHF DSP Receiver. The manual was prepared using MIL-STD-1221, Department of Defense Handbook for Evaluation of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Manuals as a guideline.

  • Page 9: General Information

    The RX-400A covers the frequency range of 100kHz to 3000 MHz using a mix of high performance analog circuitry for the RF to IF conversion path coupled to a digital back- end comprised of the latest digitizer and DSP techniques to provide a software defined receiver.
  • Page 10 Figure 2-2 RX-400A, Rear Panel View The RX-400A contains separate signal paths for HF and VHF/UHF frequency bands. The HF section covers the 100kHz to 88 MHz range. The VHF/UHF front-end covers the range from 88 MHz to 3000 MHz. A single RF input connector is used to cover both ranges.
  • Page 11 The RX-400A contains two (2) command and control ports, an Ethernet IP RJ-45 connector, and a standard USB connector. Both interfaces support the same command set, with the exception of the digital audio streaming which is only available on the Ethernet IP interface.

  • Page 12: Specifications

    SPECIFICATIONS TABLE 2-1 Parameter Performance Frequency Range……………………………….100 kHz to 3000 MHz Tuning Resolution………………………………1 Hz steps (10kHz steps at WB IF output) Operating Modes……………………………… Manual Tune,F1-F2 Scan and Memory Channel directed search Detection Modes………………………………..AM, FM, USB, LSB and CW Frequency Stability…………………………….TCXO, +/-20Hz below 30 MHz, +/- 0.5ppm above 30 MHz Frequency Accuracy…………………………..All oscillators locked to int./ext.
  • Page 13 TABLE 2-1, Cont’d SPECIFICATIONS Parameter Performance AGC…………………………………………………..Fast, Medium, Slow & Programmable, Manual Gain (MGC) setting provided in all 4 modes, 120 dB range, AGC DUMP in all 4 modes Mode Attack Hang Decay Fast 0.8 dB/ms 1200 dB/Sec Medium 0.8 dB/ms 100 dB/Sec Slow 0.8 dB/ms...

  • Page 14: Environmental Conditions

    Altitude…………………………………………………….+15,000 feet MSL, un-pressurized MECHANICAL The RX-400A Receiver is housed in a standard 2U high EIA half-rack chassis. It has a behind the panel depth of 16.00 inches (407mm), excluding connectors. Construction is all aluminum with wrapped corners and a thick front panel to accommodate rack mounting.
  • Page 15 FIGURE 2-5 RX-400A RECEIVER, 3-VIEW DRAWING PN 74446...

  • Page 16: Electrical

    ELECTRICAL Power requirements for the RX-400A are presented in Table 2-3. TABLE 2-3 RX-400A POWER REQUIREMENTS Parameter Specification Line Voltage……………………………………………..90 to 264 VAC Frequency………………………………………………..48-440 Hz, single phase Power Consumption………………………………….36 Watts, nominal Power Connector.……………………………………..Circular MS type connector, 3-pin, male Spikes and Noise……………………………………….Designed to meet MIL-STD-704, but not tested at factory Power Connection……………………………………..Pin-A, AC High;...

  • Page 17: Unpacking And Inspection

    Remove the packing material from the top of the unit and lift the RX-400A Receiver free of the carton. Next remove the clear plastic bag from the unit. Inspect the unit for external damage with particular attention to dents or bent sheet metal.

  • Page 18: Power

    Figure 3-1 for parts orientation. POWER Ensure the Power Switch is in the OFF position on The RX-400A Receiver (left side of switch depressed toward front panel). Connect a customer furnished power cable with a female MS-type 3-pin plug to the power connector on the rear of the RX-400A. Pin wiring for the cable must be identical to that listed in Table 2-3.
  • Page 19 FIGURE 3-1 RX-400A and RCU-400A INSTALLATION PN 74446...

  • Page 20: Rx-400A Audio Connections

    TABLE 3-2 RX-400A AUDIO CONNECTIONS PN 74446...

  • Page 21: Configuration Dip Switch

    (1/8”) wide common blade screwdriver. Replace it with a 5x20 mm, 1 Amp, 250VAC, time delay fuse. FRONT PANEL CONTROLS The RX-400A is designed for remote operation so the front panel controls are limited. A switch is provided to control the unit power ON/OFF. 3.10 HEADPHONE JACKS Two headphone jacks are provided, one for 1/4 inch, and one for 1/8 inch stereo plugs.

  • Page 22: Operation

    OPERATION Since the RX-400A is intended for remote control, operation is limited to power ON/OFF, audio volume control and viewing of status indicators. It is assumed the Receiver will be connected to either a RCU-400A Receiver Control Unit or host PC using the optional Graphical User Interface (GUI) software package.

  • Page 23: Theory Of Operation

    THEORY OF OPERATION OVERVIEW The Ten-Tec model RX-400A is a DSP-based receiver with a wide-band IF output available at 21.4MHz. The superhetrodyne architecture is triple-conversion to the IF output for received frequencies of 88 MHz to 3GHz, and double conversion when tuned below 88 MHz.

  • Page 24: Circuit Descriptions

    Six modules located on the bottom chassis deck accomplish the analog frequency conversion functions. These interconnected modules are the FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD CONVERTERS and the FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD LOCAL OSCILLATORS. Signal interconnection between modules is by miniature semi-rigid coax. Two interconnected PRESELECTOR BOARDS located on the top foldout chassis deck perform frequency band pre-selection and signal pre-amplification between the antenna input and the FIRST CONVERTER module.

  • Page 25: Mid Band Preselector

    5.2.2 Mid/High Band Preselector Position 3 of the switch on the MID/HIGH BAND PRESELECTOR board routes the antenna signal through a bank of seven mid-band filters selected by switches. Logic lines determine complimentary switch positions. The first mid band filter is dedicated to the US FM broadcast band of 88-108 MHz.

  • Page 26: Third Converter

    The input Mid Band and High Band first IF frequencies of 2440 or 1090 MHz are mixed with fixed Second LO injection frequencies of 2300 or 950 MHz respectively. Each injection signal is provided by the SECOND LOCAL OSCILLATOR module, which is filtered and amplified, then applied to the LO port of the mixer.

  • Page 27: First Local Oscillator

    A Manual Gain Control buffer and window comparator provide a means for the DSP processor to modify the analog AGC function. When a digital-to-analog converter on the DSP BOARD reduces the MGC voltage below the existing analog AGC voltage, feedback regulates the AGC voltage to the new set value. The ANALOG and DIGITAL outputs inform the DSP which driving source is asserting analog AGC gain reduction, the analog envelope detector or the digital-to-analog converter.

  • Page 28: Second Local Oscillator

    5.2.7 Second Local Oscillator The SECOND LOCAL OSCILLATOR module contains a single-loop fractional-N frequency synthesizer producing a fixed frequency of 2300 or 950 MHz. Serial data from the DSP board configures the synthesizer to divide the provided 100 MHz reference by 5 or 10 and the selected VCO by a MODULO 10 fractional N-number of 115.0 or 95.0 for phase comparison.
  • Page 29 The DSP processor provides user control through USB or Ethernet Interfaces. Digital audio is provided on the Ethernet Interface only. Please see the RX-400A Control Interface Command Set in Chapter 7 of this manual for command interface details. 5.2.10...

  • Page 30: Firmware Load And Update Procedures

    This update utility will run on Windows 2000, XP or Vista operating systems. The RX-400A firmware updates are loaded via the Receiver’s USB port. Loading the firmware requires a USB-to-Serial-Converter driver installed in the laptop or PC being used to perform the download.
  • Page 31 Firmware Load/Update Steps (cont’d) Now click ‘Process’ on the Flash Utility window. Click on ‘Update Radio’. A ‘select Firmware Update File’ window appears. Select ‘Look In:’ Desktop. Scroll down through the listing until the desired ‘*ruf’ file is located. Highlight the file, then click ‘Open’ The load preamble text will be displayed, then the ‘Erase’...

  • Page 32: Receiver Remote Control

    1200 9600 19200 57600 default Table 7-1 Baud Rate Switch Settings The RX-400A is set up with a fixed data word frame format consisting of ten bits, and comprised of the following: • one start bit, • an eight-bit character •...

  • Page 33: Communications Protocols

    The start bit synchronizes the receiving device so it reads the data properly. The stop bit notifies the receiving device that the data frame has ended. The RX-400A’s fixed data word frame format does not contain a parity bit.

  • Page 34: Command Parameters

    FORMATS OF QUERY RESPONSES The RX-400A transmits responses to queries in a fixed-field format. Query responses begin with the letter-digit mnemonic of the query in upper-case characters, followed by an alphanumeric argument. Numeric arguments are represented by the least number of digits possible, while still representing the entire range of the value.
  • Page 35 Table 7-2, Continued Tune Frequency Start /End Frequency Range for Frequency Scan Start/Halt/Pause/Re sume Frequency Scan Frequency Step Add/Delete Lockout Frequency Add/Delete Lockout Frequency Range Add Lockout Frequency Range Set Attack Rate Set Decay Rate Set Hang Time Unit Serial Not Applicable Number Firmware Version...

  • Page 36: Command Descriptions

    7.6.1 Command Descriptions The following will define a functional description of each control command or query command supported in the RX-400A Receiver. Hardware HF Attenuator On/Off Controls the hardware attenuator. This attenuator is active in the HF bands only. Format : (Set command) *A0n<cr>...
  • Page 37 Set Manual AGC Attenuation Sets the amount of AGC attenuation to apply. Adjusts from 000-120 dB range with 0.10 dB resolution. Can be set in any mode. Receiver gain is reduced and AGC threshold is increased by the number of dB indicated. Format : (Set command) *C1AAAD<cr>...
  • Page 38 Bandwidth (C3) The operator may select one of 18 available IF bandwidth filters. Format: (Set command) *C3BB<cr> (Get command) ?C3<cr> Response: C3BB<cr> Definitions: BB selects the desired bandwidth using 2 ASCII decimal digits. See Table 7-3 for Filter selections. Note: Filter numbers are 2 ASCII digits. Example <0><0> for filter number 0. Filter Number Bandwidth Filter...
  • Page 39 Automatic Gain Control (C5) The receiver provides 3 preset Automatic Gain Control rates and a programmable AGC mode. The operator may select Slow, Medium, Fast or Programmable via the C5 command. The three modes are selected as defined: Format: (Set command) *C5X<cr>...
  • Page 40 Software Reset (Reboot) Unit (C9) Format: (Set command) *C9<cr> (Get command) (Not applicable) Definitions: This command will perform a soft reboot to the receiver. The unit will be initialized as if the power were removed. The ASCII string “RADIO START” will be transmitted by the radio when reset is complete.
  • Page 41 Stop Ethernet Audio Rip (E0) This command stops the transmission of RIP (Radio over IP) audio via Ethernet UDP protocol. Format: (Set command) * E0<cr> (Get command) (Not applicable) Start Ethernet Audio Rip (E1) Definitions: Start Ethernet Audio Rip (E1) This command starts the transmission of RIP audio ethernet packets.
  • Page 42 Set Base UDP Port (E3) Format: (Set command) * E3NNNNN<cr> (Get command) ?E3<cr> Response: E3NNNNN<cr> Definitions: This command will set the 5 digit UDP port value for the radio. NNNNN- valid range 0-65520. Set Gateway Router IP Adress (E4) Format: (Set command) * E4AAA<dot>BBB<dot>CCC<dot>DDD<cr>...
  • Page 43 Definitions: This command will enable Ethernet communications. Tune Frequency (F1) The F1 command allows the tuned frequency of the RX-400A to be set to any value between 100kHz and 3 Gigahertz in 1-Hz increments. Format : (Set command) * F1FFFFFFFFFF<cr>...
  • Page 44 Start/Halt/Pause/Resume Frequency Scan ( F3) Format: (Set command) * F3X<cr> (Get command) ?F3<cr> Response: F3X<cr> Definitions: X = <S> start programming frequencies for the specified range using command F2. If no range has been specified using command F2, the receiver, the valid range will be from 0-3Ghz in 1hz increments if no step size is specified via command F5.
  • Page 45 Add Lockout Frequency (F6) Format: (Set command) *F6NNFFFFFFFFFF<dot>BBBBBB<cr> (Get command) ?F6NN<cr> Response: F6NNFFFFFFFFFF<dot>BBBBBB<cr> Definitions: NN= Specifies the record number where the lockout frequency is stored. Valid record numbers 0-49. Note: If NN value is 00 the radio will respond with all the record numbers and values that are programmed in the following format: Set Attack Rate (G1) F6NNFFFFFFFFFF<dot>BBBBBB<cr>...
  • Page 46 Set Attack Rate (G1) Format: (Set command) *G1NNNN<cr> (Get command) ?G1<cr> Response: G1NNNN<cr> Definitions: NNNN=Valid range 0001-9999 in ASCII decimal format. Leading zeros can be omitted. The attack rate is used in automatic gain control (AGC) to select the rate to raise the volume for weak signals to try to maintain Set Hang Time (G3 ) an approximately constant average output level of varying signal levels.
  • Page 47 Definitions: This command will report the firmware version number. The following strings are defined and will be reported for the specific unit model numbers. RX-400A Model: VER<0x20>XXXX<0x5f>400<cr> Note: XXXX represents 4 digits that will increment with each Firmware version release.
  • Page 48 (Not applicable) (Get command) ?I3<cr> Response: I3SSSSSSSS<cr> Definitions: This command will report the serial number assigned to each unit by Ten-Tec. The following format is defined: To be determined Extended Firmware Info (I4) Format: (Set command) (Not applicable) to be determined (Get command) ?I4<cr>...
  • Page 49 Store Current Parameters in Memory Channel (P1) Format: (Set command) *P1CCCBBMSSRFFFFFFFFFF<cr> ?P1CCC<cr> (Get command) Response: P1CCCBBMSSRFFFFFFFFFF<cr> Definitions: CC=Channel Number to assign parameters. Range 00-999 in ASCII/decimal format BB=Selected IF Bandwidth filter number assigned to the specified channel number. Range: (See Table 5) M=Selected detection mode assigned to the specified channel <A>=AM, <F>=FM, <U>=USB, <L>=LSB, <C>=CWU, <W>=CWL, <K>=FSK...
  • Page 50 Start/Halt Pause/Resume Memory Scan (P4) Format: (Set command) *P4X<cr> (Get command) (Not applicable) Definitions: X = <S> start scanning for activity on pre-programmed memory channels. The receiver will use the specified channel range via command P4. If no range has been specified using command P4, the valid channel range will be from 0-999.
  • Page 51 Current Signal Strength (S3) Format: (Set command) (Not applicable) (Get command) ?S3<cr> Response: S3NNN<cr> NNN= Current measurement of signal strength. Valid ranges 0-127 Squelch Status (S4) This command will report the current signal strength value that is updated in the firmware. This is the value that is compared to the squelch level set in the S1 command.
  • Page 52 Dead Time (T2) Format: (Set command) *T2TTTTTTTT<cr> (Get command) ?T2<cr> Response: T2TTTTTTTT<cr> TTTTTTTT= represents the time in ASCII/decimal format. Value = number of milliseconds. Valid ranges are 0-99999999. Dead time refers to the time the radio will remain on a channel after activity has ended. The factory default is 8 seconds.
  • Page 53 (Get command) (Not applicable) Description: Command set passed from system host/workstation through RCU-400A to RX-400A to set fstart, fstop, fstep, filterBW, detection mode, rfgain, squelch, AGC mode, attack, decay, hang, gaze, dwell, deadtime, memory channel group<cr. Where CC=Mission Memory Channel and MT=Memory Type is ( R) range or ( C) channel.

  • Page 54: Audio Streaming

    AUDIO STREAMING RADIO OVER IP (RIP) DATA FORMAT RIP is the system by which the RX-400A provides real time streaming audio. The RIP packets are sent from the radio via standard UDP packets. With each UDP packet containing a descriptive header and audio data block. The RIP UDP Packet is based on the Real Time Protocol (RTP).

  • Page 55: Factory Service

    TEN-TEC, Inc. for repair. The TEN-TEC Service Department provides quick turn-around for most repairs. RMA numbers are not required. You may contact TEN-TEC to arrange for service at: (865) 428-0364. Hours are 8:00AM-5:00PM, Monday through Friday. Or send e-mail to: service@tentec.com...

  • Page 56: Performance Verification And Fault Isolation

    F1-F2 scan mode and memory channel scan mode along with RF gain, squelch and BFO function. Since the RX-400A is a ‘blank panel, no manual controls unit’, it is anticipated these checks will be made using the companion RCU-400A Receiver Control Unit.

  • Page 57: Storage

    10.1 STORAGE If the RX-400A Receiver is not going to be used for an extended period of time (in excess of 30 days) it should be stored in its sealed shipping carton or equivalent container. The unit is rated for storage temperatures from –40 to +85 degrees C. To prepare the unit for storage perform the following steps: Remove all cords or cables attached to the unit.
  • Page 58 This Page Intentionally Left Blank PN 74446...

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