1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. MRC Manuals
  4. Receiver
  5. MDR-2
  6. Operator's manual

MRC MDR-2 Operator's Manual

Portable 2-input diversity receiver
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
MDR-2
Portable 2-Input Diversity Receiver
Operator's Guide
Manual Part No. 400526-1
Rev. B December 2007

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the MDR-2 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for MRC MDR-2

Summary of Contents for MRC MDR-2

  • Page 1 MDR-2 Portable 2-Input Diversity Receiver Operator’s Guide Manual Part No. 400526-1 Rev. B December 2007...

  • Page 3: About This Manual

    Revision B December 2007 Proprietary Material The information in this manual applies to the Microwave Radio Communications (MRC) MDR-2 Portable 2-Input Diversity The information and design contained within this manual was Receiver system. originated by and is the property of Microwave Radio Communications.

  • Page 4: Symbols Used

    Except for this notification and the proper marking of products case of a fault, or the terminal on a protective earth with the appropriate symbol, Microwave Radio Communications electrode. MDR-2 Operator’s Guide Notices Notices-ii...

  • Page 5: Warranty Information

    MRC. It is Buyer's responsibility to return, at its expense, the MRC is authorized to assume for MRC any other liability on its allegedly defective product to MRC. Buyer must obtain a Return behalf except as set forth herein. If any payment is due MRC for MDR-2 Operator’s Guide Notices...
  • Page 6 Any suggestions by MRC or its agents regarding use, application, or suitability of the equipment will not be construed as an express warranty. No warranties may be implied from any course of dealing or usage of trade.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Primary Error Code - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-3 MDR-2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-3...
  • Page 8 Maximal Ratio Combining - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D-1 Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-1 MDR-2 Operator’s Guide Contents...

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Introduction What This Manual Covers This manual covers how to operate the MDR-2 Portable 2-Input Diversity Receiver system. Chapter Overview The MDR-2 system consists of the following: This chapter will introduce you to the Operator’s Guide - what it •...

  • Page 10: For Whom It's Written

    (part no. 400528-1) Replacement Parts Theory of Operation Ordering Documentation Channels & Frequencies Any of the above manuals may be ordered by contacting MRC Customer Service: Glossary Business Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Eastern Time (US)

  • Page 11: Calling For Service

    Calling for Service Configuration Utility, when the MDR Configuration Utility software is connected to the MDR-2 MRC Technical Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During regular business hours you can reach our expert staff directly.
  • Page 12 Or, you can E-mail our Technical Support team at: technicalsupport@mrcbroadcast.com Be sure to tell us what product you’re writing about, and which manual - the Operator’s Guide, the Quick Reference Card, or the Technical Reference Manual. MDR-2 Operator’s Guide Introduction...

  • Page 13: Product Description

    Product Description Description The MDR-2 system is a highly reliable, flexible, and compact Chapter Overview portable microwave diversity receiver ideal for tripod or mobile installations. The MDR-2 is ideal for Electronic News Gathering This chapter provides an overall description of the MDR-2...

  • Page 14: Options

    4.4 to 4.7 GHz Mobile Installation For mobile applications such as in a vehicle or an aircraft, the MDR-2 is usually mounted in an MRC fixed 2.3 to 2.7 GHz 4.8 to 5.0 GHz mounting bracket and is installed in a bulkhead or compartment.

  • Page 15: System Integration

    2-2, is a versatile, portable, digital diversity receiver system designed to accept two For the field operator, the MDR-2 has up to nine Presets that can microwave radio signals. Using two MRC Block Down be selected from the front panel. Each Preset controls key Converters, multipath microwave signals are received, parameters such as channel and bandwidth.

  • Page 16: Block Down Converters

    75 ohm coaxial cables. The coaxial cables poor reception. By using the MDR-2 receiver system, the right supplies DC on coax from the MDR-2 to provide power to the antenna is chosen at the right moment and the MDR-2 operates Block Down Converter.

  • Page 17: For More Information

    Presets. The STRATA Reference Manual. Specific topics contained in the Portable 2- RX Remote Control Panel is connected to the MDR-2 via a Input Diversity Receiver Technical Reference Manual are as standard null modem cable.
  • Page 18 This page intentionally left blank. MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Product Description...

  • Page 19: Routine Operation

    (part of the Portable 2-Input Diversity Receiver Chapter Overview Technical Reference Manual only). For a summary of settings that can be made with the MDR-2 This chapter provides basic information that will enable you to front panel control switch and which settings are made using the operate your MDR-2 Portable 2-Input Diversity Receiver.
  • Page 20 Monitor options. in more detail in the following paragraphs. Controls, indicators, The Monitor options provide current status and connectors contained on the MDR-2 front panel are shown of the MDR-2, including: Figure 3-1. Controls, fuses, and connectors contained on the...
  • Page 21 When the desired option is displayed, DC ON COAX Switch The front panel DC ON COAX switch pressing the control switch selects that allows you to power the MRC Block Down Converters from the option. MDR-2 using DC superimposed on the coaxial cables between •...

  • Page 22: Block Down Converter Indicators And Connectors

    PWR LED The PWR (power) LED is on when power is applied connector provides the ASI signal monitoring output from the to the MDR-2 and DC on coax power is applied to the Block unit. Down Converter. INPUT A and INPUT B TNC Connectors...

  • Page 23: Acu Controls, Indicators, And Connectors

    ACU are identified and described below. Topics covered are as follows: < < > > OUTPUT OUTPUT Topic Page Front View AC INPUT Connector POWER Switch DC OUTPUT FUSE POWER POWER Power LED Connector Switch MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Routine Operation...

  • Page 24: Preparing For Operation

    Mount 3.3.1 Mobile Installation Dovetail Adapter For mobile applications such as aircraft or vehicle, the MDR-2 is Plate (Machined) usually mounted in a bulkhead or compartment using an MRC Fixed Mounting Bracket. See Figure 3-5.
  • Page 25 MRC Quick Release Mount. For portable applications where the MDR-2 system will be moved from place to place and set up each time, the MDR-2 must be mounted in an MRC Universal Mounting Bracket. The Universal Mounting Bracket is attached to the Quick Release for easy mounting on an MRC tripod.
  • Page 26 If the MDR-2 system includes an ACU, the procedure assumes Attach the Block Down Converters to the MDR-2 using the ACU is installed in its Universal Mounting Bracket and the coaxial cables from the MDR-2 INPUT A and INPUT B Mounting Plate and Quick Release are completely assembled.

  • Page 27: Powering The Mdr-2

    Connect the power cable to the power source. If you’re using a STRATA ACU, connect the AC input If you are unsure of the power requirements or the to AC power and connect the DC output to the MDR-2. connections, refer to the “Installation” Chapter on...

  • Page 28: Using The Display Screens

    Using the Display Screens The alphanumeric display should light up and quickly display the radio version and then the Main screen. As you use the MDR-2, you will interact extensively with the Some typical screens are shown in Figure 3-10.

  • Page 29: Monitoring Options

    Signal to Noise Ratio for Channels 1 and 2 the front panel control switch or via the MDR Configuration Utility software Once the MDR-2 is set up and powered up, you will be able to check its configuration and monitor its operation by rotating the •...

  • Page 30: Monitoring Link Quality (Lq)

    Operators sometimes refer to this sudden loss of video, with little SNR 20.5 dB SNR 20.5 dB or no apparent warning, as “falling off a cliff”. Link Quality MRC has developed the Link Quality indicator to OFDM1 Lock give you the “early warning” of an analog system. Link Quality...

  • Page 31: Lq Action Levels

    Checking Link Quality To check Link Quality, perform the following steps: Table 3-1: Link Quality Levels Link Quality Description Be sure MDR-2 is connected and Reading See ”Powering the MDR- powered. Excellent Link Quality - COFDM link is very robust 2”...

  • Page 32: What Actions To Take

    An RCL of -40 to -30 dBm is ideal. Table 3-2: Actions at Link Quality Levels RCL should be less than -25 dBm. Signals stronger than this can overload the MDR-2 and actually make LInk Quality the demodulated signal quality worse.

  • Page 33: Monitoring Bit Error Ratio (Ber)

    BER 0.0E-7 Modulation 64 QAM 16QAM QPSK Using BER BER is one of the key components in MRC’s Link Quality indicator. It also can be used on its own to help alert the 1/32 1/16 operator to deteriorating signal quality.

  • Page 34: Monitoring Signal-To-Noise Ratio (Snr)

    Turn the control switch clockwise until the display shows the BER Monitor screen. It Be sure the MDR-2 is connected and will be similar to this: See ”Powering the MDR- powered. 2” on page 3-9 BER 0.0E-7 Start at the Main screen.

  • Page 35: Control Operations

    MDR-2 functions including changing Presets, setting channels, selecting high or low band operation, and selecting Your MDR-2 can be pre-configured with up to 9 Presets. Each bandwidth. DC on coax power may be turned on or off, as Preset contains most of the operating settings needed to control required, to power the MRC Block Down Converters.
  • Page 36 -40.0 dBm LQ6 Set OFDM BW Select Auto, 6, Auto 7, or 8 MHz CH1 Power Select Power On or Power Off Power On CH2 Power Select Power On or Power Off Power On MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Routine Operation 3-18...

  • Page 37: Setting A Channel And Offset

    Setting a Channel and Offset Notes When a Preset is changed, the channel does not The MDR-2 channel and offset can be selected from the front change. panel and can be configured for operation on 1 to 10 (14 or 22) channels.

  • Page 38: Set Ofdm Bandwidth

    The procedure required to select the OFDM bandwidth is contained in the following steps. 3.6.4 Select DC On Coax Verify the MDR-2 is connected and powered up. The procedure required to apply DC on coax to power the Block Observe the Main screen is displayed. See Figure 3- Down Converters or to shut off DC on coax is contained in the following steps.

  • Page 39: Front Panel Vs. Mdr Configuration Utility Settings

    -45.5 dBm Configuration Utility Settings -40.5 dBm The design of the MDR-2 and MDR Configuration Utility software makes commonly available settings accessible from the MDR-2 Turn the control switch ccw until the display reads CH1 front panel switches and alphanumeric display and more...
  • Page 40 Output Level dB in 0.1 dB Mode increments. ✔ • SDI Output ✔ ✔ Bandwidth • 6 MHz ✔ ✔ • 7 MHz ✔ ✔ • 8 MHz ✔ ✔ • Auto MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Routine Operation 3-22...

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Status LED Above the MDR-2 front panel PWR switch is a multi-color status LED that provides unit status indications. The status LED Chapter Overview indications are listed in Table 4-1. This chapter describes how to troubleshoot your MDR-2 Portable 2-Input Diversity Receiver system.

  • Page 42: Display Messages

    One of the ways the MDR-2 will alert you to problems is by error messages on the MDR-2 front panel displays. These are displayed on the Monitor Screens.

  • Page 43: Error Codes

    Error Codes 4.4.1 Error Status The significance of the Error Status digit depends on what The MDR-2 has a library of diagnostic error codes to help you Primary Error Code is being reported. See Table 4-3. pinpoint any problems. These error codes: Table 4-3: Error Status Digit •...
  • Page 44 MDR 5.5 Volt Line Error • Check for error codes E159 thru If errors persist with correct power connected, possible E15B. Correct power problem hardware failure has occurred. Call MRC Technical E1F1 MDR +12 Volt Line Error Support. • Make certain all power cables are...
  • Page 45 Code E1F4 MDR Temperature Error • Check MDR-2 to make sure it is not If errors persist with proper location and airflow and too close to sources of heat. Relocate correct power is connected, possible hardware failure unit if necessary.

  • Page 46: Operational Problems

    Check video source and cabling. and cabling • Use the Color Bar generator function of the MDR-2 for problems on the receiving end. Turn on Color Bar option using MDR Configuration Utility on the MPEG page. Channel and frequency Check settings of MDR-2 using Use MDR Configuration Utility to check settings.
  • Page 47 If Unit is Enabled for Optional BISS Decryption No Video BISS Decryption not Use MDR Configuration Utility to check BISS operating settings. Be sure BISS key and/or ID match the transmitter settings. MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Troubleshooting...
  • Page 48 • Check audio configuration using MDR Configuration Utility software on the MPEG page. Settings must match both incoming signals and wiring of the MDR-2 audio connections. Channel and frequency Check settings of MDR-2 using Use MDR Configuration Utility software to check settings of MDR-2 do not Monitor and Control screens.
  • Page 49 BISS settings. Verify BISS key and/or ID match the transmitter settings. Table 4-7: General Problems Problem Possible Cause Suggested Operator Action Suggested Technical Staff Action Status LED on MDR-2 is MDR-2 is indicating a • Check all Monitor screens. • Error messages: Troubleshoot per yellow, not green...
  • Page 50 This page intentionally left blank. MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Troubleshooting 4-10...

  • Page 51: Channels And Frequencies

    Channels and Initial Factory Presets This section lists the channels and frequencies for each RF band Frequencies covered by the MDR-2. These frequencies are preset at the factory, but can be modified using the MDR Configuration Utility software. Appendix Overview...

  • Page 52: 1.9 To 2.2 Ghz Channel Plan

    Table A-3: 2.2 to 2.5 GHz Channel Plan - 4.25 MHz Offset 3443.250 3455.250 3467.250 (-) Offset (0) Center (+) Offset 3480.250 3492.250 3504.250 Channel (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) 3506.250 3518.750 3531.250 2454.250 2458.500 2462.750 3543.750 3556.250 3568.750 2471.250 2475.500 2479.750 2487.750 2492.000 2496.250 MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Channels and Frequencies...

  • Page 53: 3.4 To 3.8 Ghz Channel Plan

    The 3.5 to 3.9 GHz channel plan is shown in Table A-7. 4531.250 4550.000 4568.750 4606.250 4625.000 4643.750 Table A-7: 3.5 to 3.9 GHz Channel Plan (-) Offset (0) Center (+) Offset Channel (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) 3506.250 3518.750 3531.250 MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Channels and Frequencies...

  • Page 54: To 5.0 Ghz Channel Plan

    Section A.2 on page A-1. However, as your station migrates to the new channel plan, you can easily reprogram your MDR-2 using the MDR Configuration Utility software. Information below was obtained from the FCC Web site, document # FCC 03-280: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-...

  • Page 55: Glossary

    EBU. information. Automatic Frequency Control Automatic Gain Control 4 FSK 4-state Frequency Shift Keying Alarm Indication Signal (all one’s) 8 PSK 8-Phase Shift Keying Alternate Mark Inversion, line code format for traffic data. Average MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Glossary...
  • Page 56 DC from entering the IDU. Composite A band or grouping of frequencies and/or subcarriers, (Baseband) including video, occupied by the signal in a radio transmission system. Also called Baseband. Code Runner 4 Channel-State Information MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Glossary...
  • Page 57 34.368 Mbps data rate Discrete Fourier Transform Electronic Industries Association DMUX, Demultiplexer DEMUX An industry association that establishes various DQPSK Differential Quadrature (Quaternary) Phase-Shift standards. Keying Data Return Link MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Glossary...
  • Page 58 Inter-Symbol Interference Finite Impulse Response International Standards Organization FM Video Modulator or FM Transmitter kbps Kilobits per second FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array Kilo (1,000) cycles per second Frequency-Shift Keying Local Area Network Firmware MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Glossary...
  • Page 59 Color television standard used in many European Multiplexer countries. Provides 625 horizontal lines of resolution Normally Closed (Relay or switch contacts) with 50 lines per field. Not compatible with NTSC or No Connection SECAM. MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Glossary...
  • Page 60 Not compatible with NTSC or PAL. Not supported by this product. Receiver Control Unit Symbol Error Rate Received Carrier Level Setpt Set point Rcvr Receiver Single-Frequency Network Receive Data Signal Ground Radio Data System MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Glossary...
  • Page 61 Video. Composite Video combines them into one signal. S/W or SW Software SYNTH Synthesizer 1.544 Mbps data rate Transmitter Control Transmitter Control Unit Transmit Data Transmitter Transmitter Unit Voltage Controlled Oscillator VCXO Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator Volts Direct Current MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Glossary...
  • Page 62 This page intentionally left blank. MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Glossary...

  • Page 63: Link Quality

    Analog Systems In traditional analog transmissions, each link This appendix describes MRC’s Link Quality indicator, and how it in the signal path adds a small amount of noise and distortion. helps you maintain good quality video and audio.

  • Page 64: Understanding Link Quality

    C.3.1 Description with ample ability to correct for degradation. MRC has developed the Link Quality (LQ) indicator to give you Very Good Link Quality - COFDM link is robust for the “early warning” of an analog system. Link Quality monitors the given environment.

  • Page 65: Lq And Signal Quality

    LQ reading begins to drop to 8, then 7, then 6. The link is still stable, but action should be taken to restore Table C-2 describes actions MRC recommends at various LQ received signal quality. levels. These are a good initial guide. You should adjust what Actual delivered signal is still clean.

  • Page 66: What Actions To Take

    Factory Default Settings are highlighted. If RCL is OK, but SNR is low (13 -15 dB or less), there may be electrical equipment (or other transmitters) in the immediate area that are creating noise. MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Link Quality...

  • Page 67: Technical Background: Lq Factors

    In effect, This is possible because the transmitter adds extra error the transmitted signal travels along multiple paths to arrive at the correction bits to the data. These extra bits describe attributes of MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Link Quality...

  • Page 68: Bandwidth

    # Errors Not Corrected / # Bits Received When the transmitter applies the COFDM modulation to the As signal quality degrades, the Pre-Viterbi BER will increase. video and audio signals, it creates a signal of a certain bandwidth MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Link Quality...
  • Page 69 The BER at which this occurs will vary depending on the design of the MPEG decoder and the location of the errors in the data stream. MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Link Quality...
  • Page 70 This page intentionally left blank. MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Link Quality...

  • Page 71: Maximal Ratio Combining

    MaxRC diversity. This section provides a general overview of the Maximal Ratio Combining (MaxRC) diversity implemented within the MDR-2 Each individual demodulator performs both the FFT and the Portable 2-Input Diversity Receiver system.

  • Page 72: Maximal Ratio Combining

    Figure D-1: MaxRC Diversity Block Diagram Block Dow n Converter MDR-2 Portable 2-Input Diversity Receiver Dem odulator Carrier Sum ation MPEG According to Viterbi/RS Individual Error Correction Decoding W eighting Factors Dem odulator Block Dow n Converter MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual...
  • Page 73 Figure D-2: Two Signals with Low Correlation MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Maximal Ratio Combining...
  • Page 74 Figure D-3: Two Signals with High Correlation MDR-2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Maximal Ratio Combining...

  • Page 75: Specifications

    UHF Input: .......413 - 861 MHz This section provides specifications for the MDR-2 Portable 2- Input Range: .
  • Page 76 UHF Input (A & B): ......TNC Type Maximum cable length between MDR-2 and BDC: ..100 ft.
  • Page 77 BISS-E ........B-2 Composite Video ......B-3 MDR-2 Operator’s Guide Index...
  • Page 78 Frequently Performed Tasks MDR-2 ....... . 2-2 Monitoring Bit Error Ratio (BER) ..3-15 DCE .
  • Page 79 MRC ........B-5...
  • Page 80 Video ........B-7 MDR-2 Operator’s Guide...
  • Page 81 Warranty Information ....Notices-iii Product Manufactured by MRC ..Notices-iii Products Manufactured By Others ..Notices-iv Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment .
  • Page 82 This page intentionally left blank. MDR-2 Operator’s Guide Index Index-6...

Table of Contents