CodeRunner 2 Analog+Digital Portable Microwave Transmitter Operator’s Guide Manual Part No. 400437-1 Rev. N March 2004 Applies to firmware Rev. 4.
Notices About This Manual Part number 400437-1 Revision N March 2004 The information in the manual applies to the MRC CodeRunner 2 Transmitter, firmware revision 4.03. Copyright The information in this book may be reproduced by the purchaser to the extent needed for their organization. No part of this material may be modified in any way or published for resale without the express written authorization of Microwave Radio Communications.
RF Exposure Warning Conventions The CodeRunner 2 is a radio transmitter. It is designed to permit, produce and emit RF radiation into an antenna for the purpose of delivering a digital or FM modulated signal to an appropriate receiving device. Pay special attention to information marked in one of the following ways: For equipment such as the CodeRunner 2, the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limit is 1.0 mW/cm2.
Symbols Used Warranty Information The following symbols are used on the equipment: Symbol Meaning CAUTION: Risk of Electric Shock WARNING: General Warning. Risk of Danger WARNING: Electrostatic Discharge. Possible Damage to Equipment Fuse - Identifies fuses or their location. Frame or Chassis Ground - Identifies the frame or chassis terminal.
ordinary use; (ii) if the product has been modified by Buyer or has been repaired or altered outside MRC's repair facility, unless MRC specifically authorizes such repairs or alterations in each instance; or (iii) where MRC serial numbers, warranty data or quality assurance decals have been removed or altered. e. No person, including any dealer, agent or representative of MRC is authorized to assume for MRC any other liability on its behalf except as set forth herein.
Contents Single Band/Dual Antenna Configuration - - - - - - 2-8 Dual Band Non-Simultaneous Transmitting - - - - - 2-9 Dual Band Simultaneous Transmitting- - - - - - - - 2-10 For More Information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-11 Notices - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - i Routine Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-1 About This Manual - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - i Copyright - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CodeRunner 2 Operator’s Guide Contents-ii
1 Introduction 1.1 Chapter Overview Chapter Operator’s Guide Technical Reference Manual Installation This chapter will introduce you to the Operator’s Guide: what it covers, how it’s organized, and who it’s written for. Troubleshooting Repair 1.2 What This Manual Covers Replacement Parts This manual describes how to operate the MRC CodeRunner 2 Transmitter. For information on Installation, Repair, and Theory of Operation, refer to the MRC CodeRunner 2 Technical Reference Manual. 1.
1.4 Who It’s Written For This manual is intended for use by personnel assigned to operate the CodeRunner 2. Users of this manual should already be familiar with basic concepts of radio, video and audio. 1.5 MRC CodeRunner 2 Quick Reference Guide (part no. 400453) • MRC CodeRunner 2 Technical Reference Manual (part no. 400465) 1.6 Firmware revision, found in two places: - 1.7 MRC CodeRunner 2 Helicopter Remote Control (part no. 400461) displays on screen at startup label inside the front panel.
information available: • Model number and serial number of the unit. This is located in two places: • - on a label on the rear panel - on a label inside the front panel. Approximate purchase date. • Firmware revision, found in two places: - displays on screen at startup on a label inside the front panel.
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2 2.1 Product Description 2.2 The MRC CodeRunner 2 transmitter is designed to be both an analog and digital transmitter for ENG portable applications. CodeRunner 2 can accommodate a variety of analog and digital inputs, and apply either analog or digital modulation. Chapter Overview This chapter provides a overall description of the product, its components, and its capabilities.
Within these bands, channels can be preprogrammed at the factory to match either the US broadcast channel plan, or a plan specified by the customer. Channel frequencies can be reprogrammed in the field using the keypad and display on the IDU. Color Bar Generator Options For analog operation, an optional analog color bar generator is available, either at time of purchase or for later upgrade in the field. The digital MPEG/ COFDM Module has a built-in digital color bar generator.
2.3 System Components Figure 2-2: CodeRunner 2 System Components An MRC CodeRunner 2 system is made up of the following components: • A rack mounted Indoor Unit (IDU), typically mounted inside an ENG vehicle. • A mast mounted Outdoor Unit (ODU), also called the RF Unit (RFU). Directional Antenna (MRC 2A20, 7A30, Ellipse 2000) OmniPole Antenna Outdoor RF Unit (Upconvertor, Power Amp) A typical system is shown in Figure 2-2. The IDU contains the baseband circuitry, power supply, and control modules.
2.4 Operating Controls All controls are on the front panel of the IDU. There are no controls or adjustments on the ODU (RFU). All transmitter functions are controlled using an LCD display with 8 button keypad, and a set of 3 function switches. See Figure 2-3 on page 2-4. The LCD display and keypad are used to toggle through control and diagnostic menus for both the IDU and ODU. Functions switches directly control antenna polarization, band selection, and antenna selection.
2.5 External Connectors All transmitter connections are made at the rear panel of the IDU. The panel layout is shown in Figure 2-4. Brief descriptions of the connections are found in Table 2-1. For more detailed information, see the MRC CodeRunner 2 Technical Reference Manual. Figure 2-4: Rear Panel Connectors FEED POWER VIDEO IN DATA IN IF IN RFU 1 RFU 2 PAN/TILT H MOD SUM ALM V AUX RS232 HOST RS232 V MON.
Table 2-1: IDU Rear Panel Connections (Continued) Table 2-1: IDU Rear Panel Connections Connector Connector Function Function Antenna Control • FEED POWER • Control for antenna polarization, antenna band, and RF Switch. • • Power for antenna and RF Switch. Summary Alarm Input Alarm input from external device such as a modulator. Analog Video Input Input for analog video. Baseband Input Input from external baseband source. Audio Input Line level analog audio input.
2.6 IDU/ODU (RFU) Interconnection The IDU connects to the Outdoor RF Unit through a wiring harness inside a coiled conduit (Nycoil) sheathing. The wiring harness will contain power, RF and control for all components mounted at the top of the mast. The harness is specific to a particular installation, and is designed to support all the desired functions. These functions would typically include: • IF, control, and alarms between the IDU and ODU. • DC Power to the ODU.
2.7 System Configurations Figure 2-5: Single Band Operation with 2 Antennas The CodeRunner allows several antenna configurations for transmitting with either an OmniPole or directional antenna, in either single-band or dual-band operation. 2.7.1 Single Band/Dual Antenna Configuration Figure 2-6 shows the antenna configuration for single-band transmitting using one Indoor Unit with one RF Unit. Directional OmnPole CodeRunner 2 RFU The RFU could be operating on the 2 GHz, 7 GHz, or 13 GHz bands.
2.7.2 Dual Band Non-Simultaneous Transmitting Figure 2-6 shows the antenna configuration for nonsimultaneous transmitting using one Indoor Unit with two RF Units. Figure 2-6: Dual Band, Non-Simultaneous Operation RF SWITCH OmniPole Directional In this example the RFUs are operating on 2 GHz and 7 GHz bands, but the 13 GHz band is also available as one of the two bands. In addition, an RF Switch allows switching one of the RF Units between an OmniPole and a directional antenna. RFU 1.99-2.5 GHz RFU 6.
2.7.3 Dual Band Simultaneous Transmitting Figure 2-7: Dual Band Simultaneous Operation Figure 2-7 shows the antenna configuration for simultaneous transmitting using two Indoor Units with two RF Units. In this example the RFUs are operating on 2 GHz and 7 GHz bands, but the 13 GHz band is also available as one of the two bands. RF SWITCH OmniPole Directional In addition, an RF Switch allows switching one of the RF Units between an OmniPole and a directional antenna. RFU 6.4-7.1 GHz RFU 1.99-2.
2.8 For More Information More detailed technical information about the CodeRunner 2 can be found in the CodeRunner 2 Technical Reference Manual.
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3 3.1 Routine Operation 3.2 Overview of Controls The CodeRunner 2 front panel has the following controls and indicators: Chapter Overview This chapter provides basic information that will enable you to operate your CodeRunner 2. More detailed information can be found in the CodeRunner 2 Technical Reference Manual. Here are the topics covered: Topic Page • Function Buttons • Status LEDs • Display and Keypad Each of these is described in more detail in the sections that follow.
3.3.1 Polarization Select If your installation includes an antenna with selectable polarization (such as the MRC 2A20/7A30 or Ellipse 2000), this function button will allow you to make that selection. Pressing the Polarization Select button toggles through the four choices in sequence. As each choice is selected, the corresponding LED illuminates. The four choices are: • H (Horizontal Polarization) • V (Vertical Polarization) • RC (Right Circular Polarization) • LC (Left Circular Polarization) 3.
3.4 Status LEDs The CodeRunner 2 has four Status LEDs to keep you informed about the status of the system (See Figure 3-1 on page 3-4). Those LEDs are described in Table 3-1. Table 3-1: Status LEDs Panel Label Description Color POWER Indicates IDU is powered up. Green IDU Alarm Fault condition in Indoor Unit (IDU). Yellow RFU Alarm Fault condition in RF Unit (ODU). Yellow PA On Power Amplifier section of RFU is powered up (actively transmitting).
Figure 3-1: Front Panel Controls Keypad Function LEDs Status LEDs Display POLARIZATION MRC CODERUNNER 2-C/M TRANSMITTER BAND SELECT H LC RFU 1 ANT 1 POWER V RC RFU 2 ANT 2 IDU ALARM RFU ALARM PA ON Polarization Select Band Select Antenna Select Function Buttons CodeRunner 2 Operator’s Guide/Tech Ref Manual Routine Operation 3-4
3.5 Display and Keypad • The CodeRunner 2 has an LCD display and an 8-key keypad (see Figure 3-1 on page 3-4). You will use the display and keypad to set configurations, monitor status, and troubleshoot problems. If you changed a setting, the Status Area will change to show the new setting. Details of the individual menus are found in the CodeRunner 2 Technical Reference Manual. Accessing the Main Menu The most commonly used choices and settings are available from the Main Screen.
Figure 3-2: Display and Keypad Layout Message Area Heading Area Status Area Menu Areas Keypad Figure 3-3: Main Screen Display CodeRunner.2 Rel.4.03 RFU1 Rev B Di/An ANALOG Chnl 1 17M Offst 0 2 GHz Menu Pwr 0.
3.6 Frequently Performed Tasks 3.6.1 This chapter describes how to perform many common tasks with the CodeRunner 2. Here are the tasks described: Topic Turning the power ON and OFF 1. Open the front panel of the Indoor Unit by loosening the 2 large screws and letting the panel swing down. Press the Power switch. Close the front panel by swinging it up and tightening the two screws. 2. 3.
3.6.4 Selecting Channel and Offset 1. 2. - - 3.6.5 1. 2. 3.6.6 1. 2. 3.6.7 Make sure the power to the CodeRunner 2 is on. On the Main Screen, To change the channel on which the radio will transmit: press Chnl until the Status Area displays the channel desired. To change the frequency offset above or below the selected channel: press Offst until the Status Area displays the offset desired. 3.6.8 Switching between Analog and Digital modes 1. 2. - Make sure the power to the CodeRunner 2 is on.
3.6.9 Setting for Remote operation - The MRC Remote Control Panel allows control of the CodeRunner 2 from the passenger compartment regardless of where in the vehicle or aircraft the CR2 is physically located. The Remote uses vehicle or aircraft power, and communicates with the IDU via an RS-232 serial interface. To set up the CR2 to operate with the Remote Control, perform the following steps on the IDU: 1. - Enable remote control operation. Make sure the CodeRunner 2 has power and is turned on.
3.7 Menu Maps Following are one-page menu maps to help you navigate through the many features and capabilities of your CodeRunner 2. For more detail about any of these menus or the settings available, see the CodeRunner 2 Technical Reference Manual, in the chapter “Advanced Operation”.
Figure 3-4: Analog Menu Map PA Configura- BkltDly tion Menu Config Menu ANALOG XMIT/ STDBY 3 4 PAAdjust Menu 3 (auto-adjusts PA voltage) Contrast Contrast Contrast Di/An 1/2/ 3...10 Chnl Remote Menu Menu Remote Control Menu Menu PA 3 Hi/Lo Rem 1 Main Screen 5 Main Menu Main Menu Audio Mod OFDM Config Pwr Supply HI/ LOW RF Unit Menu Main Menu Mod CP = Choice made Main PA 3 Channel Offset 14.
Figure 3-5: Digital Menu Map Configuration Menu Config Menu DIGITAL Menu 2 9 10 Digital 5 7 Di/An IDU Menu 1/2/ 3...10 Chnl Remote Control Menu Remote Menu Menu 6 Menu Main Screen 3 Main Screen 1 Attn 1/2/3/4, ..
Digital Notes - Menu Maps 1. HI/LOW power selection only operates if - Attn (Attenuation) is set to AUTO AND - Mode is set to INTERNAL MPEG/COFDM 2. The menu options for modulation are only available when - Mode is set to INTERNAL MPEG/COFDM Analog 1. To access the Main Menu, press the Menu key twice. 2. To prevent accidental activation, all menu keys and function buttons will become locked out after 30 sec. of inactivity. To unlock, press the first desired key or button twice. 3. 4.
7. BkltDly (Backlight Delay) also controls whether the display defaults to the Main Screen or not. If BkltDly is set to ON - backlight stays on continuously AND - display does not default to the Main Screen Any other setting of BkltDly will cause the backlight to turn off and the display to default to the Main Screen after the selected period of time. 8. Col Bar Gen controls the Digital Color Bar Generator. 9.
A Channels & Frequencies A.1 Appendix Overview This Appendix presents the channels and frequencies that were programmed into your CR2 at the factory. It also provides the frequencies set by the latest US frequency reallocation plan. Here are the topics covered: Topic Page Initial Factory Presets A-1 US 12 MHz Channel Plan A-6 A.2 Initial Factory Presets This section lists the channels and frequencies for each RF band covered by the CodeRunner 2.
Table A-1: 2 GHz RF Channel Guide (U.S. Broadcast) - 17 MHz Channel Plan Channel (-) Offset (MHz) (0) Center (MHz) (+) Offset (MHz) -4.25 MHz 17.0 MHz spacing +4.25 MHz 1 1994.75 1999.0 2003.25 00000.000 2 2012.25 2016.5 2020.75 00000.000 3 2029.25 2033.5 2037.75 00000.000 4 2046.25 2050.5 2054.75 00000.000 5 2063.25 2067.5 2071.75 00000.000 6 2080.25 2084.5 2088.75 00000.000 7 2097.25 2101.5 2105.75 00000.000 8 2454.25 2458.5 2462.75 00000.000 9 2471.
Table A-2: 2 GHz RF Channel Guide (U.S. Broadcast) - 14.5 MHz Channel Plan Channel (-) Offset (MHz) (0) Center (MHz) (+) Offset (MHz) -4.25 MHz 14.5 MHz spacing +4.25 MHz 1 2012.00 2015.50 2019.00 00000.000 2 2026.75 2030.25 2033.75 00000.000 3 2041.25 2044.75 2048.25 00000.000 4 2055.75 2059.25 2062.75 00000.000 5 2070.25 2073.75 2077.25 00000.000 6 2084.75 2088.25 2091.75 00000.000 7 2099.25 2102.75 2106.25 00000.000 8 2454.25 2458.50 2462.75 00000.
Table A-3: 6/7 GHz RF Channel Guide (U.S. Broadcast) Channel (-) Offset (MHz) (0) Center (MHz) (+) Offset (MHz) -6.25 MHz 25.0 MHz spacing +6.25 MHz 1 6881.25 6887.50 6893.75 00000.000 2 6906.25 6912.50 6918.75 00000.000 3 6913.25 6937.50 6943.75 00000.000 4 6956.25 6962.50 6968.75 00000.000 5 6981.25 6987.50 6993.75 00000.000 6 7006.25 7012.50 7018.75 00000.000 7 7031.25 7037.50 7043.75 00000.000 8 7056.25 7062.50 7068.75 00000.000 9 7081.25 7087.50 7093.
Table A-4: 12/13 GHz RF Channel Guide (U.S. Broadcast) Channel (-) Offset (MHz) (0) Center (MHz) (+) Offset (MHz) (++) Offset (MHz) -6.25 MHz 25.0 MHz spacing +6.25 MHz ----- 1 12706.25 12712.50 12718.75 00000.000 2 12731.25 12737.50 12743.75 00000.000 3 12756.25 12762.50 12768.75 00000.000 4 12781.25 12787.50 12793.75 00000.000 5 12806.25 12812.50 12818.75 00000.000 6 12831.25 12837.50 12843.75 00000.000 7 12856.25 12862.50 12868.75 00000.000 8 12881.25 12887.
A.3 US 12 MHz Channel Plan Here are the frequencies that will be used in the new US 12 MHz channel plan. Your CR2 is pre-programmed with the frequencies listed in Section A.2 on page A-1. However, as your station migrates to the new channel plan, you can easily reprogram your CR2 using the Channel Plan Menu, found under the “Mod CP” option on the Main Menu screen. See the “Advanced Operation” chapter of the CR2 Technical Reference Manual.
B Glossary This section describes acronyms and abbreviations used in communications, broadcasting, and in MRC Products and documentation. Table B-1: Useful Terms (Continued) AMI Alternate Mark Inversion, line code format for traffic data. AVG Average. ASI Asynchronous Serial Interface A serial communications interface operating at 270 Mbit/sec., generally used in field news-gathering operations.
Table B-1: Useful Terms (Continued) Table B-1: Useful Terms (Continued) Composite (Baseband) A band or grouping of frequencies and/or subcarriers, including video, occupied by the signal in a radio transmission system. Also called Baseband. ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute FCC Federal Communications Commission, the United State's communications regulatory agency.
Table B-1: Useful Terms (Continued) IRE 1. Institute of Radio Engineers, an international professional radio engineering association that establishes various standards. 2. A unit of measurement, established by the IRE, in which 1 IRE Unit =.00714 volts peak-to-peak (Vp-p) and 140 IRE units equals 1 Vp-p.
Table B-1: Useful Terms (Continued) Site ID A physical location where any number of modems, transmitters, or receivers are installed. SMPTE Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio STDBY Standby. Subcarrier An electromagnetic signal that is used as a medium for placing an information channel above another information channel.
Index Antenna Select 3-2 Band Select 3-2 Polarization Select 3-2 Layout 2-4 Overview 3-1 Numerics D 16QAM B-1 4FSK B-1 64QAM B-1 Display Layout 3-5, 3-6 Navigating 3-5 Documents Ordering 1-2 Related 1-2 DVB B-2 DVB-S B-2 DVB-T B-2 A ASI B-1 Audience, Intended 1-2 B Backlight Delay Description 3-5 Baseband B-1 F C Frequently Performed Tasks 3-7 Activate Transmitter 3-7 Deactivate Transmitter 3-7 Selecting Channel 3-8 Selecting Offset 3-8 Set High Power 3-7 Set Low Power 3-7 Switch Antennas 3-8 Swit
I Frequency 2-1 Power 2-1 Outdoor Unit Connection to Indoor Unit 2-7 Indoor Unit Connection to Outdoor Unit 2-7 K R Keypad 3-5 Layout 3-6 Remote Control Operating 3-9 L S LEDs Function 3-1 Status 3-3 Lockout, Automatic 3-1 Status LEDs 3-3 Subcarrier B-4 SYNTH B-4 System Components 2-3 Configurations 2-8 Description 2-1 M Main Menu Accessing 3-5 Main Screen 3-5 Maps, Menu 3-10 Menu Maps 3-10 Analog 3-11 Digital 3-12 Notes 3-13 V Video B-4 O ODU B-3 OFDM B-3 Operating Controls 2-4 Operating Notes
