PTX-PRO Transmitter User and Technical Manual Part No. 400611-1 Rev.
Copyright © 2011 Part number 400611-1 Printed in U.S.A. Authorized EU representative: Vislink PLC Quality Certification Vislink is certified to ISO 9001:2008. The Vislink trademark and other trademarks are registered trademarks in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft®, Windows®, and Internet Explorer® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Contents 1 About the PTX-PRO 1.1 Front Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connectors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1.2 Rear Panel Connectors and Fuses - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1.3 Related Documents- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1.4 Channel Plans (2, 7, and 13) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1.4.1 The 2 GHz Channel Plan - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1.4.
A PTX-PRO Specifications A.1 PTX-PRO Physical Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A.2 Power Connections- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A.2.1 Power Supply and Distribution - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A.3 Audio Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A.3.1 Front Panel Audio Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A.3.
1 About the PTX-PRO The PTX-PRO (see figure) is a versatile portable transmitter supporting many options and configurations. The transmitter supports digital, or digital and analog modulation accepting a wide range of inputs, such as composite video/audio, HD/SD SDI, ASI or external 70 MHz IF signal. The PTX-PRO is available for single band operation at 2, 7, or 13 GHz, or for dual band operation at 2 and 7 GHz.
1.1 Front Panel Controls, Indicators, and Connectors Each of these controls, indicators, and connectors are described in more detail in the following paragraphs. Controls, indicators, and connectors contained on the PTX-PRO front panel are shown in the following figure. A dual band switch is added to the indicated position if you order the 2 and 7 GHz dual band option.
WARNING A Major Alarm (red PWR LED) may also indicate a potential safety hazard. Shut down the PTX-PRO transmitter and disconnect power. AC/DC Power Connector Provides external AC or DC power sources. PWR Switch Controls application of AC or DC power to the PTX-PRO. Control Switch Turns clockwise to access status monitoring; see Section 3.3, Monitoring PTXPRO Operations on page 3-2. Turns counterclockwise to set device parameters; see Section 3.4, Configuring the PTX-PRO Manually on page 3-3.
AUDIO 3 & 4, L2/R2, or AES-EBU 10-Pin Female Connector Receives balanced audio inputs for audio subcarriers 3 and 4 or MPEG L2/R2. RF Output Type “N” 50 Ohm Female Connector Provides the RF output to the transmitting antenna. The universal type “N” connector lets you use PTX-PRO for emergency restoration of a Studio-Transmitter Link (STL) or Inter-City Relay (ICR) link. AC Fuse Provides AC input power protection for units used with AC power sources.
1.4 Channel Plans (2, 7, and 13) 1.4.1 The 2 GHz Channel Plan The following table shows the 2 GHz BAS channel plan. BAS Channel (-) Offset (MHz) (0) Offset (MHz) (+) Offset (MHz) 1 2028.500 2031.500 2034.500 2 2040.500 2043.500 2046.500 3 2052.500 2055.500 2058.500 4 2064.500 2067.500 2070.500 5 2076.500 2079.500 2082.500 6 2088.500 2091.500 2094.500 7 2100.500 2103.500 2106.500 8 2454.250 2458.500 2462.750 9 2471.000 2475.250 2479.500 10 2487.500 2491.750 2496.
1.4.3 The 13 GHz Channel Plan The following table shows the channel plan for 12.7 to 13.25 GHz. Channel (-) Offset (MHz) (0) Center (MHz) (+) Offset (MHz) 1 N/A 12712.500 12718.750 2 12731.250 12737.500 12743.750 3 12756.250 12762.500 12768.750 4 12781.250 12787.500 12793.750 5 12806.250 12812.500 12818.750 6 12831.250 12837.500 12843.750 7 12856.250 12862.500 12868.750 8 12881.250 12887.500 12893.750 9 12906.250 12912.500 12918.750 10 12931.250 12937.500 12943.
Installing the PTX-PRO 2 This chapter describes how to install Transmitter (PTX-PRO). CAUTION If you modify the product without authorization from Vislink, you will void the warranty. 2.1 Unpacking the PTX-PRO Carefully unpack your new equipment to avoid damage. • Locate all parts and accessories and verify that they are listed on the packing list. Note DO NOT discard the container or packing material until you have inspected the equipment and are sure there is no shipping damage.
WARNING - RF Power Hazard WARNING The unit has high levels of RF power. Exposure to RF or microwave power can cause burns and may be harmful to health. • Remove power from the unit before disconnecting any RF cables and before inspecting damaged cables and/or antennas. • Avoid standing in front of high gain antennas (such as a dish antenna) and never look into the open end of a waveguide or cable where RF power may be present.
Calculation steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. [P] RF power input. Watts to milliwatts = Watts * 1000 [G] Antenna gain dBi. Numeric gain = Antilog (dBi/10) [EIRP] Multiply P * G [R] Centimeters to feet = Centimeters * .0328 Square R Multiply R² * 4π [S] Divide (R² * 4π) into EIRP S = Power Density in milliwatts per square centimeters. Note At frequencies above 1500 MHz, S must not be greater than 1.
2.2.2 Antenna Gain (dBi) Minimum Safe Distance from Antenna (cm) Minimum Safe Distance from Antenna (inch) 0 20 7.9 5 32 12.6 16 113 44.5 20 178 70.1 35 1001 394.1 Powering and Grounding the PTX-PRO For safe operation, all equipment must be properly grounded. • Connect the unit to a common (vehicle or aircraft) ground. • Make the ground wire as short and straight as possible. CAUTION Be sure the equipment grounding follows applicable electrical codes.
2.3 Mounting on an MRC Tripod For portable applications, the PTX-PRO is moved from place to place. The power, antenna, and audio/ video connections are set up and removed each time. Quick Release Mount You can attach the PTX-PRO to a Quick Release Mount for easy mounting on an MRC tripod (see figure). The Quick Release Mount is attached to the bottom of the PTX-PRO using four 1/2-inch long, #632, flat head screws.
Option 2 To mount a PTX-PRO on a non-MRC tripod, another option is to attach the Dovetail Adapter Plate to the bottom of the PTX-PRO using four 1/2-inch long, #6-32, flat head screws. Flat Head Screws (4 Each) Dovetail Adapter Plate (Attached to PTX-PRO) Quick Release Mount The Quick Release Mount is then attached to the non-MRC tripod and the Dovetail Adapter Plate and PTX-PRO assembly is attached to the Quick Release Mount on the tripod mount.
Final Mounting When you mount the PTX-PRO on the tripod, the antenna typically is attached to the Antenna Lock Plate mounted on the PTX-PRO as shown in the following figure. Antenna Lock Plate PTX-PRO Receiver Antenna (2 options shown) Quick Release Mount Tripod An optional Rain Shield is also available for portable applications in inclement weather.
2.5 Installing Configurator Software You can configure the PTX-PRO with a PC by installing the MRC Radio Configurator. Your PC must meet the following minimum requirements. • 400 MHz • 96 RAM • 800x600 Screen resolution • Microsoft Windows XP Operating System with SP2 • 500 MB of free hard disk space • CD-ROM drive • Internet Explorer 4.01 SP1 or later • One RS-232 I/O port configured as COM 1 thru COM 9.
3 Operating the PTX-PRO This chapter describes how to use the PTX-PRO Transmitter (PTX-PRO). 3.1 Powering Up Before powering up the PTX-PRO, make sure to connect the cables to the correct connectors and fully mate and lock the connections. CAUTION Make sure the power supplied matches the power required by the unit. When you set the PWR switch to I (on), the following sequence occurs: 1.
3.3 Monitoring PTX-PRO Operations Review Monitor screens by turning the Control switch clockwise. The sequence of screens depends on the mode. • Analog IF mode routes a 70 MHz IF signal through the transmitter to the Signal input connector. • ASI In mode supplies an ASI stream to the RF output monitor connectors. • COFDM mode supplies a 70 MHz CODFM IF to the RF output and monitor connectors. • Ext. IF mode supplies a 70 MHz IF input signal to the Signal Input connector of the transmitter.
3.4 Configuring the PTX-PRO Manually This section describes how to configure your PTX-PRO with different settings using the front panel switches. You can set presets, video input mode, color bar, and RF attenuation levels, and set the channel and offset with associated switches. To configure your PTX-PRO with a PC, see Section 3.5, Configuring the PTX-PRO With a PC on page 3-4. The following table shows the sequence of screens displayed.
3.5 Configuring the PTX-PRO With a PC When you connect your PTX-PRO to a PC, you can create channel plans, and up-to-9 custom presets. If you need more than 9 presets, create as many preset configurations as you want and save them to a file, then load the configuration file when you need the saved presets. CAUTION Do not make configuration changes to your PTX-PRO while it is connected to a radio system that is actively transmitting because it will interrupt broadcast operations.
The MRC Radio Configurator automatically detects your PTX-PRO, your hardware configuration, and the licensed options contained in your PTX-PRO and loads a number of tabs where you can set parameters for your PTX-PRO. Licensed options that are not contained in your radio are not displayed in the MRC Radio Configurator tabs. For example, if you do not have the LMS-T licensed option in your radio, the LMS-T tab does not appear or is inactive. 3.5.
3.5.5 Modifying Preset Parameters To modify a preset, select a preset from the drop down box in the Preset Operations area on the Main tab of the MRC Radio Configurator and click Load Preset. The PTX-PRO loads the current values of that preset. Click on the tabs to modify various categories of parameters. Each tab is described in the following sections. Radio Mode Tab You can set the radio mode parameters for each preset. Field Options Preset Name Displays the name of the preset.
MPEG Tab The MPEG tab lets you specify the following parameters. Field Option Presets Click on a preset name to load its parameters into the fields. Radio Type Choose NTSC or PAL. General Info Service Specify the name of the service for this preset. Network Specify the name of the network for this preset. Input • • When Radio Type is NTSC and HD/SD is SD, you can choose SDI 525 In, NTSC In, NTSC Pedestal. This field is inactive for HD.
Field Option Aspect Ratio When HD/SD is SD, you can choose 4:3 or 16:9. This field is inactive for HD. HD/SD Choose HD or SD. HD Format When HD/SD is HD, you can choose 720p50, 720p59, 720p60, 1080i25, 1080i29, or 1080i30. Wayside State Choose OFF, IRD Compatible, or Strata Compatible. Wayside Baud When Wayside State is not OFF, choose 1200, 2400, 9600, 19200, or 38400. Audio A and Audio B Type Choose OFF, MPEG or Dolby E.
COFDM Tab The COFDM (Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) tab lets you specify the following parameters. Note Fields on the COFDM tab are active only for COFDM and ASI In operation modes. Field Option Preset Name Displays the name of the preset. Modulation Type Select QPSK, 16 QAM, or 64 QAM. Bandwidth Select 6 MHz, 7 MHz, or 8 MHz. FEC Select 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, or 7/8. Guard Select 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, or 1/4.
LMS-T Tab The LMS-T (Link Modulation System - Terrestrial) tab is a proprietary algorithm system for modulation. If you have this license, you can set the following parameters. Note Fields on the LMS-T tab are active only for LMS-T operation mode. Field Option Preset Name Displays the name of the preset. Modulation Type Select QPSK, or 16 QAM. Bandwidth Select 10 MHz, or 20 MHz. FEC Select 2/3. Guard Select 1/16, or 1/8.
FMT Tab The frequency modulation transmitter (FMT) tab lets you set the FMT parameters. Field Options Presets Click on the preset to display the parameter values of that preset. Video Deviation Choose 3 or 4 MHz. Enable Channel 1 (2, 3, 4) Enable to access additional channel specifications. Frequency When the channel is enabled, Choose one of the following frequencies: 4830, 5200, 5800, 6200, 6800, 7020, 7500, 8065, 8300, 8590. Preemphasis Check to enable; leave blank to disable.
Channel Plan Tab You can set up to a maximum of 22 channels for the PTX-PRO using channel plans with high and low offsets at 13 GHz, and fewer channels based upon the frequency band radio deployed (using the scroll bar). Field Option Offset – Specify the MHz values from your channel plan, or accept the default values. Center Specify the MHz values from your channel plan, or accept the default values. Offset + Specify the MHz values from your channel plan, or accept the default values.
Load Default Values—Click to load the default channel plan values. Clear Values—Click to clear all channel plan values.
Licensing Tab The Licensing Tab screen displays a list of features that your PTX-PRO has. If an item indicates that a feature is not licensed, you can purchase and obtain it by contacting Vislink Customer Support. Vislink supplies a license key that you enter to enable the licensed feature. Field Option Serial Number Displays the serial number of your PTX-PRO. Firmware Number Displays the firmware number of your PTX-PRO.
4 Troubleshooting This chapter describes how to troubleshoot your Transmitter (PTX-PRO). 4.1 Getting Support for Your PTX-PRO You can contact the Vislink Technical Support staff as follows: 24-hour Worldwide Customer Support E-mail: Telephone: support@mrcbroadcast.com +1 978-671-5929 or 888-777-9221 Customer Service E-mail: Telephone: customerservice@mrcbroadcast.
The mounting hardware for the PTX-PRO is listed in the following table. Part Description Antenna Lock Plate Attaches an MRC antenna directly to PTX-PRO RF output connector. Quick Release Provides quick release mounting of the PTX-PRO on an MRC tripod 4.1.2 Supported Repairs There are no supported field repairs to the PTX-PRO. Return the unit for factory repair. CAUTION If you attempt field repair, you risk damaging your equipment.
4.3 Addressing Display Error Messages Messages on the PTX-PRO screen alert you to problems. The following table suggests what to do if they appear. Message Meaning Not On Chnl Channel frequencies defined in the Channel Plan for that band are not being recognized. No Video Action The PTX-PRO is unable to lock onto video signal. • Change the channel. • Use Configurator software to check that the Channel Plan is correct. • Verify Channel Plan matches the transmitter settings.
4.5 Addressing Error Codes The following table describes the error codes and what to do if they appear. Error Code Meaning Action E000 Error Summary • Provides error summary. E001 Message ID • Displayed when a status message times out. E020 IF Fault • Verify condition of cable connections. E021 RF Fault • Verify condition of cable connections. E080 Communication Failure with the COFDM/MPEG Module • Verify condition of cable connections.
4.6 Addressing Configurator Problems The following table describes the MRC Radio Configurator errors and what to do if they appear. Error Connection failed on [COM port name] Possible Cause Suggested Action PTX-PRO system power is off. Turn PTX-PRO system power on. RS-232 cable is disconnected. Connect cable. Ensure connectors are fully seated on both ends. RS-232 cable is defective. Replace cable. Installed PTX-PRO hardware is defective. Contact Technical Support.
4-6 Troubleshooting PTX-PRO User and Technical Manual
PTX-PRO Specifications A This appendix contains specifications for your PTX-PRO Transmitter (PTX-PRO). A.1 PTX-PRO Physical Specifications Dimensions: Weight: Operating temperature: 9.3” x 4.0” x 12.0” 19.85 lbs (9.0 Kg). –20°C to +50°C A.2 Power Connections Check the electrical supply to be sure it can provide all the power needed at the site without overloading. Power ratings for equipment can be found on a rating plate, usually on the rear panel. If necessary, consult a licensed electrician. A.2.
The PTX-PRO universal AC/DC power supply can operate on either external AC or DC power sources. Power cable assemblies are available from MRC for the PTX-PRO based on the power to be used. Note If it is necessary to fabricate your own AC or DC power cable assembly, 20 AWG stranded wire is recommended for lengths up to 10 feet (3 M). Use one wire per connector contact. Consult the factory if you need longer cabling.
DC Power Cable Assembly A prefabricated DC Power Cable Assembly is available from MRC to connect the PTX-PRO PWR connector to a DC power source. DC Negative DC Positive The DC Power Cable Assembly is 10 ft. (3 m) long. The DC Power Cable Assembly comes with a power connector on one end only. The following figure shows the wiring diagram of the DC Power Cable Assembly. Black L K Red M J A B C D NC E F G H A.3 Audio Connections The PTX-PRO can provide analog or digital audio inputs.
A.3.2 Rear Panel Audio Connections The rear panel AUDIO 3 & 4 / AES-EBU connector is used for MPEG Audio B inputs or analog subcarriers 3 and 4. The mating connector is an Amphenol (MS3116F12-10S) or ITT Cannon (KPT06F12-10S). Rear panel AUDIO 3 & 4 / AES-EBU 10-PIN male connector pin-outs are shown in the following table. A prefabricated cable assembly (as shown in the following figure) splits the audio connections into two separate cables with XLR connectors.
The PTX-PRO provides a maximum of four audio circuits. Each audio circuit is a 3-wire balanced circuit capable of carrying one tone or voice signal. An audio circuit can carry one analog balanced channel or two digital AES/EBU channels. A.3.3 MPEG Audio input MPEG audio circuits must be configured in pairs with the MRC Radio Configurator software: • Audio 1 - LEFT/RIGHT or Digital AES/EBU. • Audio 2 - LEFT/RIGHT or Digital AES/EBU. A.3.
To access both radio and Wayside data, connect the DB-9 female RS-232 connector of the Multipurpose Data Cable (shown) to the PTX-PRO RS-232 connector.
A.5.1 Wayside Data The Wayside channel is a simplex data channel receiving data at the PTX-PRO from a transmitter system. The PTX-PRO outputs data using connections to the serial port through a Multipurpose Data Cable. RX TX WAYSIDE WAYSIDE Connect the Wayside channel to the serial port using a Serial/Wayside Multipurpose Data Cable as shown in the following figure. RS-232 Serial Connection to PC or Laptop TX or RX Multipurpose Data Cable RS-232 Wayside Data Channel Signal (i.e.
• Device Server Also called Serial-to-Ethernet converters, the device servers take serial RS-232 data and convert it to the format needed for an Ethernet network. • You can use a Lantronix UDS-10 because it accepts data via a DB-25 connector, and connects to the network via an RJ-45 connector. Interface Cable To PTX-PRO RS-232 This cable connects to the PTX-PRO data connector (DB-9) on one end and connect to the device server on the other (for example, a DB-25 connector in the case of the UDS-10).
Index Numerics 13 GHz channel plan 1-6 2 GHz channel plan 1-5 7 GHz channel plan 1-5 A AC power cable assembly A-2 AC power supply 1-1 AC/DC power connector connector AC/DC 1-3 AES/EBU audio input A-5 alphanumeric display 1-2, 3-1 Analog IF mode 3-2 antenna lock plate 2-7 ASI In mode 3-2 ASI INPUT 1-3 audio AES/EBU input A-5 digital A-5 MPEG input A-5 outputs A-3 mating power connector A-1 PWR (power) connector A-1 rear panel 1-3 RF output 1-4 D damage (reporting) 2-1 data cable, multipurpose A-7 data co
MPE, calculating 2-2 MPEG audio input A-5 MPEG/CODFM module 1-1 MRC Radio Configurator, using 3-4 MRC tripod 2-5 multipurpose data cable A-7 R radio mode parameters 3-6 related documents A-B replacement parts external cables and connectors 4-1 mounting hardware 4-2 reporting damage 2-1 RF output connector 1-4 RF power hazard 2-2 N networking A-7 O OFFSET Switch 1-2 S P parameter channel plan 3-12 CODFM 3-9 FMT 3-11 LMS-T 3-10 loading 3-5 radio mode 3-6 saving 3-5 parts external cables and connectors 4-
