INSTALLATION AND OPERATING MANUAL P25 Series UHF CONTINUOUS DUTY POWER AMPLIFIER Crescend Technologies 140 E. State Parkway Schaumburg, IL 60173 Tel:
Fax:
847-908-5400 847-908-5408 sales@crescendtech.com www.crescendtech.com 040003A010 Rev A User Manual 040003A010 Rev A Page 2 of 25 User Manual 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION This manual contains installation and operating information for the Crescend High Power 406-420 MHz Power Amplifier. The manual is organized into multiple sections as follows:
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 1.2 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 3 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................... 3 2 INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1 2.2 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................................... 5 INITIAL STARTUP ................................................................................................................ 6 3 OPERATING INFORMATION ............................................................................................................... 7 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 7 STATUS INDICATORS AND MONITOR CONNECTOR ...................................................... 7 DETAILED STATUS INDICATOR AND MONITOR CONNECTOR INFORMATION ............ 9 DIGITAL COMMUNICATION INTERFACE (RS232) ...........................................................13 POWER SET CONTROL .....................................................................................................17 4 TROUBLESHOOTING ..........................................................................................................................18 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.3.1 4.3.2 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................18 TROUBLESHOOTING .........................................................................................................18 RETURN FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES...........................................................................20 OBTAINING RMA ........................................................................................................20 REPACKAGING FOR SHIPMENT ..............................................................................20 5 MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................................................................21 5.1 5.2 5.3 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................21 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................21 CLEANING AIR INLETS/OUTLETS .....................................................................................21 6 RF ENERGY EXPOSURE ....................................................................................................................22 6.1 RF ENERGY EXPOSURE AWARENESS, CONTROL INFORMATION, AND OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH FCC RF EXPOSURE LIMITS ........................................22 6.2 FEDERAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION REGULATIONS .........................................22 6.3 RF EXPOSURE COMPLIANCE, CONTROL GUIDELINES AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................................................................22 1.2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The Crescend Technologies High Power UHF RF power amplifier is designed for paging and other applications that use a single carrier constant envelope waveform. The amplifier is designed to be powered from either an external +48 VDC source or an optional internal AC power supply. Model 040003A010 Rev A Page 3 of 25 User Manual GA amplifiers cover the 406-420 MHz band without retuning. Model HA amplifiers cover the 450-
470MHz band without retuning. Amplifier specifications are shown in Table 1-1. There are seven input ranges available as shown in Table 1-2. Closed loop power control is used to maintain a constant output power under varying voltage, signal input level, frequency and output load conditions. Several design features work to protect the amplifier under adverse conditions. The amplifier is designed to fit into 5.25 inches (3RU) of vertical 19-inch rack space. The front panel includes LED indicators for monitoring status and alarm conditions. This information is also accessible via a monitor connector on the rear of the amplifier. The fan assembly draws ambient air in from the front and blows the air across the heat sink fins out the back of the amplifier. NOTE:
The manufacturers rated output power of this equipment (see Table 1-1) is specified for single carrier operation using constant-envelope modulation. This equipment is NOT designed for multiple-carrier operation, nor is it intended to be used with non-
constant envelope modulation waveforms. Table 1-1 Amplifier Specifications Specification Value Instantaneous Bandwidth 406-420 MHz (GA models), 450-470MHz (HA models) Output Power Range 25 W - 250 W Input Impedance Output Impedance 50 Ohms 50 Ohms Table 1-2 Amplifier Input Power Ranges Input Power Designator Code Input Power Range Nominal Gain (250W Output) R2GA, R2HA R5GA, R5HA 1GA. 1HA 2GA, 2HA 5GA, 5HA 10GA, 10HA 20GA, 20HA 0.2 - 0.5 W 0.5 - 1 W 1 - 2 W 2- 5 W 5 - 10 W 10 - 20 W 30 - 40 W 28.5 dB 25.0 dB 22.0 dB 18.5 dB 15.0 dB 12.0 dB 8.5 dB 040003A010 Rev A Page 4 of 25 User Manual 2 INSTALLATION 2.1 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS The amplifier is designed for installation in a rack that permits access to the rear of the unit for connection of RF and monitor/control cables, and DC power cables or AC line cord if the unit incorporates the internal AC power supply option. The amplifier must have a minimum of 3 inches of open space in front and to the rear of the chassis to allow adequate air flow and ventilation. If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack, the operating ambient temperature within the rack environment may be greater than the room ambient. The equipment installation must be compatible with the +60C maximum temperature rating of the amplifier. Caution should be exercised when rack mounting the amplifier to avoid creation of a hazardous condition due to uneven mechanical loading. Avoid top-heavy or cantilever installations which may cause the equipment rack to become unbalanced. Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the AC or DC supply circuit and the effect that overloading of the circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Consideration of the appropriate current rating (10A for 110-125VAC operation, 20A for +48VDC operation) should be used in addressing this concern. Caution should be exercised with supply connections which are not direct connections to the branch circuit (e.g. use of power outlet strips). Reliable grounding of rack-mounted equipment should always be maintained. To install the amplifier, proceed as follows:
1. Mount the amplifier in equipment rack and secure in place. 2. Connect a properly sized 50 Ohm cable and load (antenna) to the RF OUT connector on rear of amplifier. 3. Connect the transceiver/exciter output to RF IN connector on rear of amplifier. 4. If monitoring of PA is desired, connect alarm cable to MONITOR connector on rear of amplifier module. See section 3 for more details about monitor pins. 5. Connect a ground cable to the rear panel stud of the amplifier. A UL Listed ground bonding recommended, such as Harger p/n UBC61411/4KIT5, conductor assembly UBC61811/4KIT5, or UBC63211/4KIT5. These ground cable interfaces consist of Harger p/n 6-6R1 ring tongue lugs crimped to various lengths of Harger p/n 6XLPE133G/YS #6 AWG ground cable. is 6. If the unit is the 48 VDC version, measure the DC output voltage of the external power supply. DC voltage should be +48 +/- 0.5VDC. Turn off the DC voltage. NOTE:
Make sure power supply DC is well filtered and well behaved with minimal voltage overshoot. Keep DC cables as short as possible (recommend no greater than 2 feet) to minimize inductive voltage transients. Size DC cables properly to handle the load current to minimize voltage drop during times of transmission when current draw is highest. WARNING:
Turn off external primary DC power before connecting DC power cables. Connect positive primary power wire (+48VDC) to terminal marked +48VDC and 040003A010 Rev A Page 5 of 25 User Manual negative primary power wire to GND terminal next to it on rear of amplifier. 7. Check your work before applying DC voltage to the system. Make certain all connections are tight and the DC wires are going to the correct terminals. 8. If the unit has the optional internal AC power supply: Connect an unpowered AC cord to AC plug on rear of amplifier. 9. Refer to Section 2.2 for initial start-up procedures. 2.2 INITIAL STARTUP To perform the initial start-up, proceed as follows:
1. Check to ensure that all input and output cables are properly connected and tightened. NOTE:
Use high quality coaxial cable and connectors. Properly install all connectors for reliability. CAUTION: Before applying power, make sure that the input and output of the amplifier are properly terminated in 50 ohms. Do not operate the amplifier without a load attached. Refer to Table 1-2 for input power requirements. Excessive input power will damage the amplifier. NOTE:
The output coaxial cable between the amplifier and antenna must be 50 Ohm cable and adequately sized to handle the rated power level with additional stresses from high VSWR taken into account. The shield of the 50 Ohm coaxial cable must be connected to ground at the entrance of the building in which the equipment is installed. This should be done in accordance with applicable national electrical installation codes. In the U.S., this is required by Section 820.93 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70. 2. Apply 48 VDC from your power supply or AC mains power (depending on whether amplifier has the optional internal AC power supply) to the amplifier with the supplied line cord. After a short delay, the fans will power on. Check that all fans are running. 3. Visually check the indicators on the front of the amplifier and verify the following:
a. The PWR ON indicator (green) is on. b. All other LED indicators (red and yellow) are off. 4. Set the external exciter power level so that it is within the specified input power range and apply the RF signal to the amplifier input port. The amplifier will deliver nominally 250W at the output connector. The green exciter drive status LED will illuminate when the RF drive is detected. This LED is meant to give the user a general indication that the exciter is active and is delivering output power when troubleshooting an alarm condition. However, it does not indicate that the minimum input power level has necessarily been reached. 5. Remove the RF input signal. The output power will drop to zero. Only the Power On indicator will be illuminated. The amplifier is ready to use. 040003A010 Rev A Page 6 of 25 User Manual 3 OPERATING INFORMATION 3.1 INTRODUCTION This section contains general amplifier operating information 3.2 STATUS INDICATORS AND MONITOR CONNECTOR The amplifier status indicators and alarms are described in Table 3-1 and Table 3-2. Table 3-1 High Power UHF Amplifier Status LED Indicators STATUS LED FUNCTION PWR ON Green LED. Illumination indicates unit is powered on EXCITER DRIVE Green LED. Illumination indicates RF input power has been applied CHECK FAN Red LED. Illumination indicates low fan speed or a locked rotor HIGH TEMP Red LED. Activates when the amplifier exceeds a safe operating temperature. Unit shuts down until safe operating temperature returns HIGH VSWR Red LED. Activates when load VSWR > 3:1. Amplifier shuts down. Alarm active until RF input removed and reapplied HIGH INPUT Yellow LED. Illumination indicates RF input power exceeds safe level (~125%) of rated input power. Alarm active until RF input removed LOW OUTPUT Yellow LED. Can activate if power drops due to low gain or minimum specified input level is not applied Table 3-2 Monitor Connector Description PIN NO NAME DESCRIPTION 1 POWER CTL Output Power Level Control. POWER CTL signal is pulled up internally to 10V and pulled down by POWER SET potentiometer located on front panel. To ensure the full adjustment range of output power from 250W to 25W with POWER CTL signal, make sure POWER SET is turned fully clock wise (refer to section 3.5 for details). Both POWER CTL analog input and POWER SET potentiometer can be disabled by digital communication interface if either PS=***\r or PM=***\r command is sent to the amplifier (refer to Table 3-7 in section 0 for details). 2 3 4 5 6 REV PWR Reverse Power Voltage GND Ground Return HI TEMP Alarm - High Temperature Amplifier Shutdown RXD GND RS232 Interface Received Data Ground Return 040003A010 Rev A Page 7 of 25 User Manual PIN NO NAME DESCRIPTION 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 HI INPUT Alarm - RF Input Power Above Maximum Rating CHECK FAN Alarm - Low fan speed or locked rotor detected PA FAULT Alarm - Low Output Power, RF Input Power Above Maximum Rating, High Temperature Amplifier Shutdown, High VSWR or No Power Supply Voltage FWD PWR Forward Power Voltage HI VSWR Alarm - High VSWR RF DRIVE Minimum RF Input Drive Indicator TXD GND RS232 Interface Transmitted Data NOT FOR EXTERNAL CONNECTION - DO NOT USE LOW PWR Alarm - Low Output Power Figure 3-1 DSUB-15 Connector Pin Numbers 040003A010 Rev A Page 8 of 25 User Manual 3.3 DETAILED STATUS INDICATOR AND MONITOR CONNECTOR INFORMATION The detailed amplifier status indicators, alarm truth table and monitor connector information is described in detail in Table 3-3 through Table 3-5. Table 3-3 Amplifier Status Indicators LED NAME FUNCTION INDICATION CONDITION RECOVERY PWR ON DC Power Up Indicator Green Light Power is turned on Off Power is turned off Power source is active EXCITER RF Input Power DRIVE Indicator Green Light RF input power is at or above threshold. If no other alarms present, the amplifier is placed into transmit mode RF power at input is below the Off activation threshold. Amplifier is in standby mode Set RF input power above threshold CHECK FAN HI TEMP Alarm - Fan Failure or Service Required Alarm - High Temperature Amplifier Shutdown Alarm - Low fan speed or locked Red Light rotor detected. May require cleaning or replacement Off Normal operation Red Light Alarm Temperature has exceeded maximum operation threshold. The amplifier output is shutdown Off Normal operation To reset the alarm, it is necessary to perform fan maintenance procedure To reset the alarm, it is necessary for the amplifier to cool down to below the maximum safe operation threshold HI VSWR Alarm - High VSWR at Amplifier Output Red Light Alarm > 3:1VSWR at the amplifier output was detected. The amplifier To reset the alarm, it is necessary to remove the high VSWR from the output is shutdown amplifier output and reapply RF input Off Normal operation power (The alarm will remain illuminated after RF input power is removed) Alarm - RF Input Yellow Light Alarm - RF power at input exceeds To reset the alarm, it is necessary to maximum threshold level reduce RF drive signal level and HI INPUT Power Above Maximum Rating Off Normal operation LOW OUTPUT Alarm - Low Output Power Yellow Light Alarm the analog control loop is open. Amplifier is no longer able to adjust the output power Off Normal operation reapply RF input power (The alarm will remain illuminated after RF input power is removed) Alarm is turned off only when the analog control loop is closed. Check if input signal level is within normal limits. If RF input is within range, and all other conditions are normal, this indicates a potential PA failure 040003A010 Rev A Page 9 of 25 User Manual Table 3-4 Alarm Truth Table Alarm LED Color Amplifier Shutdown PA Fault Recovery CHECK FAN HI TEMP HI VSWR Red Red Red HI INPUT Yellow LOW OUTPUT Yellow No Yes Yes No No High High High High High Clean fans, replace if defective Reduce PA temperature below 65C Input Re-Key Input Re-Key Set input drive above minimum threshold Table 3-5 Monitor Connector Description PIN NO NAME SIGNAL TYPE DESCRIPTION SIGNAL STATES CONDITION APPROPRIATE LOAD 1. POWER CTL Analog Input Output Power Level Control
(refer to section 0 and 3.5 for limitations) Open Maximum output power 0-10V Adjusts output power setting Signal is pulled up internally to 10V. Pull down signal with appropriate circuitry. 2. REV PWR Analog Output Reverse Power Voltage 0-10V Uncalibrated analog voltage that is proportional to the reflected power detected at the amplifier output
> 100 kOhm,
< 100pF 3. GND Ground return 4. HI TEMP Digital Output
<0.8V Alarm - High Temperature Amplifier Shutdown Alarm Temperature has exceeded maximum operation threshold. The amplifier output is shutdown. To reset the alarm, it is necessary for the amplifier to cool to a temperature below the maximum safe operation threshold
> 100 kOhm,
< 100pF
>3.3V Normal operation 5. RXD Digital Input Received data RS232 voltages RS232 communication interface 6. GND 040003A010 Rev A Ground return Page 10 of 25 User Manual PIN NO NAME SIGNAL TYPE DESCRIPTION SIGNAL STATES CONDITION APPROPRIATE LOAD 7 HI INPUT Dig Alarm High Input Power Detected at Amplifier Input
<0.8V Alarm RF input power exceeds maximum power threshold level. To reset the alarm, it is necessary to reduce RF drive signal level and reapply RF input power (The alarm will remain illuminated after RF input power is removed)
>3.3V Normal Operation 8. CHECK FAN Dig Digital Output replacement if defective. Alarm Low fan speed or locked rotor
<0.8V detected. May require fan maintenance or
> 100 kOhm,
< 100pF
>3.3V Normal operation 9. PA FAULT Digital Output Open Collector
(External Pull-
Up Resistor Required) Fault - CHECK FAN, HI TEMP, HI VSWR, Open HI INPUT, LOW OUPUT, No Supply Power 10. FWD PWR Analog Output Forward Power Voltage Uncalibrated analog voltage that is 0-10V proportional to the forward power detected at the amplifier output
> 100 kOhm,
< 100pF 11. HI VSWR Digital Output Alarm - High VSWR Detected at Amplifier Output Alarm > 3:1 VSWR at the amplifier output was detected. Amplifier output is shutdown. To reset the alarm, it is
<0.8V necessary to remove the high VSWR from the amplifier output and reapply RF input power (the alarm LED will remain illuminated after RF input power is removed)
> 100 kOhm,
< 100pF
>3.3V Normal operation 12. EXCITER DRIVE Digital Output Minimum RF Input Power Indicator Minimum RF power on input is present.
<0.8V With no alarms amplifier is set into transmit mode
>3.3V RF power at input is below an activation threshold. Amplifier is in standby mode
> 100 kOhm,
< 100pF 13. TXD Digital Output Transmitted data RS232 voltages RS232 communication interface 14. GND Ground return (Caution: Not for external connection, do not use) 14. 040003A010 Rev A Page 11 of 25 User Manual PIN NO NAME SIGNAL TYPE DESCRIPTION SIGNAL STATES CONDITION APPROPRIATE LOAD 15. LOW PWR Digital Output Alarm - Low Output Power
<0.8V Alarm the analog control loop is open and unable to adjust the output power level. Alarm is turned off only when the analog control loop is closed. Check if drive level is within normal limits. If RF input is within range, and all other conditions are normal, this may indicate a potential PA failure.
> 100 kOhm,
< 100pF
>3.3V Normal operation 040003A010 Rev A Page 12 of 25 User Manual 3.4 DIGITAL COMMUNICATION INTERFACE (RS232) The amplifier is supplied with a RS232 digital communication interface that provides status and alarm information. The communications interface settings are described in detail in Table 3-6. Table 3-6 Digital Communication Interface Settings Voltage Level RS232 voltage levels Transmission Bit Rates 38.4 Kbps No of Data Bits Stop Bits Parity Flow Control 8 1 No parity No flow control The digital communication interface uses readable ASCII characters. Characters are sent by the amplifier only in response to commands. Commands and responses are terminated by a carriage return (\r). If characters are sent to the amplifier before the carriage return (\r) and do not match a legal command, the amplifier ignores the characters and sends no response. The amplifier will respond to lower case version of commands (e.g. sn?\r or Rt?\r). Digital communication commands are described in detail in Table 3-7 Table 3-7 Digital Communication Interface Commands COMMAND RETURNED ANSWER NOTES CN?\r CN=*********\r Return Crescend serial number. SV?\r Example:
CN=151238614\r SV=****\r Example:
SV=0001\r Return software version. PN?\r PN=**********************\r"
Return part number. Example:
PN=P25-20GA3-PS1-C8-
001\r RN?\r
"RN=****\r"
Example:
RN=O\r Return revision number. 040003A010 Rev A Page 13 of 25 User Manual COMMAND RETURNED ANSWER NOTES RT?\r RV?\r RT=***C Examples:
RT=095C, RT=-09C RV=**.***V\r Example:
RV=47.985V Return active stage temperature. Return DC supply voltage. RC?\r RC=**.***A\r Example:
RC=09.233A\r EX=1\r EX=1\r
"PS=***W\r"
"PS=***W\r"
Example:
Example:
PS=250W\r PS=250W\r
"PM=***W\r"
"PM=***W\r"
Example:
Example:
PM=250W\r PM=250W\r
"PS?\r"
"PS=***W\r"
Example:
PS=250W\r PS=EX\r Return DC supply current. Current does not include fan current. Enable the external control of output power level. With the external control enabled, the power level can be controlled through POWER SET potentiometer and POWER CTL analog input. The command changes registers in the nonvolatile memory. The external control of output power level will remain enabled after the amplifier is powered down. The external control of output power level is set by default at the factory. Set power level. The value range is from 050 to 250 with step 010. The controller will round any numbers that do not meet this criterion. The command does not change registers in the nonvolatile memory. If the external control of output power level is enabled prior the command is send, it will remain enabled after power down. Set power level and save into the nonvolatile memory. The value range is from 050 to 250 with step 010. The controller will round any numbers that do not meet this criterion. The digital control of output power level will remain enabled after amplifier power down. Return power level that is set in the volatile memory. If the external control of output power level is enabled, the amplifier returns EX value. 040003A010 Rev A Page 14 of 25 User Manual COMMAND RETURNED ANSWER NOTES
"PM?\r"
"PM=***W\r"
Example:
PM=250W\r PM=EX\r Return power level that is saved in nonvolatile memory. If the external control of output power level is enabled, the amplifier returns EX value.
"CF?\r"
CF=1\r Return CHECK FAN alarm status.
(0 - alarm; 1 - normal operation)
"F1?\r"
F1=*****RPM\r Return fan 1 speed. Example:
F1=03450RPM\r
"F2?\r"
F2=*****RPM\r Return fan 2 speed. Example:
F2=03500RPM\r
"FT?\r"
FT=*****RPM\r Example:
FT=03500RPM\r PF?\r LO?\r HT?\r HI?\r HR?\r PF=*\r Example:
PF=1\r LO=*\r Example:
LO=1\r HT=*\r Example:
HT=1\r HI=*\r Example:
HI=1\r HR=*\r Example:
HR=1\r Return CHECK FAN alarm speed threshold. Return PA FAULT alarm sate.
(0 - alarm; 1 - normal operation) Return LOW OUTPUT alarm state.
(0 - alarm; 1 - normal operation) Return HI TEMP alarm state.
(0 - alarm; 1 - normal operation) Return HI INPUT alarm state.
(0 - alarm; 1 - normal operation) Return HI VSWR alarm state.
(0 - alarm; 1 - normal operation) 040003A010 Rev A Page 15 of 25 User Manual COMMAND RETURNED ANSWER NOTES ED?\r ED=*\r Example:
ED=0\r
* - represents a single char Return EXCITER DRIVE condition state.
(0 - RF input signal present; 1 - no RF signal at PA input) 040003A010 Rev A Page 16 of 25 User Manual 3.5 POWER SET CONTROL The amplifier is equipped with a single turn POWER SET potentiometer located on the front panel. The potentiometer allows the user to adjust the amplifier output power from 250W down to 25W. Turning the potentiometer fully clockwise sets the amplifier to the maximum output power level. POWER SET potentiometer pulls down the POWER CTL signal located in the Monitor connector
(section 3.2 and 3.3). To ensure the full output power adjustment range from 250W to 25W with POWER SET potentiometer, make sure that POWER CTL analog output is either left open or connected to a 10V source. Both POWER SET and POWER CTL can be disabled by the digital communication interface if either PS=***W\r or PM=***W\r command is sent to the amplifier (refer to Table 3-7 section 0 for details). 040003A010 Rev A Page 17 of 25 User Manual 4 TROUBLESHOOTING 4.1 INTRODUCTION This section contains a list of potential problems and suggested actions to be taken. If the suggested corrective action does not eliminate the problem, please contact the Crescend factory for further instructions. NOTE:
Do not break the seals on equipment under warranty or the warranty will be null and void. Do not return equipment for warranty or repair service until obtaining RMA and proper shipping instructions from the factory. 4.2 TROUBLESHOOTING Refer to Table 4-1 for troubleshooting suggestions. Table 4-1 Troubleshooting Guide N O R W P I E V R D R E T C X E I I E V R D F R
R E W O P T U P T U O S U T A T S T L U A F A P N A F K C E H C P M E T I H R W S V I H T U P N I I H T U P T U O W O L ON ON Full power Low ON OFF No power Low ON High ON R E H T O S M O T P M Y S ON ON Low or High ON no power 040003A010 Rev A Page 18 of 25 POSSIBLE CAUSE SUGGESTED ACTIONS Amplifier is in transmit mode. No action is required. Amplifier remains in standby mode. Apply RF input signal to amplifier. Input power is below activation threshold. Verify exciter signal level. Low fan speed due to dirt. Clean dirt from fans and vents Low fan speed due to aging. Obtain RMA to have amplifier checked at factory. Fan rotor locked. Input power is above activation threshold but lower than minimum specified value. Input signal frequency is out of amplifier operation band. Obtain RMA to have amplifier checked at factory. Verify exciter signal level. Verify exciter signal frequency. User Manual N O R W P I E V R D R E T C X E I I E V R D F R
R E W O P T U P T U O S U T A T S T L U A F A P N A F K C E H C P M E T I H R W S V I H T U P N I I H T U P T U O W O L ON ON Full power High OFF OFF No power High OFF OFF No power High ON ON No power High ON ON R E H T O S M O T P M Y S POSSIBLE CAUSE SUGGESTED ACTIONS Amplifier failure. Verify exciter signal frequency and level. Obtain RMA to have amplifier checked at factory. High power input signal level has been detected. Turn off input drive. Verify exciter signal level. Fuse failure Disconnect AC cord. Check fuse and replace if necessary. No AC power is applied to amplifier. Verify AC power source. Power Supply failure Fans operate Amplifier failure Ambient temperature is above 60C. Air circulation is blocked. Obtain RMA to have amplifier checked at factory. Obtain RMA to have amplifier checked at factory. Turn off input drive. Allow amplifier to cool down. Verify cabinet ventilation and room air temperature. Turn off input drive. Allow amplifier to cool. Disconnect AC cord. Clean up air vents. Remove any obstacles from air inlet and outlet. 040003A010 Rev A Page 19 of 25 User Manual N O R W P I E V R D R E T C X E I I E V R D F R
R E W O P T U P T U O S U T A T S T L U A F A P N A F K C E H C P M E T I H R W S V I H T U P N I I H T U P T U O W O L ON ON No power High ON R E H T O S M O T P M Y S One or more inactive fans ON ON No power High ON OFF No power Low ON ON Low power Low ON ON POSSIBLE CAUSE SUGGESTED ACTIONS Fan failure Turn off input drive. Allow amplifier to cool. Disconnect AC cord. Try removing any obstacles from fan blades if present. Obtain RMA to have amplifier checked at factory. Turn off input drive. Check output connections and cables for integrity and tightness. Check antenna, combiner, etc. for proper return loss. Output load VSWR is above 3:1. Output load VSWR higher than 3:1 was detected before RF input signal was removed. Low signal is applied to POWER CTL pin. Remove any voltage or short attached to POWER CTL pin. POWER SET potentiometer is turned counter clockwise. Turn POWER SET potentiometer fully clockwise. 4.3 RETURN FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES When returning products for service to Crescend, please follow the procedures below. 4.3.1 OBTAINING RMA A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained prior to returning equipment to the factory for service. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 800-872-6233 to obtain this number. Failure to obtain this RMA number may result in considerable delays in receiving repair service. 4.3.2 REPACKAGING FOR SHIPMENT To ensure safe shipment of the amplifier, it is recommended to use the packaging designed for the amplifier. The original packaging material is reusable. If it is not available, contact Crescend Customer Service Department for packing materials and information. 040003A010 Rev A Page 20 of 25 User Manual 5 MAINTENANCE 5.1 INTRODUCTION This section contains periodic maintenance requirements for reliable amplifier operation. 5.2 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE Periodic maintenance requirements are listed in Table 5-1. Table 5-1 also lists the intervals at which the tasks should be performed. Table 5-1 Periodic Maintenance TASK INTERVAL ACTION Clean Air Vents/Check Fan 30 Days Inspect and clean per paragraph 5-3. Verify fans are working properly. Inspect Cables and Connectors and General Site Conditions 6 Months Inspect signal and power cables for frayed insulation and proper attachment. Check RF connectors to make sure that they are tight. Inspect the lightning protection system and ground at the site. 5.3 CLEANING AIR INLETS/OUTLETS The air inlets and outlets should be checked every 30 days and cleaned if necessary. If the equipment is operated in a severe dust environment, it should be checked and cleaned more often. If dust and dirt are allowed to accumulate, the cooling efficiency will be diminished. Using either compressed air or a brush with soft bristles, loosen and remove accumulated dust and dirt from the air inlet panels. Check that the fans are running smoothly. A slow running or noisy fan may indicate an imminent fan failure. Heat is one of the biggest factors in reducing the reliability of the amplifier. Ensure the fan has access to cool and clean airflow within the rack. 040003A010 Rev A Page 21 of 25 User Manual 6 RF ENERGY EXPOSURE 6.1 RF ENERGY EXPOSURE AWARENESS, CONTROL INFORMATION, AND OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH FCC RF EXPOSURE LIMITS NOTE:
This power amplifier product is intended for use in environments in which personnel have full knowledge of their exposure and can exercise control over their exposure to meet FCC limits. This power amplifier is NOT authorized for use by the general population, consumer, or for use under conditions where unintended or accidental exposure may occur. This power amplifier product generates electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to provide communications between users over a distance. RF energy is one specific form of electromagnetic energy. Other forms include, but are not limited to, sunlight and x-rays. RF energy, however, should not be confused with these other forms of electromagnetic energy, which when used improperly, can cause biological damage. Very high levels of x-rays, for example, can damage tissues and genetic material. Experts in science, engineering, medicine, health, and industry work with organizations to develop standards for safe exposure to RF energy. These standards provide recommended acceptable levels for personnel who may be exposed to RF energy. The RF exposure levels described therein include substantial margins of protection. When properly installed and used, Crescend power amplifier products meet all government-
established RF exposure levels. In addition, Crescend recommends specific operating instructions for users of its power amplifier products. These instructions are important because they inform users about RF energy exposure and provide simple procedures on how to control it. Please refer to the following Web sites for more information on the nature of RF energy exposure and how to control your exposure to assure compliance with established RF exposure limits. http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/rf-faqs.html http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiofrequencyradiation/index.html 6.2 FEDERAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION REGULATIONS The FCC rules require manufacturers to comply with the FCC RF energy exposure limits for communication devices before they can be marketed in the U.S. The FCC further requires users to be fully aware of and able to control their exposure to meet RF energy exposure limits. This document includes operating instructions and information required to control your RF exposure and to satisfy compliance requirements. 6.3 RF EXPOSURE COMPLIANCE, CONTROL GUIDELINES AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS To control exposure to yourself and others and to ensure compliance with the RF exposure limits, always adhere to the following guidelines. 1. Crescend power amplifier products are intended for use in fixed communication locations
(e.g. base station sites). The antenna installation must comply with the following requirements to ensure optimum performance and compliance with the RF energy exposure limits required by the FCC. 040003A010 Rev A Page 22 of 25 User Manual a. The antenna should be mounted outside the site building on a roof, tower, or other support structure such that its location is inaccessible to personnel within the Minimum Permissible Exposure radius (see below). b. The licensee must undertake the responsibility to manage the site in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements. This may include, but is not limited to, providing advisory notices to all personnel who may be exposed to RF energy in the vicinity of the antenna, restricting access to areas adjacent to the antenna, or ceasing use of the power amplifier when RF energy exposure safety cannot be guaranteed. 2. When the power amplifier is operating, a front panel LED will be illuminated. The power amplifier will be generating measurable RF energy exposure when transmitting. 3. The maximum permissible exposure (MPE) radius is unique to each base site installation and is based on several factors such as the transmitter power output level, antenna gain, feed line loss, etc. It is the responsibility of the licensee to determine the MPE for the base site installation. a. For frequencies of operation between 300 and 1500MHz, the maximum exposure limit is f/1500 mw/cm2, where f = frequency in MHz b. An example calculation of the MPE radius for a 250 Watt 406 MHz transmitter installation having a 5 dBi gain antenna and 1dB of feedline loss is provided below:
040003A010 Rev A Page 23 of 25 14.1feet 12inches feet 169.2inches 2.54R inches compliancefor required (cm) distance 429.7RS4Gn)(PoR (numeric)gain 2.512Gn10GnCL-G1Glosscoax dB 1.0 CL1.1310 CFR 47 See dBi 5G1cmmW 0.270671500f S dBiin gain 2.15 dBd G1dBdin gain antenna 2.85 dBdMHz 406 f mWatts 250000 Po10G2 User Manual 4. In instances where the effective antenna gain (antenna gain feedline loss) differs from the example above, the MPE radius must be calculated by the licensee. Table 4-1 presents the results of calculations of the MPE radius for a 250 Watt 406 MHz transmitter having various effective antenna gain values. Table 6-1 Calculations of the MPE Radius for a 250 Watt 406 MHz Transmitter Effective Antenna Gain Minimum Safe Distance Minimum Safe Distance
(dBi)
(meters)
(feet) 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 3.83 4.30 4.82 5.41 6.07 6.81 7.64 8.57 12.6 14.1 15.8 17.7 19.9 22.3 25.1 28.1 WARNING: Failure to observe the minimum safe distance radius may result in exposure to RF radiated energy in excess of the FCC Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limit. The licensee is responsible for the safe operation of the base site and must ensure that the Maximum Permissible Exposure limits are observed at all times. 040003A010 Rev A Page 24 of 25 User Manual 040003A010 Rev A Page 25 of 25