Pacific Microwave Research AT100S Microwave Video and Audio Transmitter User Manual Pacific Microwave Research Inc
Pacific Microwave Research, Inc. Microwave Video and Audio Transmitter Pacific Microwave Research Inc
User Manual
Pacific Microwave Research, Inc.
AT-100 User’s Manual
© 2002
1.1 Introduction
The AT-100 Series Microwave Video and Audio Transmitter from Pacific Microwave
Research is a compact transmitter designed for short-range transmission applications
under FCC Part 90 and Part 74. Common uses include law enforcement surveillance and
electronic field production. The AT-100 is a compact unit designed for portable and field
applications to transmit remote video to a central receive location. The AT-100 is
designed to transmit one NTSC (or PAL) video signal plus two high quality video
signals. The AT-100 operates from a 12 Vdc power source and is capable of up to 2
Watts of output power. The AT-100 may be equipped with up to 16 channels consistent
with parameters listed on the user’s FCC station license.
2.0 Operation
The following section describes the proper operating techniques for the AT-100 Series
transmitter including power, antenna, video, and audio connections. The AT-100
generates heat during normal operation. The user should give careful consideration to
mounting the transmitter in such as way as to insure heat is directed away from the
housing. An external heatsink may be desirable in some operational modes.
2.1 Primary Connections
A number of connections must be made in order for the AT-100 to operate properly.
These include dc power; transmit antenna, video input, and audio input.
WARNING
Prior to transmitting, the user should determine the proper frequency o
r
channel of operation. Operating on the wrong frequency could cause
interference to other licensed users. Part 90 users may coordinate
frequencies through nationally recognized frequency coordination bodies
or through local law enforcement user groups. Part 74 users should contac
t
their local frequency coordinator or check www.sbe.org for additional
information. Always verify a frequency is not in use before transmitting.
Pacific Microwave Research, Inc.
AT-100 User’s Manual
© 2002
2.1.1 DC Power Input
The AT-100 is designed to operate from a nominal +12 Vdc power source. Power is
supplied through the front panel DB-9M connector (J3) with +12 Vdc on Pin 5 and
Ground on Pin 9. This source should be fused at 2.0 A. The AT-100 will operate over a
voltage range of +11 to +14.5 Vdc. Power consumption at the high power setting (2 W)
is nominally 1.2 A. Power consumption at the low power setting (0.5 W) is nominally
0.7 A. The input to the AT-100 is internally protected against reverse polarity. The AT-
100 transmitter is operating whenever power is applied.
2.1.2 Antenna
The antenna is connected to front panel female SMA connector (J9). Any resonant
antenna is suitable for connection. Antenna type and gain should be determined based
upon the intended application. The AT-100 is protected against opens or shorts at the
antenna terminal by an internal isolator. Only high quality coaxial cable should be used
to interconnect the transmitter and antenna. All SMA connectors should be tightened
with the appropriate 5/16” wrench using approximately 5 in./lbs of torque. MAXIMUM
TORQUE IS 8 IN./LBS. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. Thumb tight connections are not
suitable for reliable operation!
2.1.3 Video Input
Video is input to the AT-100 through the front panel BNC connector (J10). This
unbalanced input accepts a nominal 1 Vp/p video input. The transmitter may be factory
configured for the NTSC or PAL standard. An NTSC transmitter must be used with an
NTSC receiver. A PAL transmitter must be used with a PAL receiver. Maintenance of
proper video levels is important to prevent over-modulation of the transmitter. High
video levels could potentially cause interference to adjacent channel users. Low video
levels will result in a lack of luminance at the receiver. Proper link performance demands
attention to video levels.
2.1.4 Audio Input
Audio is input to the AT-100 through the front panel DB-9M connector (J3). Typically,
the AT-100 is configured for two audio subcarrier channels. Each audio subcarrier has a
balanced input with a nominal impedance of 600 Ω. The AT-100 may be factory
configured for line or microphone level inputs. Line level audio is typically 0 dBm and
microphone level is typically –50 dBm. The input for subcarrier number one is on Pin 2
(+) and Pin 7 (-). The input for subcarrier number two is on Pin 3 (+) and Pin 8 (-).
Unbalanced audio may be connected to the subcarrier inputs by connecting the high side
of the audio source to the (+) terminals and leaving the (-) terminals unconnected.
Pacific Microwave Research, Inc.
AT-100 User’s Manual
© 2002
3.0 Power Output
The AT-100 is capable of operating at two power levels to fit a variety of operational
scenarios. The high power setting is defaulted with no connection to Pin 1 of J3. The
nominal power output on high power is 2 W. To select low power, Pin 1 of J3 must be
connected to ground. This can be accomplished by placing a jumper in the rear of the
mating connector (Pin 6), by a remote switch, or by an open collector transistor junction.
4.0 Frequency Selection
Frequency selection of the AT-100 is accomplished by operation of a 16-position rotary
switch located on the rear panel. Use a small flat blade screwdriver or “tweaker” tool to
operate the switch. Frequencies are programmed into the transmitter in accordance with
the users FCC license parameters. Your radio (S/N ____________) is programmed as
indicated in Table 1.
CH FREQ MHz
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Table 2. Remote Frequency Control
Table 1. AT-100 Channel Assignments
PIN MHz
1 1
2 2
3 4
4 8
5 10
6 20
7 40
8 80
9 100
10 200
11 400
12 N/C
13 N/C
14 N/C
15 N/C
As an option, users of NTIA frequencies my select the frequency of operation of the AT-
100 in 1 MHz steps. This is accomplished by connecting a BCD switch to optional
connector J11 in accordance with the pin-out shown in Table 2. This option is only
available to government users.
Pacific Microwave Research, Inc.
AT-100 User’s Manual
© 2002
5.0 Specifications
ELECTRICAL
Frequency Range
o AT 100L – 1.7 to 1.9 GHz
o AT 100S – 2.2 to 2.5 GHz
o AT 100C1 – 3.2 to 3.5 GHz
o AT 100C2 – 4.4 to 5.0 GHz
Ferrite Isolator Output
Protection
VSWR – Infinite (open or
short)
Modulation – True FM
Modulation Sense – Positive
Frequency Stability –
+0.002%
Emphasis – NTSC or PAL
Spurious/Harmonic Output –
> -65 dBc
Analog or Digital Input filtering
options
Video Input Impedance – 75 Ω
unbalanced
Video Input Response – 10 Hz to
4.5 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity – 8
MHz/Volt
Audio – any two between 5.5 to
8.0 MHz
o Phase Lock Loop
o 20 Hz to 20 kHz +1.5 dB
o 600 Ω Balanced Input
o Microphone or Line Level
Power Output
o High Power – 2.0 W nominal
o Low Power – 0.5 W nominal
MECHANICAL
9-pin full function I/O
connector
Housing – milled
aluminum
Dimensions – 1.5 H x 2.5
W x 3.5 L inches
Weight – 6.0 oz.
Video Input – BNC female
RF Output – SMA female
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating temperature: -10
to +65 °C
Relative Humidity: 0 to 95%,
non-condensing
ACCESSORIES
Antennas: A complete line of
antennas for a variety of
applications is available.
Weather Resistant Enclosure
Transmitter/Heatsink Assembly
with Thumbwheel Frequency
Control
6.0 Mechanical
Pacific Microwave Research, Inc.
AT-100 User’s Manual
© 2002
7.0 Connector Pin-out
Connector J3 DB-9 Male System I/O
Connector Pinout Data
Pin # Function
1 Lo/Hi Power – Tie to ground for low power
2 Audio 1 Input (HI)
3 Audio 2 Input (HI)
4 Aux Video Input (parallel with J10 BNC)
5 +11 to +14.5 Vdc – Primary power input
6 Ground
7 Audio 1 Input (LO)
8 Audio 2 Input (LO)
9 Ground
8.0 Repair
There are no user serviceable parts inside the AT-100. Damage to the QC seals on the
transmitter voids the warranty. Should your unit require service, contact Pacific
Microwave Research, Inc. at 760.631.6885 or www.pmicrowave.com to request an RMA
number.