The Nucomm ChannelMaster TX7 is a portable microwave transmitter designed for both digital transmission (either HD or SD video) and analog (standard definition only) in various applications, including ENG/OB trucks, portable links, and helicopters. It operates in a specified band within the 1.00 GHz to 15.5 GHz frequency range. The unit is field programmable and configurable to meet a wide range of customer requirements. The TX7 can be configured for dual band or tri-band operation.
Function Description:
The ChannelMaster TX7 is an extremely flexible system, fully integrated with an MPEG2 compliant super-low delay Encoder, a Multi-mode Digital Modulator, and an Analog FM Modulator. It supports outputs for ASI and microwave RF in the frequency bands mentioned above. The CMTX7 design uses advanced software defined radio technology and supports both COFDM and VSB digital modulation. Additional digital modulation formats become available as the system software is updated. The ChannelMaster TX7 inputs include Composite Video, HD-SDI and SD-SDI, ASI, Firewire, and 70 MHz modulated signals. The system comes standard with two analog audio channels or one digital AES channel, and can support four analog audio channels or two digital AES channels.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Frequency Range: 1.00 GHz to 15.5 GHz, with specific bands like 2 GHz (17 MHz), 6/7 GHz (25 MHz), and 12/13 GHz (25 MHz).
- RF Performance: Tuning step size of 250 kHz (US) or 100 kHz (International), 70 MHz input, and frequency stability of ±5 ppm (0.0005%).
- Power Output: No RF output in standby mode, instant on frequency transmission, HI power (full power, see Table 3-1), and LOW power (6 dB drop, typical).
- Modulation Modes: COFDM (DVB-T), VSB, Analog FM.
- COFDM: 2K carriers, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM constellation, code rates of 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, guard intervals of 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, bandwidths of 6 MHz, 7 MHz, and 8 MHz.
- VSB: 2VSB, 8VSB, 8TVSB (ATSC) constellation, 6 MHz bandwidth.
- MPEG Encoder (Video):
- SD Profile: MP@ML(4:2:0) 1-15MBPS, 422@ML(4:2:2) 3-50MBPS.
- HD Profile: MP@HL, MP@H14L.
- GOP: Front panel selectable (I, IP, IBP, IBBP).
- Latency: Standard (GOP:1-5) ~250ms, Low Delay (GOP:1) ~90ms.
- Frame Size: NTSC: 720x480(4:2:0)/720x525(4:2:2), PAL: 720x576(4:2:0)/720x625(4:2:2), 720p(1280x720) 59.94,50,29.97,25,23.97Hz, 1080i(1920x1080) 29.97,25Hz, 1080i(1440x1080) 29.97,25Hz.
- SDI Input: ANSI/SMPTE 259M(SD), 292M(HD).
- MPEG Encoder (Audio):
- Audio Coding: ISO/IEC 11172-3(Layer II).
- Audio Bit Rate: 128, 256kbps, 384kbps.
- Audio Sample Rate: 48Khz.
- Audio Channels: 2 Standard (4 Optional).
- Audio Input: Line, Gain selectable (10dB), 600Ω Balanced (18dBm ~ 0dBFS), AES/EBU, 150Ω Balanced, DeEmbedded from SDI (4 channels), Tone (-10dBFs/8dBm) Level Adjustable (-10 to 26dBFs).
- Line/Mic Input range: -4dB and 41dB with selectable 10V Phantom Power.
- Frequency Response: 40Hz – 20KHz ±0.5dB.
- Audio THD: 0.25% @ 1KHz, +8dBm.
- Signal-Noise: >70dB.
- FM Modulator (Video):
- Video: 525/625 lines NTSC/PAL field selectable.
- Composite input: 75Ω, 1Vp-p NTSC/PAL.
- SDI input: ANSI/SMPTE 259M Level C.
- Video Deviation: 2700kb/s, 525/625 Component, 1V p-p for ±4 MHz deviation, 0.75 V p-p for ±3 MHz deviation (Selectable).
- Video Emphasis: NTSC/PAL/Bypass (CCIR 405).
- Video Low Pass Filter: 3.9, 4.5, 4.75 and 5.6MHz (Selectable).
- Frequency Response: ±0.25 dB (10 Hz to video filter selected).
- Base-Band Response: ±0.5 dB (10 Hz to 8 MHz).
- Signal-to-Noise: 68 dB (weighted per RS-250C).
- Signal-to-Hum: 63 dB (weighted per RS-250C).
- Differential Phase: ± 1.0 degrees.
- Differential Gain: ± 1.0 %.
- FM Modulator (Audio):
- Audio Channels: 2 tunable subcarriers (4.83 – 9MHz 10KHz steps), 4 optional.
- Audio Input: Line, Gain selectable (10dB), 600Ω, AES/EBU, 150Ω Balanced (0dBFs = +18dBm), DeEmbedded from SDI (4 Channels) (0dBFs = +18dBm), Tone: 1KHz @ +8dBm adjustable.
- Line/Mic Input range: -4dB and 41dB with selectable 10V Phantom Power.
- Audio Deviation: NTSC: 1KHz, +8dBm will deviate ±75KHz, PAL: 1KHz, +12dBm will deviate ±100KHz.
- Frequency Response: 40Hz – 10KHz ± 0.5dB, 40Hz – 15KHz ± 0.5dB.
- Audio THD: 0.5% @ 1KHz, +8dBm.
- Signal-Noise: 65dB.
- Emphasis: 50μs/75 μs (Follows Video).
- System:
- Video Presence: Remote Standby/Test Generator Selectable.
- Test Generator (Dynamic): SMPTE CB(NTSC)/100% CB(PAL), 16 Character ID (Match SDT Service name), 1KHz Tone/Pulse.
- ASI: Rate converted from 0mpbs-Max modulation Rate.
- Encryption: PCR Retime stamp, Optional AES Block Cypher, supporting key size of 128 and 256bits (FIPS PUB 197).
- Mic Phantom Power: 10V Phantom Power output on right XLR conn. pins 2, 3.
- Remote Control: Electrical Interface: RS232/RS485 (2 wire).
- Power Requirements: Input range: AC: 90 to 132VAC, 60 Hz; AC: 180 to 264VAC, 50 Hz; DC: +11 to +32V. Power consumption: 80 W typical (12 watt version).
- Environmental Specifications: Temperature range: Operating: -30°to +60°C; Storage: -40°to +80°C. Humidity: 0 to 95% non-condensing. Altitude: Operating: 20,000ft (6,000 m); Storage: 50,000ft (15,000 m).
- Physical Characteristics:
- Size (Low Pwr Unit): 4.89" (12.42 cm) x 7.5" (19.05 cm) x 12.0"(30.48 cm).
- Size (Hi Pwr Unit): 5.2" (13.21 cm) x 7.5" (19.05 cm) x 12.0"(30.48 cm).
- Weight: Single-Band, No Shroud (typ.): 15.00 lbs (6.80 kg); Dual-Band, No Shroud (typ.): 16.00 lbs (7.26 kg); Single-Band, Shrouded (typ.): 15.50 lbs (7.03 kg); Dual-Band, Shrouded (typ.): 16.50 lbs (7.48 kg); Tri-Band, Shrouded (typ.): 18.50 lbs (8.39 kg).
- Connectors: Video/SDI / DVB-ASI/70MHz: Type BNC-F. Firewire Serial Digital Video Input: IEEE1394 Connector (Optional). Audio: Multi Pin "MS" Style (XLR break out provided), XLR Jacks (Optional). RF Output: Type "N" female. Remote Control: 9 Pin D, Female. Power: Multi Pin "MS" Style.
Usage Features:
- LCD Display: The system features an LCD display for control and monitoring, an easy to use menu driven user interface, fifteen user defined presets, field programmable RF and Audio Sub-carrier Frequencies, adjustable RF power, and integrated dynamic color bars.
- Remote Control: A built-in serial interface can be used for remote control and monitoring. Special menus have been included to ease the BAS (US) relocation process.
- Power Supply: Available options include a high power amplifier, multi-band operation, and standby power sourcing.
- User Interface: The user interface is conveniently located on the front panel, and has three elements: a menu list for changing system setup configuration options, preset buttons which can be used to quickly change between setup configurations, and pushbuttons for operating commonly used controls (e.g. Digital/Analog and Transmit Mode).
- Standby Mode: In the Standby mode, the ChannelMaster TX7 is powered on, but the RF output is muted, enabling the transmitter to be tuned safely without radiating off-frequency emissions. The ChannelMaster TX7 will remain in Standby until on-frequency lock has been obtained. Switching from Standby to Normal mode results in instantaneous on-frequency transmission.
- Video Signal Encoding: The CMTX7 features a built-in MPEG2 compliant digital encoder which transforms Composite Video and SDI inputs into the MPEG2 format. The ASI input and optional Firewire are already in MPEG2 format. Optionally, the MPEG2 encoded signals can be routed to an ASI output jack.
- Audio Sub Carriers: Two (four optional) field programmable synthesized audio sub-carriers feature individual LINE, MIC, AES, EMBEDDED, and TONE source selection (plus an OFF setting), and automatic gain control (AGC). The sub-carrier Frequencies, Mode, and additional gain are front panel adjustable using the LCD interface. In the model with optional XLR connectors, the right XLR jack can be used as a microphone input with or without 10 Volt phantom power.
- Multi-Mode Modulator: The table below summarizes the modulation types available: COFDM (Digital), Analog FM (Analog), VSB (Digital).
- Signal Strength Indicators: Transmitted signal strength is indicated on the LCD display by a digital readout that indicates the transmitted signal level directly in dBm.
- Video Presence Detector: The Video Presence, Remote, Standby mode enables the camera to remotely turn on the color bars or put the ChannelMaster in standby based upon the detection of video presence at the input port.
- Flexibility: With the addition of a modem, the ChannelMaster can pass DS3/E3 or a variety of other digital signals. The ChannelMaster can accept PSK, QPSK, 8PSK, DVB-S, Multi-Level FSK, 16QAM, and COFDM signals directly through the 70 MHz input connector with no internal modifications.
- Accessories: ChannelMaster TX7 transmitters ship with AC & DC power cords and manual.
Maintenance Features:
- Servicing: Servicing or adjusting equipment, and replacement of defective parts.
- Warranty: Equipment manufactured by Nucomm, Inc. is warranted to meet all published specifications and to be free from defects in material and workmanship within a period of two years from date of shipment from Nucomm.
- Shipping Damage: Equipment shipped FOB Nucomm, Inc. shall become the property of buyer upon delivery and receipt from carrier. Any damage in shipment should be handled by the buyer directly with the carrier. Immediately request the carrier’s inspection upon evidence of damage in shipment.
- Field Service: Nucomm products are designed with easy access to components to facilitate service. However, some Nucomm modules cannot be service in the field. To prevent voiding of the Nucomm warranty, please contact Nucomm before servicing or making any repairs.
- Replacement Modules: Troubleshooting to the component level is often not cost-effective and frequently impossible. Often the practical method of effecting repairs is to substitute known good spare modules for suspect units. Replacement modules for Nucomm’s standard product line are usually available.
- For out-of-warranty equipment only: Nucomm evaluates all returned units, and then confers with the client on corrective action. If no fault is found, or no corrective action is authorized, a diagnostic fee may be charged.
- RMA: Prior to returning a Nucomm product to the factory, please obtain a return material authorization (RMA) number and shipping instructions from Nucomm. When returning equipment to Nucomm, it is very helpful to enclose a note containing the following: RMA number, serial number, a detailed description of the problem, name of an engineer or technician we may contact regarding problems encountered, and a ‘ship to’ and ‘bill to’ address.