UT-4500-A Series

Upconverters
Installation and Operation Manual

IMPORTANT NOTE: The information contained in this document supersedes all previously
published information regarding this product. Product specifications are subject to change
without prior notice.

Part Number MN-UT4500A Revision 1

UT-4500-A Series
Upconverters
Installation and Operation Manual
Part Number MN-UT4500A
Revision 1

Copyright © Comtech EF Data, 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
Comtech EF Data, 2114 West 7th Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA, 480.333.2200, FAX: 480.333.2161
This page is intentionally blank.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................... III

TABLES .................................................................................................................................... X

FIGURES ................................................................................................................................... X

PREFACE ............................................................................................................................... XIII

About this Manual .......................................................................................................................... xiii

Disclaimer .............................................................................................................................................. xiii
Reporting Comments or Suggestions Concerning this Manual ............................................................. xiii

Conventions and References ........................................................................................................... xiii

Patents and Trademarks ........................................................................................................................ xiii
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes ............................................................................................................. xiv
Examples of Multi-Hazard Notices ........................................................................................................ xiv
Recommended Standard Designations ................................................................................................. xiv
Metric Conversion ................................................................................................................................. xiv

Safety and Compliance ..................................................................................................................... xv

Electrical Safety and Compliance............................................................................................................ xv
Electrical Installation .............................................................................................................................. xv
Operating Environment .......................................................................................................................... xv
European Union Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive
(1999/5/EC) and EN 301 489-1 .............................................................................................................. xvi
European Union Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive (2004/108/EC) ............................ xvi
European Union Low Voltage Directive (LVD) (2006/95/EC) ............................................................ xvi
European Union RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC) .................................................................................xvii
European Union Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive (91/263/EEC) ......................xvii
CE Mark .............................................................................................................................................xvii

Warranty Policy ............................................................................................................................ xviii

Limitations of Warranty........................................................................................................................ xviii
Exclusive Remedies .................................................................................................................................xix

Getting Help .................................................................................................................................... xx

Contacting Comtech EF Data .................................................................................................................. xx

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 1–1

1.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................1–1

iii
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Table of Contents MN-UT4500A

1.2 Functional Description ....................................................................................................... 1–2

1.2.1 Applications ............................................................................................................................. 1–3
1.2.2 RF Signal Conversion................................................................................................................ 1–4
1.2.3 Monitor & Control ................................................................................................................... 1–4

1.3 Upconverter Features ........................................................................................................ 1–5

1.3.1 Physical Description................................................................................................................. 1–5
1.3.2 Dimensional Envelope ............................................................................................................. 1–6
1.3.3 Upconverter Physical Features ................................................................................................ 1–7
1.3.3.1 Front Panel ...................................................................................................................... 1–7
1.3.3.2 Rear Panel ....................................................................................................................... 1–7

1.4 Summary of Specifications ................................................................................................. 1–8

1.4.1 UT-4505-A C-Band Upconverter .............................................................................................. 1–8
1.4.2 UT-4505/E-A, /F-A /G-A, /H-A, /J-A Upconverters ................................................................ 1–10
1.4.3 UT-4505/I-A, /M-A Upconverters .......................................................................................... 1–12
1.4.4 UT-4514-A, /C-A, /D-A, /E-A, /F-A Upconverters................................................................... 1–14
1.4.5 UT-4518-A, /E-A Upconverters .............................................................................................. 1–16

CHAPTER 2. INSTALLATION .......................................................................................... 2–1

2.1 Unpacking and Inspecting the Shipment ............................................................................. 2–1

2.2 Installing into a Rack Enclosure .......................................................................................... 2–2

2.2.1 Installing the Optional Rear-Mounting Support Brackets Kit .................................................. 2–4
2.2.2 Installing the Bearingless Rack Slide Sets ................................................................................ 2–6

2.3 Connect Prime Power Connection ...................................................................................... 2–7

2.4 Connect External Cables ..................................................................................................... 2–7

CHAPTER 3. REAR PANEL CONNECTORS................................................................... 3–1

3.1 Rear Panel Overview .......................................................................................................... 3–1

3.2 UT-4500-A External Connectors .......................................................................................... 3–2

3.2.1 Chassis-mounted Connectors .................................................................................................. 3–2
3.2.1.1 AC Power IEC Line Input Connector Module .................................................................. 3–2
3.2.1.2 Optional DC Power Connection ...................................................................................... 3–3
3.2.1.3 J2A | REF IN, External Reference Input Connector (BNC-F)............................................ 3–3
3.2.1.4 J2B | REF OUT, External Reference Output Connector (BNC-F) ..................................... 3–3
3.2.1.5 100BASE-TX Ethernet M&C Port (RJ-45) ......................................................................... 3–4
3.2.1.6 P1 | RELAY, Summary Fault Output Connector (DB-9F) ................................................. 3–4
3.2.1.7 J1 | COM1 EIA-485/232 Interface Connector (DB-9F) .................................................... 3–5
3.2.1.8 Chassis Ground Connector.............................................................................................. 3–5
3.2.2 Module-mounted Connectors ................................................................................................. 3–6
3.2.2.1 J3 | HSB (High Speed Bus) Connector (DB-25F) .............................................................. 3–7
3.2.2.2 Switch Module IF, RF, and Loop Connectors .................................................................. 3–8

iv
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Table of Contents MN-UT4500A

3.3 Cable Connections ............................................................................................................. 3–9

3.3.1 Cable Connections – Standalone (Non-Redundant) Operation ............................................ 3–10
3.3.2 Cable Connections – Redundant System Operation ............................................................. 3–11

CHAPTER 4. UPDATING FIRMWARE ............................................................................. 4–1

4.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................4–1

4.2 Getting Started: Preparing for the Firmware Download ...................................................... 4–2

4.3 Downloading and Extracting the Firmware Update ............................................................. 4–3

4.4 Performing the Ethernet FTP Upload Procedure .................................................................. 4–4

CHAPTER 5. FRONT PANEL OPERATION..................................................................... 5–1

5.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................5–1

5.1.1 Switch Power On (Rear Panel) ................................................................................................. 5–2
5.1.2 LED Indicators .......................................................................................................................... 5–2
5.1.3 Keypad ..................................................................................................................................... 5–3
5.1.4 Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD).......................................................................................... 5–3

5.2 2BOpening Screen .............................................................................................................. 5–4

5.3 Main Menu ........................................................................................................................5–4

5.3.1 CONFIG (Configuration) ........................................................................................................... 5–5
5.3.1.1 CONFIG: OUTPUT ............................................................................................................ 5–5
5.3.1.2 CONFIG: REMOTE (Remote Control)............................................................................... 5–6
5.3.1.3 CONFIG: REDUNDANCY................................................................................................... 5–9
5.3.1.4 CONFIG: FAULTRECOVERY ............................................................................................ 5–11
5.3.1.5 CONFIG: COLDSTART..................................................................................................... 5–11
5.3.2 MONITOR ............................................................................................................................... 5–12
5.3.3 FAULTS ................................................................................................................................... 5–12
5.3.3.1 FAULTS: CURRENT ......................................................................................................... 5–12
5.3.3.2 FAULTS: STORED (Stored Faults Log) ............................................................................ 5–13
5.3.4 PRE-SELECTS .......................................................................................................................... 5–14
5.3.4.1 PRE-SELECTS: LOAD....................................................................................................... 5–14
5.3.4.2 PRE-SELECTS: PROGRAM .............................................................................................. 5–14
5.3.4.3 PRE-SELECTS: CLEAR ..................................................................................................... 5–15
5.3.5 UTILITY ................................................................................................................................... 5–15
5.3.5.1 UTILITY: TIME (Real-Time Clock) ................................................................................... 5–15
5.3.5.2 UTILITY : DISP (VFD Display) .......................................................................................... 5–16
5.3.5.3 UTILITY: AID (Application Identification String) ............................................................ 5–16
5.3.5.4 UTILITY: REFOSC (Reference Oscillator Adjustment) .................................................... 5–16
5.3.5.5 UTILITY: SLOPE .............................................................................................................. 5–17
5.3.5.6 UTILITY: LAMP-TEST ...................................................................................................... 5–17
5.3.5.7 UTILITY: FIRMWARE ...................................................................................................... 5–17

v
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Table of Contents MN-UT4500A

CHAPTER 6. ETHERNET-BASED REMOTE PRODUCT MANAGEMENT ...................... 6–1

6.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................6–1

6.1.1 Ethernet Management Interface Protocols............................................................................. 6–2

6.2 SNMP Interface..................................................................................................................6–2

6.2.1 Management Information Base (MIB) Files............................................................................. 6–2
6.2.2 SNMP Community Strings........................................................................................................ 6–3
6.2.3 SNMP Traps ............................................................................................................................. 6–3

6.3 Telnet Interface .................................................................................................................6–4

6.3.1 Telnet Operation via HyperTerminal ....................................................................................... 6–4

6.4 45xxA Web Server (HTTP) Interface .................................................................................... 6–5

6.4.1 Enabling the Web Server Interface.......................................................................................... 6–5
6.4.2 User Login ................................................................................................................................ 6–6
6.4.3 45xxA Web Server Interface Operational Features ................................................................. 6–7
6.4.3.1 Navigation ....................................................................................................................... 6–7
6.4.3.2 Page Sections .................................................................................................................. 6–7
6.4.3.3 Action Buttons ................................................................................................................ 6–7
6.4.3.4 Drop-down lists ............................................................................................................... 6–8
6.4.3.5 Text or Data Entry ........................................................................................................... 6–8
6.4.4 45xxA Web Server Interface Menu Tree ................................................................................. 6–8
6.4.5 45xxA Web Server Interface Page Descriptions ...................................................................... 6–9
6.4.5.1 Home Pages .................................................................................................................... 6–9
6.4.5.1.1 Home | Home ............................................................................................................ 6–9
6.4.5.1.2 Home | Contact ....................................................................................................... 6–10
6.4.5.1.3 Home | Support ....................................................................................................... 6–11
6.4.5.2 Admin Pages ................................................................................................................. 6–12
6.4.5.2.1 Admin | Access ........................................................................................................ 6–12
6.4.5.2.2 Admin | SNMP ......................................................................................................... 6–14
6.4.5.3 Config Pages .................................................................................................................. 6–15
6.4.5.3.1 Config | Converter ................................................................................................... 6–15
6.4.5.3.2 Config | Ref .............................................................................................................. 6–17
6.4.5.3.3 Config | Pre-selects .................................................................................................. 6–18
6.4.5.3.4 Config | Utility .......................................................................................................... 6–19
6.4.5.3.5 Config | Redundancy ............................................................................................... 6–21
6.4.5.4 Status Pages .................................................................................................................. 6–22
6.4.5.4.1 Status | Summary .................................................................................................... 6–22
6.4.5.4.2 Status | Faults .......................................................................................................... 6–23

APPENDIX A. REMOTE CONTROL .................................................................................. A–1

A.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... A–1

A.2 Communication Interfaces ................................................................................................ A–1

A.2.1 TIA/EIA-485 (RS-485) ...............................................................................................................A–1
A.2.2 TIA/EIA-232 (RS-232) ...............................................................................................................A–2

vi
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Table of Contents MN-UT4500A

A.2.3 Ethernet (100BASE-TX) ............................................................................................................A–2

A.3 Access Methods ................................................................................................................ A–2

A.3.1 Direct Access............................................................................................................................A–2
A.3.2 Indirect Access .........................................................................................................................A–3

A.4 Addresses ......................................................................................................................... A–3

A.4.1 Physical Address ......................................................................................................................A–3
A.4.2 Virtual Address ........................................................................................................................A–3
A.4.3 IP Address ................................................................................................................................A–4

A.5 Basic Protocol ................................................................................................................... A–4

A.5.1 Transmission Mode .................................................................................................................A–4
A.5.2 Baud Rate ................................................................................................................................A–4
A.5.3 Asynchronous Character Format .............................................................................................A–4
A.5.4 Character Set ...........................................................................................................................A–4
A.5.5 Response Timeout ...................................................................................................................A–5
A.5.6 Bus Inactivity Requirement .....................................................................................................A–5

A.6 Message Structure ............................................................................................................ A–5

A.6.1 Start Character.........................................................................................................................A–5
A.6.2 Device Address ........................................................................................................................A–5
A.6.3 Command ................................................................................................................................A–5
A.6.4 Confirmation Response ...........................................................................................................A–6
A.6.5 Error Response ........................................................................................................................A–6
A.6.6 End of Message........................................................................................................................A–6
A.6.6.1 Command Ending ............................................................................................................A–6
A.6.6.2 Response Ending .............................................................................................................A–6

A.7 Command / Response Pairs ............................................................................................... A–7

A.7.1 Utility Commands ....................................................................................................................A–7
A.7.1.1 Time ................................................................................................................................A–7
A.7.1.2 Date.................................................................................................................................A–7
A.7.1.3 Time Protocol Enable ......................................................................................................A–7
A.7.1.4 Time Protocol Server ......................................................................................................A–8
A.7.1.5 Local / Remote Status .....................................................................................................A–8
A.7.1.6 Media Access Control (MAC) Address ............................................................................A–8
A.7.1.7 IP Address .......................................................................................................................A–9
A.7.1.8 IP Gateway ......................................................................................................................A–9
A.7.1.9 Physical Address..............................................................................................................A–9
A.7.1.10 Baud Rate .................................................................................................................A–10
A.7.1.11 LCD Contrast .............................................................................................................A–10
A.7.1.12 LCD Brightness ..........................................................................................................A–10
A.7.1.13 Screen Saver Mode ...................................................................................................A–10
A.7.1.14 Screen Saver Timeout ...............................................................................................A–11
A.7.1.15 VFD Brightness..........................................................................................................A–11
A.7.1.16 Reference Oscillator Tuning .....................................................................................A–11
A.7.1.17 Converter Slope Adjustment ....................................................................................A–11

vii
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Table of Contents MN-UT4500A

A.7.1.18 Equipment Type........................................................................................................A–12

A.7.1.19 Part Number .............................................................................................................A–12
A.7.1.20 Legacy Firmware Information ..................................................................................A–12
A.7.1.21 Firmware Information ..............................................................................................A–13
A.7.1.22 Firmware Image ........................................................................................................A–13
A.7.1.23 Application Identification .........................................................................................A–14
A.7.1.24 Force Reboot ............................................................................................................A–14
A.7.2 Configuration Commands ......................................................................................................A–15
A.7.2.1 Frequency .....................................................................................................................A–15
A.7.2.2 Attenuator ....................................................................................................................A–15
A.7.2.3 Cold Start ......................................................................................................................A–15
A.7.2.4 Mute..............................................................................................................................A–16
A.7.2.5 Carrier Mute Mode .......................................................................................................A–16
A.7.2.6 Redundant Mute Mode ................................................................................................A–16
A.7.2.7 Auto Fault Recovery ......................................................................................................A–17
A.7.2.8 Program Preset .............................................................................................................A–17
A.7.2.9 Display All Presets .........................................................................................................A–17
A.7.2.10 Clear Preset Configuration .......................................................................................A–18
A.7.2.11 Select Preset Configuration ......................................................................................A–18
A.7.3 Modes ....................................................................................................................................A–19
A.7.3.1 Redundant Mode ..........................................................................................................A–19
A.7.3.2 Automatic/Manual Mode .............................................................................................A–20
A.7.3.3 Backup Mode ................................................................................................................A–20
A.7.4 Status Commands ..................................................................................................................A–21
A.7.4.1 Configuration Status .....................................................................................................A–21
A.7.4.2 Maintenance Status ......................................................................................................A–21
A.7.4.3 Utility Status..................................................................................................................A–22
A.7.4.4 Alarm Status ..................................................................................................................A–22
A.7.4.5 Summary Alarm Status .................................................................................................A–22
A.7.4.6 Terminal Status Change ................................................................................................A–23
A.7.4.7 Packed Configuration Status .........................................................................................A–23
A.7.4.8 Packed Maintenance Status..........................................................................................A–24
A.7.4.9 Packed Utility Status .....................................................................................................A–24
A.7.4.10 Packed Alarm Status .................................................................................................A–25
A.7.5 Stored Alarms ........................................................................................................................A–26
A.7.5.1 Total Stored Alarms ......................................................................................................A–26
A.7.5.2 Clear All Stored Alarms .................................................................................................A–26
A.7.5.3 List All Alarms................................................................................................................A–26
A.7.6 Error Processing .....................................................................................................................A–27
A.7.6.1 General Errors ...............................................................................................................A–27
A.7.6.2 Configuration Errors......................................................................................................A–27
A.7.6.3 Mode Errors ..................................................................................................................A–27
A.7.6.4 Time-Outs .....................................................................................................................A–27
A.7.7 Command Summaries ...........................................................................................................A–28
A.7.8 User Remote Command Summary ........................................................................................A–28

viii
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Table of Contents MN-UT4500A

APPENDIX B. REDUNDANT SYSTEM OPERATION ........................................................ B–1

B.1 Introduction to Redundancy Operation ..............................................................................B–1

B.2 Backup Upconverter ..........................................................................................................B–2

B.2.1 High Speed Bus (HSB) .............................................................................................................. B–2
B.2.2 Detachable Modules................................................................................................................ B–2
B.2.2.1 Upconverter Switching ................................................................................................... B–2

B.3 Redundant Configurations..................................................................................................B–3

B.4 Redundant System Configuration .......................................................................................B–8

B.4.1 Redundant System Configuration Using the Front Panel ........................................................ B–8
B.4.1.1 Initial Configuration ........................................................................................................ B–8
B.4.1.2 Automatic Configuration Verification ............................................................................. B–9
B.4.1.3 Manual Configuration and Verification ........................................................................ B–11
B.4.2 Redundant System Configuration using the 45xxA Web Server Interface ............................ B–13
B.4.3 Offset Adjustment ................................................................................................................. B–14
B.4.4 Redundancy Systems – Upconverter Removal and Replacement ........................................ B–15

APPENDIX C. MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ C–1

C.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................C–1

C.2 Maintenance Testing..........................................................................................................C–2

C.2.1 Test Point Samples .................................................................................................................. C–2
C.2.2 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................... C–2
C.2.3 Upconverter Faults .................................................................................................................. C–2
C.2.3.1 Prime Power.................................................................................................................... C–2
C.2.3.2 DC Power Supply Module ............................................................................................... C–2
C.2.3.3 RF Converter Module ...................................................................................................... C–3
C.2.3.4 Synthesizer Sum Loop Module ....................................................................................... C–3
C.2.3.5 Synthesizer Fine Step Module ........................................................................................ C–3
C.2.3.6 Reference Oscillator Module .......................................................................................... C–3
C.2.3.7 Temperature Fault .......................................................................................................... C–3
C.2.4 Converter I/O Modules ............................................................................................................ C–4

C.3 Spares ...............................................................................................................................C–4

ix
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Table of Contents MN-UT4500A

TABLES
Table 3-1. UT-4500-A Rear Panel External Connections .......................................................................... 3–2
Table 3-2. Ethernet M&C Interface Connector Pinout ............................................................................. 3–4
Table 3-3. P1 | RELAY Summary Fault Connector Pinout ........................................................................ 3–4
Table 3-4. J1 – 2-Wire EIA-485 Pinout ...................................................................................................... 3–5
Table 3-5. J1 – 4-Wire EIA-485 Pinout ...................................................................................................... 3–5
Table 3-6. J1 – EIA-232C Pinout ................................................................................................................ 3–5
Table 3-7. J3 | HSB Interface Connector Pinout ....................................................................................... 3–7
Table 3-8. DT-4500-A and UT-4500-A Available Switch Module Assemblies ........................................... 3–8

FIGURES
Figure 1-1. UT-4500-A Series Upconverters (UT-4505-A shown) ............................................................. 1–1
Figure 1-2. UT-4500-A Series Upconverter Physical Configuration .......................................................... 1–2
Figure 1-3. Typical Functional Block Diagram (UT-4512-A shown) ........................................................... 1–4
Figure 1-4. UT-4500-A Series Upconverter Dimensional Envelope .......................................................... 1–6
Figure 1-5. UT-4500-A Series Upconverter Front Panel............................................................................ 1–7
Figure 1-6. UT-4500-A Series Upconverter Rear Panel ............................................................................. 1–7
Figure 2-1. Unpacking and Inspecting the Shipment ................................................................................ 2–1
Figure 2-2. Installing into a Rack Enclosure .............................................................................................. 2–3
Figure 2-3. Installing the Optional Rear-Mounting Support Brackets Kit ................................................ 2–4
Figure 2-4. Optional Bearingless Rack Slide Installation (FP/SL000X)....................................................... 2–6
Figure 3-1. UT-4500-A Rear Panel (UT-4505-A with Receive Switch Module [RSM-XX] Shown).............. 3–1
Figure 3-2. IOM, RSM, and TSM Switch Modules ..................................................................................... 3–6
Figure 3-3. UT-4500-A Cabling Schematic (UT-4505-A with Receive Switch Module [RSM-XX] Shown) . 3–9
Figure 3-4. Standalone (Non-Redundant) Upconverter Configuration .................................................. 3–10
Figure 3-5. Standalone (Non-Redundant) Upconverter Configuration with Transmit Switch Module
(TSM-XX) ......................................................................................................................................... 3–10
Figure 5-1. UT-4500-A Front and Rear Panel Views.................................................................................. 5–1
Figure 6-1. Home | Home page ................................................................................................................ 6–9
Figure 6-2. Home | Contact page............................................................................................................ 6–10
Figure 6-3. Home | Support page ........................................................................................................... 6–11
Figure 6-4. Admin | Access page ............................................................................................................ 6–12
Figure 6-5. Admin | SNMP page ............................................................................................................. 6–14
Figure 6-6. Config | Converter page ....................................................................................................... 6–15
Figure 6-7. Config | Ref page .................................................................................................................. 6–17
Figure 6-8. Config | Pre-selects page ...................................................................................................... 6–18
Figure 6-9. Config | Utility page .............................................................................................................. 6–19
Figure 6-10. Config | Redundancy page.................................................................................................. 6–21
Figure 6-11. Status | Summary page ...................................................................................................... 6–22
Figure 6-12. Status | Faults page ............................................................................................................ 6–23
Figure B-1. 1:1 Redundant Configuration –Single Source IF Input with IOM-XX and TSM-XX Installed ... B–4
Figure B-2. 1:1 Redundant Configuration Diagram – Single Source RF Input with IOM-XX and TSM-XX
Installed ............................................................................................................................................ B–4

x
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Table of Contents MN-UT4500A

Figure B-3. 1:1 Redundant Configuration Diagram – Single Source RF Input with IOM-XX and TSEQM-XX
Installed ............................................................................................................................................ B–4
Figure B-4. TSEQM Connection Locations................................................................................................. B–5
Figure B-5. 1:1 Redundant Configuration - Dual Source IF Input.............................................................. B–5
Figure B-6. 1:1 Redundant Configuration Diagram – Dual Source IF Input with IOM-XX and TSM-XX
Installed ............................................................................................................................................ B–5
Figure B-7. 1:N Redundant Configuration with IOM-XX and TSM-XX Installed ........................................ B–6
Figure B-8. 1:N Redundant Configuration Diagram with IOM-XX and TSM-XX Installed.......................... B–7
Figure B-9. Front Panel Displays ............................................................................................................... B–8
Figure B-10. System in Auto Redundant Mode......................................................................................... B–9
Figure B-11. Backup of Converter #1 ...................................................................................................... B–10
Figure B-12. Converter #1 in MANUAL, Others in AUTO ........................................................................ B–11
Figure B-13. Forced Backup of Converter #1 .......................................................................................... B–12
Figure B-14. Config | Redundancy page ................................................................................................. B–13
Figure C-1. Upconverter Signal and Interconnecting Cable Diagram (with Transmit Switch Module [TSM])
.......................................................................................................................................................... C–1

xi
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Table of Contents MN-UT4500A

This page is intentionally blank.

xii
 PREFACE

About this Manual

This manual provides installation and operation information for the Comtech EF Data’s
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters. This is an informational document intended for the persons
responsible for the operation and maintenance of the UT-4500-A family of products.

Disclaimer
Comtech EF Data has reviewed this manual thoroughly to provide an easy-to-use guide to your
equipment. All statements, technical information, and recommendations in this manual and in
any guides or related documents are believed reliable, but the accuracy and completeness
thereof are not guaranteed or warranted, and they are not intended to be, nor should they be
understood to be, representations or warranties concerning the products described. Further,
Comtech EF Data reserves the right to make changes in the specifications of the products
described in this manual at any time without notice and without obligation to notify any person
of such changes.

If you have any questions regarding the equipment or the information in this manual, please
contact the Comtech EF Data Customer Support Department.

Reporting Comments or Suggestions Concerning this Manual

Comtech EF Data welcomes comments and suggestions regarding the content and design of this
manual. Contact the Comtech EF Data Technical Publications Department:
[email protected]

Conventions and References

Patents and Trademarks

See all of Comtech EF Data's Patents and Patents Pending at http://patents.comtechefdata.com.

Comtech EF Data acknowledges that all trademarks are the property of the trademark owners.

xiii
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Preface MN-UT4500A

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

A WARNING gives information about a possible hazard that MAY CAUSE DEATH
or SERIOUS INJURY.

A CAUTION gives information about a possible hazard that MAY CAUSE INJURY
or PROPERTY DAMAGE.

A NOTE gives important information about a task or the equipment.

A REFERENCE directs the user to additional information about a task or the

equipment.

Examples of Multi-Hazard Notices

Recommended Standard Designations

The new designation of the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) supersedes Recommended
Standard (RS) designations. References to the old RS designations may be shown when depicting
actual text (e.g., RS-232) as displayed on the unit’s Web Server Interface pages or front panel
menus. All other references in the manual will be shown with the EIA designations.

Metric Conversion
Metric conversion information is provided on the inside back cover of this manual as a means to
assist the operator in cross-referencing non-Metric to Metric conversions.

xiv
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Preface MN-UT4500A

The user should carefully review the following information:

Safety and Compliance

Electrical Safety and Compliance

The unit complies with the EN 60950 Safety of Information Technology Equipment (Including
Electrical Business Machines) safety standard.

IF THE UNIT IS OPERATED IN A VEHICLE OR MOVABLE INSTALLATION, MAKE SURE

THE UNIT IS STABLE. OTHERWISE, EN 60950 SAFETY IS NOT GUARANTEED.

Electrical Installation
CONNECT THE UNIT TO A POWER SYSTEM THAT HAS SEPARATE GROUND, LINE AND
NEUTRAL CONDUCTORS. DO NOT CONNECT THE UNIT WITHOUT A DIRECT
CONNECTION TO GROUND.

Sect 3.2.1.3 Chassis Ground Stud

Operating Environment
DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT IN ANY OF THESE EXTREME OPERATING CONDITIONS:

• AMBIENT TEMPERATURES LESS THAN 0° C (32° F) OR MORE THAN 50° C

(122° F).

• PRECIPITATION, CONDENSATION, OR HUMID ATMOSPHERES OF MORE

THAN 95% RELATIVE HUMIDITY.

• UNPRESSURIZED ALTITUDES OF MORE THAN 3048 METRES (10,000 FEET).

• EXCESSIVE DUST.

• FLAMMABLE GASES.

• CORROSIVE OR EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES.

xv
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Preface MN-UT4500A

European Union Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal

Equipment (R&TTE) Directive (1999/5/EC) and EN 301 489-1
Independent testing verifies that the unit complies with the European Union R&TTE Directive, its
reference to EN 301 489-1 (Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters [ERM];
Electromagnetic Compatibility [EMC] standard for radio equipment and services, Part 1:
Common technical requirements), and the Declarations of Conformity for the applicable
directives, standards, and practices that follow:

European Union Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive

(2004/108/EC)
• Emissions: EN 55022 Class A – Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference
Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment.

• Immunity: EN 55024 – Information Technology Equipment: Immunity Characteristics, Limits,

and Methods of Measurement.

• EN 61000-3-2 – Harmonic Currents Emission

• EN 61000-3-3 – Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker.

• Federal Communications Commission Federal Code of Regulation FCC Part 15, Subpart B.

TO ENSURE THAT THE UNIT COMPLIES WITH THESE STANDARDS, OBEY THESE
INSTRUCTIONS:

• Use coaxial cable that is of good quality for connections to the L-Band Type ‘N’ Rx (receive)
female connector.

• Use Type 'D' connectors that have back-shells with continuous metallic shielding.

Type ‘D’ cabling must have a continuous outer shield (either foil or braid, or both). The
shield must be bonded to the back-shell.

• Operate the unit with its cover on at all times.

European Union Low Voltage Directive (LVD) (2006/95/EC)

Symbol Description
<HAR> Type of power cord required for use in the European Community.
CAUTION: Double-pole/Neutral Fusing
! ACHTUNG: Zweipolige bzw. Neutralleiter-Sicherung

xvi
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Preface MN-UT4500A

International Symbols
Symbol Definition Symbol Definition
Alternating Current Protective Earth
Fuse Chassis Ground

For additional symbols, refer to Warnings, Cautions and Notes listed earlier in this
Preface.

European Union RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC)

This unit satisfies (with exemptions) the requirements specified in the European Union Directive
on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EU RoHS,
Directive 2002/95/EC).

E uropean Union T elec ommunic ations T erminal E quipment Direc tive

(91/263/E E C )
In accordance with the European Union Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive
91/263/EEC, the unit should not be directly connected to the Public Telecommunications
Network.

CE Mark
Comtech EF Data declares that the unit meets the necessary requirements for the CE Mark.

xvii
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Preface MN-UT4500A

Warranty Policy
Comtech EF Data products are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for
a specific period from the date of shipment, and this period varies by product. In most
cases, the warranty period is two years. During the warranty period, Comtech EF Data will,
at its option, repair or replace products that prove to be defective. Repairs are warranted
for the remainder of the original warranty or a 90 day extended warranty, whichever is
longer. Contact Comtech EF Data for the warranty period specific to the product
purchased.
For equipment under warranty, the owner is responsible for freight to Comtech EF Data
and all related customs, taxes, tariffs, insurance, etc. Comtech EF Data is responsible for
the freight charges only for return of the equipment from the factory to the owner.
Comtech EF Data will return the equipment by the same method (i.e., Air, Express,
Surface) as the equipment was sent to Comtech EF Data.

All equipment returned for warranty repair must have a valid RMA number issued prior to
return and be marked clearly on the return packaging. Comtech EF Data strongly
recommends all equipment be returned in its original packaging.

Comtech EF Data Corporation’s obligations under this warranty are limited to repair or
replacement of failed parts, and the return shipment to the buyer of the repaired or
replaced parts.

Limitations of Warranty

The warranty does not apply to any part of a product that has been installed, altered,
repaired, or misused in any way that, in the opinion of Comtech EF Data Corporation,
would affect the reliability or detracts from the performance of any part of the product, or
is damaged as the result of use in a way or with equipment that had not been previously
approved by Comtech EF Data Corporation.

The warranty does not apply to any product or parts thereof where the serial number or
the serial number of any of its parts has been altered, defaced, or removed.

The warranty does not cover damage or loss incurred in transportation of the product.
The warranty does not cover replacement or repair necessitated by loss or damage from
any cause beyond the control of Comtech EF Data Corporation, such as lightning or other
natural and weather related events or wartime environments.

The warranty does not cover any labor involved in the removal and or reinstallation of
warranted equipment or parts on site, or any labor required to diagnose the necessity for
repair or replacement.

xviii
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Preface MN-UT4500A

The warranty excludes any responsibility by Comtech EF Data Corporation for incidental
or consequential damages arising from the use of the equipment or products, or for any
inability to use them either separate from or in combination with any other equipment or
products.

A fixed charge established for each product will be imposed for all equipment returned for
warranty repair where Comtech EF Data Corporation cannot identify the cause of the
reported failure.

Exclusive Remedies

Comtech EF Data Corporation’s warranty, as stated is in lieu of all other warranties,

expressed, implied, or statutory, including those of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. The buyer shall pass on to any purchaser, lessee, or other user of
Comtech EF Data Corporation’s products, the aforementioned warranty, and shall
indemnify and hold harmless Comtech EF Data Corporation from any claims or liability
of such purchaser, lessee, or user based upon allegations that the buyer, its agents, or
employees have made additional warranties or representations as to product
preference or use.

The remedies provided herein are the buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Comtech EF
Data shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential
damages, whether based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory.

xix
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Preface MN-UT4500A

Getting Help

Review the Warranty Policy before contacting Comtech EF Data Technical Support or
Customer Service.

Contacting Comtech EF Data

Contact Comtech EF Data for:

• Technical Support – Product support or training.

• Customer Service – Information on returning an in-warranty or out-of-warranty product for

upgrade or repair. Be prepared to provide the product model number and its serial
number.

Contact Comtech EF Data Customer & Technical Support during normal business hours (Monday
through Friday, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M Mountain Standard Time (MST)):

For: Contact:

UT-45xx-A Telephone +1.480.333.4357

Technical Email [email protected]
Support and
Service Fax +1.480.333.2500

Main Page http://www.comtechefdata.com

Customer and
Comtech EF http://www.comtechefdata.com/support.asp
Technical Support
Data Web Site
RMA
(Return Material http://www.comtechefdata.com/rmaform.asp
Authorization)
Comtech EF Data Main Number +1.480.333.2200
2114 West 7th Street
Mailing Address
Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA

xx
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Preface MN-UT4500A

Returning a Product for Upgrade or Repair

Step Task

Go to the Comtech EF Data Home page (http://www.comtechefdata.com). From the

1 SUPPORT column at the bottom of the page, select the Service hyperlink, and read
the Return Material Authorization section in its entirety.
2 Request a Return Material Authorization Number:

• On the Comtech EF Data Home page: From the SUPPORT column at the bottom
of the page, select the RMA Request hyperlink;

OR

• On the Comtech EF Data Support page: Click [Send RMA Request];

OR

• On the Comtech EF Data Service page: Select the Return Material

Authorization hyperlink;

• Fill out the RMA form completely;

• Click [Send Email].

Alternately:

• Send an e-mail providing this same detailed information to Comtech EF Data

Customer Service ([email protected]).

• Contact Comtech EF Data Customer & Technical Support by phone or fax.

3 Pack the product in its original shipping carton and protective packaging.

4 Ship the product back to Comtech EF Data. Shipping charges should be prepaid.

xxi
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Preface MN-UT4500A

Notes:

xxii
 Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview

Figure 1-1. UT-4500-A Series Upconverters (UT-4505-A shown)

Comtech EF Data’s UT-4500-A Series Upconverters (Figure 1-1) are designed for the
transmission of SCPC, DAMA and TDMA signals in communication systems or satellite uplink
data systems. The Upconverters can also be used in communications system applications with
full transponder HDTV and analog TV.

The UT-4500-A Series Upconverter family of products comprises:

• UT-4505-A • UT-4514-A • UT-4518-A

• UT-4505/E-A • UT-4514/C-A • UT-4518/E-A
• UT-4505/F-A • UT-4514/D-A
• UT-4505/G-A • UT-4514/E-A
• UT-4505/H-A • UT-4514/F-A
• UT-4505/I-A
• UT-4505/J-A
• UT-4505/M-A

Individual specifications for each model are included in this chapter.

1–1
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

1.2 Functional Description

Figure 1-2 shows the UT-4500-A chassis with its top cover removed. The major chassic
components and module assemblies are:

• Signal Path Module

• Step Loop Module

• Monitor & Control Assembly

• Transmit Switch Module (not shown – installs into rear chassis slot)

• Reference Oscillator Assembly

• Sum Loop Module

• Power Supply Assembly

Figure 1-2. UT-4500-A Series Upconverter Physical Configuration

1–2
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

1.2.1 Applications
The upconverter operates over the RF frequency range with a typical gain of 35 dB. The RF
output level is +10 dBm at 1 dB compression allowing the capability for longer cable runs to
compensate for splitting networks without adding options such as external line amplifiers.

The phase noise performance exceeds the Intelsat phase noise mask for IBS and IDR services by
more than 9 dB. This allows high capacity earth stations to add more demodulators and still
meet transmission standards. The close-in phase noise is also very low. This makes the
upconverter ideal for low bit rate digital circuits such as used in DAMA hub earth stations.

A selectable EIA-232C or EIA-485 remote control serial communications connector interface is

provided on the rear panel of the upconverter. All configuration control, status retrieval and
adjustments are available as ASCII commands through the serial interface, or as local operator
input command to the upconverter.

A detachable Input/Output Module (IOM) can be mounted in the rear of the upconverter chassis
for switching the RF output for single thread operations, or for testing the output of the unit.
The connectors for the IOM are located on the rear panel.

In applications where upconverters are "Daisy Chained" together to provide distributed online
protection switching to a backup upconverter, the IOM is replaced with a detachable Transmit
Switch Module (TSM). The TSM contains RF and IF transfer switches. Type N connectors are
provided for the RF loop, and 50 or 75 ohms BNC connectors are provided for the IF loop.

The "Daisy Chain" configuration is designed to chain the IF input and RF output of up to twelve
(12) online upconverters together through TSMs terminating in a backup upconverter. When a
fault occurs in an online upconverter, the TSM in the upconverter with the fault is commanded
to switch to the backup upconverter.

The backup upconverter performs the fault detection, self-reconfiguration and the logical
switching functions. If the backup upconverter has a fault, it will not attempt to perform the
protection-switching task. If the backup upconverter does not have a fault, it will assume the
frequency and attenuation of the faulted online upconverter, and compensate for the chain
losses.

The backup upconverter in the "Daisy Chain" communicates with the online upconverters
through a high speed (data interface) bus (HSB). When faults are detected, the backup
upconverter re-configures itself to replace the online upconverter with the fault. The backup
upconverter also uses the HSB to monitor configuration changes made to the online
upconverters by either remote control or front panel command inputs.

Changes in frequency, attenuation or polarity are entered into the backup table as they are
made, as well as information from new online units. The HSB does not interfere with the remote
control communications link for access to any of the converters in the "Daisy Chain".

1–3
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

1.2.2 RF Signal Conversion

As a typical example of the RF signal processing, in the Model UT-4514-A Upconverter, the 70
MHz IF input is mixed in the first mixer with a 1150 MHz IFLO signal. The IFLO is locked to a 5/10
MHz reference oscillator. The first mixer is located in the Signal Path Assembly.

The intermediate IF is 1220 MHz, which is mixed in the second stage mixer with 12780 to 13280
MHz synthesizer signal to provide an RF output frequency of 14000 to 1451X MHz in 125 KHz
fine tuning steps. The synthesizer is also locked to the 5/10 MHz reference oscillator. The second
mixer is located in the upconverter Signal Path Module, and the synthesizer consists of the
Coarse/Fine Step Module and Sum Loop Module.

Figure 1-3 depicts the operational schematic for a typical UT-4500-A Series Upconverter in single
thread (standalone) applications. For more information about the UT-4500-A’s use in redundant
applications, refer to Appendix B. REDUNDANT SYSTEM OPERATION.

Figure 1-3. Typical Functional Block Diagram (UT-4512-A shown)

1.2.3 Monitor & Control

The Monitor & Control Assembly is designed to monitor the functions of the upconverter, and
provide the control for remote and local command inputs to the upconverter.

Remote control inputs are provided through the EIA-232C or EIA-485 communications port on
the rear of the panel, or by local operator inputs through the keypad on the front panel.

1–4
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

Local operator input commands and the status of the upconverter are displayed on the front
panel Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) on the front panel.

An upconverter fault is indicated by the LED indicator on the front panel. Specific fault
conditions are displayed on the VFD through local keypad input commands.

1.3 Upconverter Features

1.3.1 Physical Description

The UT-4500-A Series Upconverter’s 1RU-high (1.75”) 19-inch wide chassis is designed for rack
mounting into a standard 19-inch (48.26 cm) equipment rack. Handles installed on the front
panel provide ease of installation into and removal from the equipment rack. The unit may also
be mounted into the rack using the provided slide mechanisms to allow service without removal
from the rack.

For: See:
• Rack installation and mounting Chapter 2. INSTALLATION
instructions

• Local operating instructions and Chapter 5. FRONT PANEL OPERATION

procedures

• Remote control operating Chapter 6. ETHERNET-BASED REMOTE

instructions and procedures PRODUCT MANAGEMENT and
Appendix A. REMOTE CONTROL
• Redundant system operating Appendix B. REDUNDANT SYSTEM
instructions and procedures OPERATION
• Maintenance and Appendix C. MAINTENANCE AND
troubleshooting procedures TROUBLESHOOTING

1–5
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

1.3.2 Dimensional Envelope

Dimensions are shown in inches and [millimeters].

Figure 1-4. UT-4500-A Series Upconverter Dimensional Envelope

1–6
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

1.3.3 Upconverter Physical Features

1.3.3.1 Front Panel

Figure 1-5. UT-4500-A Series Upconverter Front Panel

Figure 1-5 shows the typical front panel of the UT-4500-A Series Upconverters. This example
depicts a UT-4505-A Upconverter. All operator controls, indicators and displays for local and
remote operation are located on the front panel of the UT-4500-A. The front panel features
(from left):

• Two Test Point Sample Ports – The test point connections are used for monitoring the
RF input and the IF output. An SMA connector provides the RF output, and a BNC
connector provides the IF input. There is also an optional RF LO monitor available.

• Six Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Indicators – The LEDs indicate, in a summary fashion, the
status of the unit.

• Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) – The VFD is an active display showing two lines of
24 characters each. Each configuration function, or operating mode, is shown on the
display when the operator enters a command using the keypad.

• Six-button Keypad – The keypad comprises six individual keyswitches. They have a
positive ‘click’ action, which provides tactile feedback.

1.3.3.2 Rear Panel

Figure 1-6. UT-4500-A Series Upconverter Rear Panel

Figure 1-6 shows the typical rear panel of the UT-4500-A Series Upconverters. This example
depicts a UT-4505-A Upconverter with Transmit Switch Module (TSM) installled. The rear panel
features (from left):

• Prime Power Switch – The on/off prime power switch is located on the rear of the
chassis next to the prime power input connector. The power switch contains a filter and

1–7
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

dual fuse. The dual fuse is rated for 2 Amps. The UT-4500-A is provided with a six-foot
AC power cord.

• Exhaust Fan – The internally mounted exhaust fan vents through the rear panel for
chassis cooling.

• External Interface Connectors – Connectors provide operational communications,

connection of external reference, redundant operation, and remote monitor and control
of the UT-4500-A.

1.4 Summary of Specifications

*Note: Contact Comtech EF Data with specific requirements.

1.4.1 UT-4505-A C-Band Upconverter

Characteristic Specification
Frequency Range UT-4505-A 5845-6425 MHz
Conversion Dual, No Inversion
Step Size 125 kHz standard, 1kHz optional
Preset Channels 32 Frequencies and Gains
Stability over Time ± 1 x 10-9 /Day
Stability over Step ± 1 x 10-8 0-50°C (32-122°F)
IF Input Noise Figure 12 dB Maximum at 0 dB Attenuation
Level -35 dBm Typical
Range +20 dBm at 1 dB Compression
Impedance 50Ω or 75Ω
Return Loss 23 dB min. with IO Module or Switch Module
RF Output Output Level +17 dBm at 1 dB Compression
Intermodulation -50 dBc @ 0 dBm Output SCL
Carrier Mute -70 dBc
Non-carrier Spurious -80 dBm
Carrier Spurious -65 dBc @ 0 dBm Output
AM to PM 0.1o. / dB at –5 dBm Out
Return Loss 20 dB Minimum with IO Module
18 dB Minimum with Switch Module
Impedance 50Ω
Transfer Gain 35 dB ± 2 dB
Gain Adjust 0-25 in 0.25 dB Steps
0.1 dB Steps Optional
Gain Stability ± 0.25 dB/Day
Ripple 70MHz IFCF: ±0.25 dB (±18 MHz), optional ±20 MHz (see *Note)
140 MHz IFCF: 0.75 dB (±36 MHz), optional ±40 MHz (see *Note)
Slope 0.05 dB/MHz
IF Bandwidth 36 or 72 MHz, (optional 40 or 80 MHz – see *Note)
External Reference Input 5 or 10 MHz @ +3 dBm
Optional 10 MHz Rear Panel Reference Output

1–8
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

Characteristic Specification
Group Delay Linear Group Delay 0.03 ns/MHz
Parabolic Delay 0.01 ns/MHz2
Group Delay Ripple 1.0 ns Peak-to-Peak
Phase Noise Parameter Limit (dBc/Hz) Typical (dBc/Hz)
100 Hz -80 -83
1 kHz -89 -92
10 kHz -95 -97
100 kHz -105 -109
1 MHz -120 -124
Remote Control (Rear Panel) Comm Port EIA-485 or EIA-232

LED Indicators Power On Green LED

(Front Panel) Transmit Yellow LED
Remote Yellow LED
On Line Yellow LED
Fault Red LED
Stored Fault Red LED
Test Points RF Sample Type ‘SMA’ Connector, -20 dBc Nominal
(Front Panel) IF Sample Type ‘BNC’ Connector, -20 dBc Nominal
Optional L.O. Sample
Power Voltage 90-250 VAC Autoranging
Frequency 47-63 Hz
Dissipation 60 Watts
Power Option -48 VDC
Environmental Temperature 0-50°C (32-122° F)
Altitude 10,000 Feet MSL
Humidity 0-95% Relative
Physical Width 19 Inches (48.26 cm)
Height 1RU 1.75 Inches (4.44 cm)
Depth 22 Inches (55.88 cm)
Weight 15 Pounds (7.00 kg)
MTBF 49,740 hrs. (calculated)
>100,000 hrs. (field experience)
Summary Alarm Relay Closure Form C

1–9
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

1.4.2 UT-4505/E-A, /F-A /G-A, /H-A, /J-A Upconverters

Characteristic Specification
Frequency Range UT-4505-A See Sect. 1.4.1
UT-4505/E-A 6725-7025 MHz
UT-4505/F-A 6425-6725 MHz
UT-4505/G-A 5925-6725 MHz
UT-4505/H-A 5850-6650 MHz
UT-4505/J-A 7025-7075 MHz
Conversion Dual, No Inversion
Step Size 125 kHz standard, 1kHz optional
Preset Channels 32 Frequencies and Gains
Stability over Time ± 1 x 10-9 /Day
Stability over Temp ± 1 x 10-8 0-50°C (32-122°F)
IF Input Noise Figure 11 dB Maximum at 0 dB Attenuation
Level -45 dBm Typical
Range 52 to 88 or 104 to 176 MHz (optional 50-80 MHz or 100-180 MHz – see *Note)
Impedance 50Ω or 75Ω
Return Loss 23 dB min. with IO Module of Switch Module
RF Output Output Level +17 dBm at 1 dB Compression
Intermodulation -60 dBc @ 0 dBm Output SCL
Carrier Mute -70 dBc
Non-carrier Spurious -80 dBm
Carrier Spurious -65 dBc @ 0 dBm Output
AM to PM 0.1o. / dB at –5 dBm Out
Return Loss 20 dB Minimum with IO Module
18 dB Minimum with Switch Module
Impedance 50Ω
Transfer Gain 35 dB ± 2 dB
Gain Adjust 0-25 in 0.25 dB Steps
0.1 dB Steps Optional
Gain Stability ± 0.25 dB/Day
Ripple 70MHz IFCF: ±0.25 dB (±18 MHz), optional ±20 MHz (see *Note)
140 MHz IFCF: 0.75 dB (±36 MHz), optional ±40 MHz (see *Note)
Slope 0.05 dB/MHz
IF Bandwidth 36 or 72 MHz, optional 40 or 80 MHz (see *Note)
Slope 0.05 dB/MHz
External Reference Input, either 5 or 10 MHz Option @ +3 dBm
Optional 10 MHz Rear Panel Reference Output
Group Delay Linear Group Delay 0.03 ns/MHz
Parabolic Delay 0.01 ns/MHz2
Group Delay Ripple 1.0 ns Peak-to-Peak
Phase Noise Parameter Limit (dBc/Hz) Typical (dBc/Hz)
100 Hz -69 -72
1 kHz -79 -82
10 kHz -89 -92
100 kHz -99 -102
1 MHz -109 -112

1–10
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

Characteristic Specification
Remote Control (Rear Panel) Comm Port EIA-485 or EIA-232
LED Indicators Power On Green LED
(Front Panel) Transmit Yellow LED
Remote Yellow LED
On Line Yellow LED
Fault Red LED
Stored Fault Red LED
Test Points RF Sample Type ‘SMA’ Connector, -20 dBc Nominal
(Front Panel) IF Sample Type ‘BNC’ Connector, -20 dBc Nominal
Optional L.O. Sample
Power Voltage 90-250 VAC, Autoranging
Frequency 47-63 Hz
Dissipation 60 Watts
Power Option -48 VDC
Environmental Temperature 0-50°C (32-122° F)
Altitude 10,000 Feet MSL
Humidity 0-95% Relative
Physical Width 19 Inches (48.26 cm)
Height 1RU 1.75 Inches (4.44 cm)
Depth 22 Inches (55.88 cm)
Weight 15 Pounds (7.00 kg)
MTBF 49,740 hrs. (calculated)
>100,000 hrs. (field experience)
Summary Alarm Relay Closure Form C

1–11
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

1.4.3 UT-4505/I-A, /M-A Upconverters

Characteristic Specification
Frequency Range UT-4505/I-A 5845-6725 MHz
UT-4505/M-A 5725-6725 MHz
Conversion Dual, No Inversion
Step Size 125 kHz standard, 1kHz optional
Preset Channels 32 Frequencies and Gains
Stability over Time ± 1 x 10-9 /Day
Stability over Temp ± 1 x 10-8 0-50°C (32-122°F)
IF Input Noise Figure 12 dB Maximum at 0 dB Attenuation
Level -35 dBm Typical
Range 52-88 or 104-176 MHz
Impedance 50Ω or 75Ω
Return Loss 23 dB min. with IO Module or Switch Module
RF Output Output Level +17 dBm at 1 dB Compression
Intermodulation -50 dBc @ 0 dBm Output SCL
Carrier Mute -70 dBc
Non-carrier Spurious -80 dBm
Carrier Spurious -65 dBc @ 0 dBm Output SCL
AM to PM 0.1o. / dB for Output up to –5 dBm
Return Loss 20 dB Minimum with IO Module
Impedance 50Ω
Transfer Gain 35 dB ± 2 dB
Attenuation Adjust 0-25 in 0.25 dB Steps
0.1 dB Steps Optional
Gain Stability ± 0.25 dB/Day
Ripple 70MHz IFCF: ±0.25 dB (±18 MHz)
140 MHz IFCF: 0.75 dB (±36 MHz)
Slope 0.05 dB/MHz
External Reference Input either 5 or 10 MHz
Option @ +3 dBm
Optional 10 MHz Rear Panel Reference Output
Group Delay Linear Group Delay 0.03 ns/MHz
Parabolic Delay 0.01 ns/MHz2
Group Delay Ripple 1.0 ns Peak-to-Peak
Phase Noise Parameter Limit (dBc/Hz) Typical (dBc/Hz)
100 Hz -69 -72
1 kHz -79 -82
10 kHz -89 -92
100 kHz -99 -102
1 MHz -109 -112

1–12
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

Characteristic Specification
Remote Control (Rear Panel) Comm Port EIA-485 or EIA-232
LED Indicators Power On Green LED
(Front Panel) TRANSMIT Yellow LED
Remote Yellow LED
On Line Yellow LED
Fault Red LED
Stored Fault Red LED
Test Points RF Sample Type ‘SMA’ Connector, -20 dBc Nominal
(Front Panel) IF Sample Type ‘BNC’ Connector, -20 dBc Nominal
Optional L.O. Sample
Power Voltage 90-250 VAC Autoranging
Frequency 47-63 Hz
Dissipation 60 Watts
Power Option -48 VDC
Environmental Temperature 0-50°C (32-122° F)
Altitude 10,000 Feet MSL
Humidity 0-95% Relative
Physical Width 19 Inches (48.26 cm)
Height 1RU 1.75 Inches (4.44 cm)
Depth 22 Inches (55.88 cm)
Weight 15 Pounds (7.00 kg)
MTBF 49,740 hrs. (calculated)
>100,000 hrs. (field experience)
Summary Alarm Relay Closure Form C

1–13
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

1.4.4 UT-4514-A, /C-A, /D-A, /E-A, /F-A Upconverters

Characteristic Specification
Frequency Range UT-4514-A 14.00-14.50 GHz
UT-4514/C-A 12.75-13.25 GHz
UT-4514/D-A 13.75-14.50 GHz
UT-4514/E-A 14.70-15.00 GHz
UT-4514/F-A 12.75-14.50 GHz
Conversion Dual, No Inversion
Step Size 125 kHz
Preset Channels 32 Frequencies and Gains
Stability over Time ± 1 x 10-9 /Day
Stability over Temp ± 1 x 10-8 0-50°C (32-122°F)
RF Output Output Level +20 dBm at 1 dB Compression
Intermodulation -60 dBc @ 0 dBm Output SCL
Carrier Mute -70 dBc
Non-carrier Spurious -80 dBm
Carrier Spurious -65 dBc @ 0 dBm Output
AM to PM 0.1o. / dB at –5 dBm Out
Return Loss 20 dB Minimum with RF/IF Connector Module
18 dB Minimum with Switch Module
Impedance 50Ω
IF Input Noise Figure 13 dB Maximum at 0 dB Attenuation
Level -35 dBm Typical
Range 52-88 or 104-176 MHz (optional 50-80 MHz or 100-180 MHz – see *Note)
Impedance 50Ω or 75Ω
Return Loss 23 dB Minimum with RF/IF Connector Module or Switch Module
Transfer Gain 35 dB ± 2 dB
Gain Adjust 0-25 in 0.25 dB Steps
Gain Stability ± 0.25 dB/Day
Ripple ±0.25 dB
Slope 0.05 dB/MHz
Image Rejection -80 dB Inband
External Reference 5 or 10 MHz, +3 dBm Nominal
Group Delay Linear Group Delay 0.03 ns/MHz
Parabolic Delay 0.01 ns/MHz2
Group Delay Ripple 1.0 ns Peak-to-Peak
Phase Noise Parameter Limit (dBc/Hz) Typical (dBc/Hz)
100 Hz -72 -79
1 kHz -79 -82
10 kHz -89 -92
100 kHz -98 -101
1 MHz -110 -114

1–14
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

Characteristic Specification
Remote Control (Rear Panel) Comm Port EIA-485 or EIA-232
LED Indicators Power On Green LED
(Front Panel) Transmit Yellow LED
Remote Yellow LED
On Line Yellow LED
Fault Red LED
Stored Fault Red LED
Test Points RF Sample Type ‘SMA’ Connector, -20 dBc Nominal
(Front Panel) IF Sample Type ‘BNC’ Connector, -20 dBc Nominal
Power Voltage 90-250 VAC Autoranging
Frequency 47-63 Hz
Dissipation 60 Watts
Environmental Temperature 0-50°C (32-122° F)
Altitude 10,000 Feet MSL
Humidity 0-95% Relative
Physical Width 19 Inches (48.26 cm)
Height 1RU 1.75 Inches (4.44 cm)
Depth 22 Inches (55.88 cm)
Weight 15 Pounds (7.00 kg)
Options -1 RF/IF Connector Module
-2 Transmit Switch Module
Summary Alarm Relay Closure Form C

1–15
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

1.4.5 UT-4518-A, /E-A Upconverters

Characteristic Specification
Frequency Range UT-4518-A 17.30-18.10 GHz
UT-4518E-A 17.30-18.40 GHz
Conversion Dual, No Inversion
Step Size 125 kHz
Preset Channels 32 Frequencies and Gains
Stability over Time ± 1 x 10-9 /Day
Stability over Temp ± 1 x 10-8 0-50°C (32-122°F)
RF Output Output Level +10 dBm at 1 dB Compression
Intermodulation -38 dBc @ 0 dBm Output SCL
Carrier Mute -70 dBc
Non-carrier Spurious -80 dBm
Carrier Spurious -65 dBc @ 0 dBm Output
AM to PM 0.1o. / dB for Output up to –5 dBm
Return Loss 20 dB Minimum with IO Module
18 dB Minimum with Switch Module
Impedance 50Ω
IF Input Noise Figure 13 dB Maximum at 0 dB Attenuation
Level 35 dBm Typical
Range 52-88 or 104-176 MHz
Impedance 50Ω or 75Ω
Return Loss 23 dB Minimum with IO Module or Switch Module
Transfer Gain 35 dB ± 2 dB
Gain Adjust 0-25 in 0.25 dB Steps
Gain Stability ± 0.25 dB/Day
Ripple ±0.25 dB/MHz
Slope 0.05 dB/MHz
External Reference 5 or 10 MHz @ +3 dBm Nominal
Group Delay Linear Group Delay 0.03 ns/MHz
Parabolic Delay 0.01 ns/MHz2
Group Delay Ripple 1.0 ns Peak-to-Peak
Phase Noise Parameter Limit (dBc/Hz) Typical (dBc/Hz)
100 Hz -66 -69
1 kHz -76 -79
10 kHz -86 -89
100 kHz -96 -99
1 MHz -106 -109
Remote Control (Rear Panel) Comm Port EIA-485 or EIA-232
LED Indicators Power On Green LED
(Front Panel) Transmit Yellow LED
Remote Yellow LED
On Line Yellow LED
Fault Red LED
Stored Fault Red LED

1–16
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

Characteristic Specification
Test Points RF Sample Type ‘SMA’ Connector, -20 dBc Nominal
(Front Panel) IF Sample Type ‘BNC’ Connector, -20 dBc Nominal
Power Voltage 90-250 VAC Autoranging
Frequency 47-63 Hz
Dissipation 60 Watts
Environmental Temperature 0-50°C (32-122° F)
Altitude 10,000 Feet MSL
Humidity 0-95% Relative
Physical Width 19 Inches (48.26 cm)
Height 1RU 1.75 Inches (4.44 cm)
Depth 22 Inches (55.88 cm)
Weight 15 Pounds (7.00 kg)
Options -1 IO Module
-2 RF/IF Switch
Summary Alarm Relay Closure Form C

1–17
UT-4500A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Introduction MN-UT4500A

Notes:

1–18
 Chapter 2. INSTALLATION

2.1 Unpacking and Inspecting the Shipment

Figure 2-1. Unpacking and Inspecting the Shipment

The UT-4500-A Series Upconverter and its Installation and Operation Manual, and its power cord
were packaged and shipped in a reusable cardboard carton containing protective foam spacing.

This equipment contains parts and assemblies sensitive to damage by Electrostatic

Discharge (ESD). Use ESD precautionary procedures when handling the equipment.

2–1
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Installation MN-UT4500A

Once opened, inspect the shipment (Figure 2-1):

Step Task

1 Keep all shipping materials for storage or reshipment.

2 Check the packing list to ensure the shipment is complete.

Inspect the equipment for any possible damage incurred during shipment. Contact
3 the carrier and Comtech EF Data immediately to submit a damage report if damage is
evident.

Review this UT-4500A Series Upconverter Installation and Operation

4
Manual carefully to become familiar with operation.

5 Proceed to Sect. 2.2 Installing into a Rack Enclosure.

2.2 Installing into a Rack Enclosure

When mounting the UT-4500-A into a rack enclosure (Figure 2-2):

• PROPER GROUNDING PROTECTION IS REQUIRED. The equipment must be

connected to the protective earth connection at all times. It is therefore imperative
that the unit is properly grounded, using the ground stud provided on the unit rear
panel, during installation, configuration, and operation.

• PROPER AIR VENTILATION IS REQUIRED. In a rack system where there is high

heat discharge, provide forced-air cooling with top- or bottom-mounted fans or
blowers.

o Make sure there is adequate clearance inside the enclosure, especially at

the side for air ventilation.

o Air temperature inside the rack enclosure should never exceed 50°C
(122°F).

For information about custom rack enclosures, contact Comtech EF Data

Customer Support during normal business hours or visit Comtech EF Data’s Web
site (www.comtechefdata.com/support.asp).

2–2
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Installation MN-UT4500A

Feature Description
1 Custom Rack Enclosure
2 UT-4500-A Series Upconverter
3 Standard Rack Shelving
Rack Enclosure Threaded Front Mounting
4
Rail (typical)
5 Unit Front Panel
6 User-supplied Screws

Figure 2-2. Installing into a Rack Enclosure

Mount the UT-4500-A in its assigned position in the rack enclosure. Use, as required:

• A standard rack-mounted shelf;

• User-supplied screws to secure the front panel to the rack enclosure threaded front
mounting rails;

• Comtech EF Data’s optional KT/6228-2 (4”) or KT/6228-3 (10”) Rear-Mounting Support

Brackets Kit (Figure 2-3).

• Comtech EF Data’s provided FP/SL0006 (26”) or FP/SL0008 (24”) Bearingless Rack Slide
Set (Figure 2-4).

2–3
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Installation MN-UT4500A

2.2.1 Installing the Optional Rear-Mounting Support Brackets Kit

Feature Description
1 Back of Unit
2 Rack Enclosure Threaded Rear Mounting Rail (typical)

Kit / Quantity
Item Part Number Description
KT/6228-2 KT/6228-3
1 2 2 HW/10-32SHLDR Shoulder Screw, #10
2 4 4 HW/10-32FLT Flat Washer, #10
3 2 2 HW/10-32SPLIT Lock Washer, #10
4 2 2 HW/10-32HEXNUT Hex Nut, #10
5 4 4 HW/10-32x1/2RK Bolt, #10, Rear Support Bracket
2 – FP/6138-2 Bracket, Rear Support – 4”
6
– 2 FP/6138-3 Bracket, Rear Support – 10”

Figure 2-3. Installing the Optional Rear-Mounting Support Brackets Kit

Tools needed to install the KT/6228-2 (4”) or KT/6228-3 (10”) Bracket Kit (Figure 2-3):

• A medium Phillips screwdriver

• A 5/32-inch SAE Allen Wrench

• An adjustable Crescent wrench.

2–4
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Installation MN-UT4500A

Follow these steps to install the CEFD-style chassis kit:

Step Task
Use the #10 flat washers, #10 split washers, and #10 hex nuts to secure the #10
1 shoulder screws to the CDM-800 chassis through the rear right and left side mounting
slots.
Use the #10 rack bracket bolts to install the rear support brackets onto the rack
2
enclosure threaded rear mounting rails.
Mount the unit into the rack enclosure. Ensure that the shoulders of the #10 shoulder
3
screws properly engage into the rear support bracket slots.

2–5
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Installation MN-UT4500A

2.2.2 Installing the Bearingless Rack Slide Sets

If the converter is to be mounted on slides, install the provided bearingless rack slide set into
the rack cabinet, and onto the sides of the UT-4500-A. Use the hardware provided with the slide
set that is determined to be appropriate for installation:

CEFD Part Number Description

FP/SL0006 Bearingless Rack Slide Set – 26”

FP/SL0008 Bearingless Rack Slide Set – 24”

Per Figure 2-4, install any of these optional bearingless rack slide sets as follows:

Step Procedure

Using the provided mounting hardware, install one slide onto each side of the UT-
1
4500-A chassis.
Using the provided mounting hardware, install the slide rail components into each
2
side of the rack cabinet.
Mount the unit into the equipment rack, ensuring that the slides properly engage
3
the cabinet-mounted slide rails.
Slide the converter into the rack cabinet until the front panel’s back surfaces
4
abut the rack cabinet’s front mounting rails.
Secure the converter to the rack cabinet front mounting rails using four user-
5
provided screws installed through the front panel mounting slots.

Figure 2-4. Optional Bearingless Rack Slide Installation (FP/SL000X)

2–6
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Installation MN-UT4500A

2.3 Connect Prime Power Connection

The detachable power cord mates with the AC Prime power receptacle on the rear of the
converter chassis. A power cord for connection to 90-125 VAC or 205-240 VAC power sources is
provided with the converter.

2.4 Connect External Cables

Proceed to connect all external cables to the connectors outlined in the next chapter (Chapter 3.
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS). Should difficulties occur, call Comtech EF Data Customer Support
for assistance.

2–7
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Installation MN-UT4500A

Notes:

2–8
 Chapter 3. REAR PANEL
CONNECTORS

3.1 Rear Panel Overview

Figure 3-1 shows the UT-4500-A Series Upconverter rear panel and its accessible connectors.
This example depicts a UT-4505-A Upconverter equipped with a Transmit Switch Module (TSM).

Table 3-1 summarizes these connectors, which provide all necessary external connections
between the upconverter and other equipment. Detailed information about each connector
follows.

Figure 3-1. UT-4500-A Rear Panel (UT-4505-A with Receive Switch Module [RSM-XX]
Shown)

3–1
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Rear Panel Connectors MN-UT4500A

3.2 UT-4500-A External Connectors

Table 3-1. UT-4500-A Rear Panel External Connections

Location
Ref Des / Chapter
(Chapter Description
Connector Name Subsect.
Sect.)
3.2.1.1 AC Prime Power Input (AC POWER)
Prime Power
3.2.1.2 Optional –48 VDC Prime Power Input (DC POWER)
J2A | REF IN 3.2.1.3 External Reference Oscillator Input
MAIN J2B | REF OUT 3.2.1.4 Optional External Reference Oscillator Output
CHASSIS
(3.2.1) Ethernet 3.2.1.5 100BASE-TX Ethernet Management & Control port (Telnet, SNMP)
P1 | RELAY 3.2.1.6 Summary Fault Output
J1 | COM1 3.2.1.7 Serial Communications Interface for EIA-485/232 COMM links
Chassis Ground 3.2.1.8 #10-32UNC Stud
J3 | HSB 3.2.2.1 High Speed Bus
J4 | IF Converter IF Input
MODULE
J6 | LP IN IF TSM Switching Loop Input
(3.2.2) 3.2.2.2
J8 | LP OUT IF TSM Switching Loop Output
J5 | RF Converter RF Output

3.2.1 Chassis-mounted Connectors

3.2.1.1 AC Power IEC Line Input Connector Module

The 3-prong IEC line input connector module (IEC-60320 style C14)
contains the ON/OFF switch for the unit. It is also fitted with two fuses,
one each for line and neutral connections (or L1, L2 where
appropriate). The fuses are contained in a fuse holder that is press-fit
into the body of the connector.

A standard, detachable, non-locking, 3-socket power cord (IEC-60320 style C13 plug) supplies
the Alternating Current (AC) power to the UT-4500-A.

Note the following:

AC Power Specifications
Input Power 75W maximum, less than 65W typical
Input Voltage 90-260VAC
Connector Type IEC-603320 Style C13/C14
Fuse Protection Use (2) T2.0A 20mm slow-blow fuses.

For continued operator safety, always replace the fuses with the correct type
and rating.

3–2
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Rear Panel Connectors MN-UT4500A

3.2.1.2 Optional DC Power Connection

A standard 2-circuit terminal block, on/off switch, and fuse holder
supply the optional Direct Current (DC) power to the UT-4500-A.

Note the following:

DC Power Specifications
Input Power 75W maximum, less than 65W typical
Input Voltage 36 to 72 VDC
Connector Type 2-circuit Terminal Block
Fuse Protection Use (2) 3.15A 20mm slow-blow fuses.

For continued operator safety, always replace the fuses with the correct type
and rating.

3.2.1.3 J2A | REF IN, External Reference Input Connector (BNC-F)

The J2A | REF IN (External Reference Input) connector is a ‘BNC’ female connector
used to supply a master reference to the entire chassis. The user-supplied input signal
is used for phase-locking the internal 10MHz reference oscillator to a user-provided 5
or 10 MHz station clock. The impedance is matched for 50/75Ω, and requires an input
level of 0 ±5 dBm.

3.2.1.4 J2B | REF OUT, External Reference Output Connector (BNC-F)

The optional J2B | REF OUT (External Reference Output) connector is a ‘BNC’ female
connector that provides a 10 MHz reference for customer use. The impedance is
matched for 50/75Ω, and provides an output level of 5 ±3 dBm.

3–3
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Rear Panel Connectors MN-UT4500A

3.2.1.5 100BASE-TX Ethernet M&C Port (RJ-45)

This is a standard RJ-45 female connector used for management via Telnet, SNMP,
and HTTP. It is also used for upgrading UT-4500-A firmware. This receptacle uses a
UTP cable to connect to an Ethernet hub, router, switch, PC, etc.

Table 3-2. Ethernet M&C Interface Connector Pinout

Pin # Description Direction

1 Tx+ Out
2 TX- Out
3 Rx+ In
4 N/A
5 N/A
6 Rx- In

3.2.1.6 P1 | RELAY, Summary Fault Output Connector (DB-9F)

The P1 | RELAY summary fault output connector is a 9-pin Type "D" (DB-
9F) connector. The mating connector is a DB-9M connector.

Table 3-3. P1 | RELAY Summary Fault Connector Pinout

Pin # Description Notes
1 Summary Fault NC 1. Pin 1 to Pin 6: Fault
2 Summary Fault NO 2. Pin 2 to Pin 6: OK (No Fault)
3. Pin 7 to Pin 5: Forced Fault (typically
3 used with external group delay
4 equalizers)
5 Ground
6 Summary Fault COM
7 EXT_FLT_IN#
8
9

3–4
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Rear Panel Connectors MN-UT4500A

3.2.1.7 J1 | COM1 EIA-485/232 Interface Connector (DB-9F)

The J1 COM1 EIA-485/EIA-232 Interface connector is a 9-pin Type "D"
female (DB-9F) connector. The mating connector is a DB-9M connector.
The pinout specification for EIA-485 2-Wire is provided in Table 3-4; EIA-
485 4-Wire is provided in Table 3-5; the specification for EIA-232 is
provided in Table 3-6.

Table 3-4. J1 – 2-Wire EIA-485 Pinout Table 3-5. J1 – 4-Wire EIA-485 Pinout
Pin # Description Pin # Description
1 GND; Ground 1 GND; Ground
2 2
3 3
4 +RX/TX; Signal 4 +TX; Signal
5 -RX/TX; Signal Complement 5 -TX; Signal Complement
6 6
7 7
8 +RX/TX; Signal 8 +RX; Signal
9 -RX/TX; Signal Complement 9 -RX; Signal Complement
Note: Pins 8 and 9 are the loop to the next
upconverter

Table 3-6. J1 – EIA-232C Pinout

Pin # Description
1
2 TD; Transmit Data
3 RD; Receive Data
4
5 GND; Ground
6
7
8
9

3.2.1.8 Chassis Ground Connector

A #10-32 stud is used for connecting a common chassis ground among equipment.

Note: The AC power connector provides the safety ground.

3–5
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Rear Panel Connectors MN-UT4500A

3.2.2 Module-mounted Connectors

The information that follows pertains to the connectors provided on the available switch
modules (e.g., I/O Module (IOM), Receive Switch Module (RSM), and Transmit Switch Module
(TSM)). Quick reference tables listing all available modules are provided in Section 3.2.2.2.

Figure 3-2. IOM, RSM, and TSM Switch Modules

3–6
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Rear Panel Connectors MN-UT4500A

3.2.2.1 J3 | HSB (High Speed Bus) Connector (DB-25F)

The J3 | HSB connector is a Type “D” 25-pin female (DB-25F)
connector that is provided on all switch modules. The mating
connector is a DB-25M connector.

Note: This connection does not employ a “straight-through” cable assembly. Contact Comtech
EF Data for detailed wiring drawings when cabling between converters.

Table 3-7. J3 | HSB Interface Connector Pinout

Pin # Description
1 Cntl_12
2 Cntl_10
3 Cntl_8
4 Cntl_6
5 Cntl_4
6 Cntl_2
7 Cntl_In
8 +14V Out
9 +14V In
10 Aux_3
11 Aux_1
12 -Rx/Tx
13 GND
14 Cntl_11
15 Cntl_9
16 Cntl_7
17 Cntl_5
18 Cntl_3
19 Cntl_1
20 +14V Out
21 +14V In
22 GND
23 Aux_2
24 GND
25 +Rx/Tx

3–7
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Rear Panel Connectors MN-UT4500A

3.2.2.2 Switch Module IF, RF, and Loop Connectors

The IF and RF input and output connectors, and the Loop input and output connector types
vary depend on the band and impedence of the purchase unit. Modules are available for both
non-redundant (also referred to as single thread or standalone) and redundanct
configurations (see Appendix B. REDUNDANT SYSTEM OPERATION for the specific use of
these various switch modules).

The tables that follow provide a quick reference to the available switch modules and their
switching type, operating band, connector type, etc. for the UT-4500-A Series Upconverters
and DT-4500-A Series Downconverters. Contact Comtech EF Data for details and specifications
for the specific system module(s).

Table 3-8. DT-4500-A and UT-4500-A Available Switch Module Assemblies

IOM Assemblies
CEFD P/N Impedance Comments
AS/0101-1 75 I/O, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-2 75 Non-switching, C-Band
AS/0101-9 50 Non-switching, C-Band
AS/0101-15 50 I/O, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-19 75 UT-4518-A w/isolator, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-21 50 UT-4518-A w/isolator
AS/0101-23 75 UT-4514F-A w/isolator, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-29 50 UT-4514F-A w/isolator, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-39 50 w/isolator, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-40 75 w/isolator

RSM Assemblies
CEFD P/N Impedance Comments
AS/0101-4 75 Switching, Ku-Band, down
AS/0101-6 75 Switching, C-Band, Type ‘N’
AS/0101-7 50 Switching, C-Band, Type ‘N’
AS/0101-16 50 I/O, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-20 75 Receive Switch, C-Band, RSM2
AS/0101-26 50 RSM2, Type ‘N’
AS/0101-37 50 w/isolator, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-38 75 w/isolator

TSM Assemblies
CEFD P/N Impedance Comments
AS/0101-3 75 Switching, Ku-Band, up
AS/0101-5 75 Switching, C-Band, up, Type ‘N’
AS/0101-8 50 Switching, C-Band, up
AS/0101-17 50 Switching, IF & RF, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-18 75 Switching IF & RF w/isolator
AS/0101-22 75 UT-4514F-A w/isolator, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-27 50 UT-4514F-A w/isolator, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-28 50 UT-4518-A w/isolator, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-42 75 DT-4513-A w/isolator, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-43 50 UT-4514F-A w/isolator

3–8
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Rear Panel Connectors MN-UT4500A

PSM Assemblies
CEFD P/N Impedance Comments
AS/0101-10 75 Switching, Type ‘N’
AS/0101-11 75 Switching, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-24 50 RF Switching, Type ‘N’
AS/0101-30 50 Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-35 50 Type ‘SMA’ w/isolator
AS/0101-36 75 Type ‘SMA’ w/isolator

EQM Assemblies
CEFD P/N Impedance Comments
AS/0101-13 75 EQM for 1:1, C- and Ku-Bands
AS/0101-25 50 1:N IF & RF Switch, Type ‘SMA’
AS/0101-31 75 UT-4514F-A w/isolator
AS/0101-32 50 UT-4514F-A w/isolator
AS/0101-33 75 UT-4518F-A w/isolator
AS/0101-34 50 UT-4518F-A w/isolator
AS/0101-41 50 1:1 Switching

3.3 Cable Connections

Connect the signal cables to the connectors on the rear panel as shown in Figure 3-3. The cable signal
functions are listed in Table 3-1; see Section 3.2 for detailed information about each connector.

Figure 3-3. UT-4500-A Cabling Schematic (UT-4505-A with Receive Switch Module [RSM-XX]
Shown)

3–9
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Rear Panel Connectors MN-UT4500A

3.3.1 Cable Connections – Standalone (Non-Redundant) Operation

In non-redundant (also referred to as standalone or single thread) upconverter configurations
the upconverter has an Input/Output Module (IOM-XX) for the RF Input and the IF Output. An
upconverter with a Transmit Switch Module (TSM-XX) may be operated in a non-redundant
configuration if an IOM is unavailable.

Figure 3-4 shows a non-redundant configuration using with an IOM installed; Figure 3-5 shows
cabling accomplished with a TSM installed.

Figure 3-4. Standalone (Non-Redundant) Upconverter Configuration

Figure 3-5. Standalone (Non-Redundant) Upconverter Configuration with Transmit Switch

Module (TSM-XX)

3–10
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Rear Panel Connectors MN-UT4500A

3.3.2 Cable Connections – Redundant System Operation

In subsystems where a redundant upconverter configuration is used, the backup upconverter
has an Input/Output Module (IOM-XX) and the online converters have Transmit Switch Modules
(TSM-XX), which switch to the backup upconverter when a fault is detected. See Appendix B.
REDUNDANT SYSTEM OPERATION for a discussion of the upconverter’s use in redundant
applications.

3–11
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Rear Panel Connectors MN-UT4500A

Notes:

3–12
 Chapter 4. UPDATING FIRMWARE

4.1 Introduction

TO ENSURE OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO OPERATE THE UT-4500-A

WITH ITS LATEST AVAILABLE FIRMWARE.
The UT-4500-A Series Upconverter is factory-shipped with its latest version of operating
firmware. If a firmware update is needed, it can be acquired over satellite; by download from
the Comtech EF Data Web site (www.comtechefdata.com); or from Comtech EF Data Customer
Support during normal business hours via e-mail or on CD by standard mail delivery.

The UT-4500-A Firmware Update process is as follows:

• Perform the update without opening the UT-4500-A by connecting the rear panel
10/100 Ethernet port to the Ethernet port of a user-supplied PC.

• Download the firmware update via the Internet to the user PC.

• Transfer the firmware update, via File Transfer Protocol (FTP), from the user PC to the
UT-4500-A.

4–1
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Updating Firmware MN-UT4500A

4.2 Getting Started: Preparing for the Firmware Download

Step Task
1 Identify the firmware number and version for download.

Using the unit front panel, the current unit M&C version can be viewed at the top-level
menu of the front panel display (press the [CLR] key several times to view). The firmware
information can also be found within the UTILITY  FIRMWARE INFO  IMAGE#1 or
IMAGE#2 menu branches. For more information, see Chapter 5. FRONT PANEL
OPERATION.

Using the 45xxA Web Server Interface, the firmware information can be found on the
CONFIG | UTILITY page. For more information, see Chapter 6. ETHERNET-BASED REMOTE
PRODUCT MANAGEMENT.

Using serial remote control, the firmware revision levels may be obtained with the
<1/FRM? query. For more information, see Appendix A. REMOTE CONTROL.
2 Create a temporary folder (directory) on an external PC:

• For Windows Explorer: Select File > New > Folder to create a new folder, then rename
it from “New Folder” to "temp" or another convenient, unused name. Assuming
"temp" works, a "c:\temp" folder should now be created.

Note: The drive letter c: is used in this example. Any valid writable drive letter can
be used.

• For Windows Command-line: Click [Start] on the Windows taskbar, then click the
“Run...” icon (or, depending on Windows OS versions prior to Windows 95, click the
“MS-DOS Prompt” icon from the Main Menu). Then, to open a Command-line
window…

o For Windows 95 or Windows 98 – Type “command”.

o For any Windows OS versions later than Windows 98 – Type “cmd” or

“command”.

o Alternately, from [Start], select All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.

At the Command-line prompt (c:\>), type “mkdir temp” or “md temp” (without quotes –
mkdir and md stand for make directory). This is the same as creating a new folder from
Windows Explorer. There should now be a "c:\temp" subdirectory created (where c: is the
drive letter used in this example).
There should now be a "temp" folder created and available for placement of the firmware file
download.

4–2
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Updating Firmware MN-UT4500A

4.3 Downloading and Extracting the Firmware Update

Step Task
1 Download the correct firmware file to this temporary folder:

a) Go online to: www.comtechefdata.com;

b) Click on: Support tab;

c) Click on: Software Downloads drop-down or hyperlink from Support page;

d) Click on: Download Flash and Software Update Files icon;

e) Click on: (Select a Product Line) Converters hyperlink;

f) Click on: The UT-4500 Series product hyperlink;

g) Select the appropriate UT-4500-A Series Product firmware hyperlink.

About Firmware Numbers, File Versions, and Formats: The flashable files on the download
server are organized by product prefix; firmware number (verify that the correct firmware
number is known – see Step 1) and, where applicable, revision letter and release version.

The UT-4500-A firmware archive file hyperlink is F0000202x_V### (where ‘x’ denotes the
revision letter, and V### denotes the firmware version number). The downloadable files
are stored in two formats: *.exe (self-extracting) and *.zip (compressed). Some firewalls
will not allow the downloading of *.exe files. In this case, download the *.zip file instead.

For additional help with "zipped" file types, see PKZIP for Windows, WinZip, or ZipCentral
help files. PKZIP for DOS is not supported due to file naming conventions.
2 Extract a minimum of two files to the temporary folder on the PC:

a) FW-0000202x.bin – the bulk firmware file;

b) ReleaseNotes_DT4500A_V###.pdf, or a similarly-titled file, where ‘V###’ denotes

the firmware version number.
5 Confirm that the files have been extracted to the specified temporary folder on the PC.
Using Command-line, type “cd c:\temp” to change to the temporary directory created in
Sect. 4.2, Step 2, then type the “dir” command to list the files extracted from the
downloaded archive file.
The firmware files have been successfully downloaded and are now available for transfer to the
UT-4500-A.

4–3
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Updating Firmware MN-UT4500A

4.4 Performing the Ethernet FTP Upload Procedure

Step Task
1 Connect the user PC to the UT-4500-A’s 10/100 Ethernet M&C via a hub or a switch, or
directly to the PC with a crossover cable.
2 Send a “ping” command to the unit to verify the connection and communication:

First, determine the IP address of the unit remotely or by using the UT-4500-A Front Panel:

• Via Remote Control – Use the <1/IPA? command

• Via Front Panel – Use the CONFIG  REMOTE  ETHERNET  ADDRESS  IP

Address/Range menu.

Then, using Command-line to PING: At the Command-line prompt, type “ping

xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx” (where ‘xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx’ is the Management IP address of the unit).
The results should confirm whether or not the unit is connected and communicating.
3 Initiate an FTP session with the unit (this example uses Command-line):

a) From the PC, type "ftp xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx" where ‘xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx’ is the IP address of
the UT-4500-A.

b) Enter the Admin User Name (there will be no prompt for a password) to complete
login.

c) Verify the FTP transfer is binary by typing "bin".

d) Type "prompt", then type "hash" to facilitate the file transfers.

4 Transfer the files from the temporary folder on the PC:

Type "put FW-0000202x.bin bulk:” to begin the file transfers. The destination “bulk:” must
be all lower-case. Approximately one minute is required to transfer the file.
5 Verify the file transfer:

a) The PC should report that the file transfer has occurred, and the display on the unit
will start reporting “Programming App Flash … Please wait”.

After a few minutes, the unit will display “Programming main FPGA … Please wait”.

b) Terminate the FTP session by typing "bye" and close the Command-line window.

c) Confirm that the new file was loaded by using the procedure in Step 1.

4–4
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Updating Firmware MN-UT4500A

Step Task
6 Change the desired image to boot.

From the UT-4500-A front panel menu: UTILITY  FIRMWARE SELECT.

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to change to the other image, then cycle power to reboot the
unit.
7 Verify the new firmware version has booted by observing the firmware version displayed
on the UT-4500-A front panel, for example:

UT_4514D-2
SW VER #.#.# SN#########

Note: To load the second image, repeat Steps 3 through 6

The UT-4500-A is now operating with its latest firmware. The firmware update process is now
complete.

4–5
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Updating Firmware MN-UT4500A

Notes:

4–6
 0B

Chapter 5. FRONT PANEL

OPERATION

5.1 Introduction

Figure 5-1. UT-4500-A Front and Rear Panel Views

Figure 5-1 identifies the key operational features of the front and rear panels of the UT-4500-A
Series Upconverter. This example depicts a UT-4505-A equipped with a Transmit Switch
Module, or TSM.

The front panel features (from left): Two Test Point Sample Ports, Six Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
Indicators, a Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD); and a six-button keypad.

The Prime Power Switch, located on the rear panel, is an integral component of the IEC Line
Input (AC Power) Connector.

The function and behavior of the LED indicators, keypad, and VFD is described in detail in this
chapter. The keypad comprises six individual keyswitches. You can use the keypad and display
to fully control and monitor the operation of the UT-4500-A from the front panel. You enter

5–1
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

data via the keypad, and messages are displayed on the VFD. Nested menus display all available
options and prompt you to carry out a required action. The LEDs indicate, in a summary fashion,
the status of the unit.

5.1.1 Switch Power On (Rear Panel)

UT-4500-A AC Power Switch UT-4500-A DC Power Switch

(Standard) (Optional)

Prior to turning on power to the unit, check to ensure that installation is complete, and verify
that the UT-4500-A is connected to the proper prime power source, RF Input, and IF Output.

For more information, see Chapter 2. INSTALLATION and Chapter 3. REAR PANEL
CONNECTORS.

Switch on the unit and verify the cooling fan is operational, the LED indicators illuminate as
expected, and the Vacuum Fluorescent Display is readable.

5.1.2 LED Indicators

The following table defines the operational condition,
when lit, of the six front panel LED indicators:

LED Color Operational Condition (When Lit)

POWER ON Green Prime power is applied when the light is on.

OUTPUT ENABLE Yellow Transmit function operating when the light is on.

REMOTE Yellow In Remote Control Mode when the light is on.

ON LINE Yellow Operating on-line to transmit data when the light is on.

FAULT Red Fault condition exists when the light is on.

STORED FAULT Red Faults stored and logged when the light is on.

5–2
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

5.1.3 Keypad
The keypad comprises six individual keyswitches. They have a
positive ‘click’ action, which provides tactile feedback. The
function of the front panel keypad is as follows:

Use the ENTER key to select a displayed function or to execute a modem configuration change.

Use the CLEAR key to back out of a selection or to cancel a configuration change that has not been
executed since ENTER was last pressed. Pressing CLEAR generally returns the display to the
previous selection.

Use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to move to the next selection or to move the cursor position. Most of
the menus (space permitting) include arrow key hints to guide operation.
(Up, Down)

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys primarily to change configuration data (numbers) at the current cursor
position. They may be used occasionally to scroll through a number of choices at the current cursor
(Left, Right) position. Most of the menus (space permitting) include arrow key hints to guide operation.

The keypad has an auto-repeat feature. Holding a key down for more than 1
second repeats the key action automatically at the rate of 15 keystrokes per
second. This is particularly useful when editing numeric fields with many digits,
such as frequency or data rate.

5.1.4 Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD)

The UT-4500-A features a Vacuum Fluorescent
Display (VFD). The VFD is an active display showing
two lines of 24 characters each. It produces a blue
light, the brightness of which can be user-adjusted. Compared to a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD),
it has greatly superior viewing characteristics and does not suffer problems of viewing angle or
contrast.

On most menu screens, you will observe a flashing solid block cursor, which blinks at a once-
per-second rate. This indicates the currently selected item, digit, or field. Where this solid block
cursor would obscure the item being edited (e.g., a numeric field) the cursor will automatically
change to an underline cursor.

If you were to display the same screen for weeks at a time, the display could become ‘burnt’
with this image. To prevent this, the unit has a ‘screen saver’ feature that activates after 1 hour.
The top line of the display will display the circuit ID, and the bottom line will display ‘Press
any key...’ The message moves from right to left across the screen, then wraps around.
Pressing any key will restore the previous screen.

5–3
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

5.2 Opening Screen

2B

UT_45XX –X
SW VER X.X.X SNXXXXXXXXX

This screen is displayed whenever power is first applied to the unit. When the prime power is
turned on, this VFD ‘splash’ display indicates the upconverter model number – e.g., ‘UT_4505 -
2’ – along with the version number of the firmware installed, and the serial number assigned for
the unit in use.

The opening screen may be accessed from any location within the UT-4500-A menu structure by
pressing the CLEAR key repeatedly. Otherwise, press any key to access the main menu.

5.3 Main Menu

CONFIG MONITOR FAULTS
PRE-SELECTS UTILITY

The upconverter command menus are provided in a structured tree format designed for logical
access and execution of all control functions, and to prevent the execution of an invalid entry by
the operator.

The following table identifies each menu branch available from the main menu, its content
section in this chapter, and the functional description of each branch:

Menu Branch Sect Description

CONFIG 5.3.1 (Configuration) Allows full configuration of the UT-4500-A.
Allows the real-time monitoring of system voltages, unit temperature, IFLO tuning,
MONITOR 5.3.2
and Synth tuning,
The upconverter displays a total of one hundred (100) faults, which are date and
time stamped and stored in memory as they occur. The stored faults remain in
FAULTS 5.3.3
memory until a clear command is entered. When the number of faults reaches
100, the 100th fault will display ER.
PRE-SELECTS 5.3.4 Allows configuration and recall of up to 32 pre-set operating selections.
Allows configuration of such system functions as the Real-Time Clock, VFD
UTILITY 5.3.5
brightness, unit ID, and firmware loading preferences.

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select CONFIG, MONITOR, FAULTS, PRE-SELECTS, or UTILITY, and
then press ENTER.

5–4
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

5.3.1 CONFIG (Configuration)

OUTPUT REMOTE REDUNDANCY
FAULTRECOVERY COLDSTART

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select from the submenu choices shown, and then press ENTER. Note
the following:

Submenu Sect Functional Description

Allows user to define output frequency, attenuation, and set Rx operations as
OUTPUT 5.3.1.1
on or off.
(Remote C ontrol) Allows definition of whether the unit is being controlled
REMOTE 5.3.1.2 locally or remotely, and identifies the unit address, interface type, and rate and
format of the baud parameters.
(Redundancy) Permits you to identify the redundancy state and mode (see
REDUNDANCY 5.2.1.3 Appendix B . UT-4500-A REDUNDANCY O PERATION for further
information).
FAULTRECOVERY 5.3.1.4 Allows configuration of Fault Recovery in Auto or Manual mode.
Allows user to mute the upconverter output signal for a pre-determined time
COLDSTART 5.3.1.5 after power is applied to the upconverter to ensure that the reference oscillator
is stable.

5.3.1.1 CONFIG: OUTPUT

Frq=14500.000 MHz
Atten=00.00 dB Tx = Off

Typical for each parameter, use the ◄ ► arrow keys to first navigate to a parameter to edit, and
then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to edit the value of that digit or setting.

Freq (Frequency): Displays the current upconverter frequency in MHz, and allows the selection
of a new frequency channel between RFLow to RFHigh MHz in 125 KHz steps.

Atten (Attenuation): Displays the upconverter attenuation setting, and allows the selection of a
new setting from 0.00 to 25.00 dB in 0.25 dB steps. The default setting is 10.00 dB.

Tx: Use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to set upconverter operation as On or Off. The default mode is Off.

Press ENTER when done.

5–5
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

5.3.1.2 CONFIG: REMOTE (Remote Control)

Remote Control: Local
SERIAL ETHERNET
Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select Local, SERIAL, or ETHERNET, and then press ENTER.

CONFIG: Remote Control  Local

When Remote Control: Local is selected, then remote control will be disabled. Remote
monitoring is still possible.

CONFIG: Remote Control  SERIAL

Serial Mode = RS-232
Addr=001 Baud=9600 8-N-1

On the top line: To set the Serial Mode, use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to select RS-232 or
RS-485, and then press ENTER.

On the bottom line: To edit the Serial address, first use the ◄ ► arrow keys to navigate to
the digit to edit, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to edit the value of that digit. The valid
range of addresses is from 001 (default) to 255.

To edit the Baud Rate, first use the ◄ ► arrow keys to navigate to the parameter, and then
use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to select a different baud rate. Available choices are 1200, 2400,
4800, 9600 (default), 19K2, and 38K4.

To edit the asynchronous character format, first use the ◄ ► arrow keys to navigate to the
parameter, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to select a different format. Available choices
(i.e., number of data bits; odd, even, or no parity; number of stop bits) are 8-N-1, 7-E-2, or
7-O-2.

Press ENTER when done.

CONFIG: Remote Control  ETHERNET

ADDRESS GATEWAY SNMP
MAC = 00-06-B0-00-00-0F

On the bottom line: The unit MAC address is displayed here. This read-only menu shows
the. Once the MAC address has been noted, exit this menu by pressing ENTER or CLEAR.

On the top line: Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select the parameter to configure – ADDRESS,
GATEWAY, or SNMP – and then press ENTER to continue.

5–6
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

CONFIG: Remote Control  ETHERNET  ADDRESS

IP Address/Range:
192.168.001.002/24

To edit the IP Address and Range for the Ethernet M&C port for this unit: First, use the ◄ ►
arrow keys to select the digit to edit, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to edit the value of that
digit. Press ENTER when done.

CONFIG: Remote Control  ETHERNET  GATEWAY

Ethernet IP Gateway:
192.168.001.002

To edit the IP Gateway Address for the Ethernet M&C port for this unit: First, use the ◄ ►
arrow keys to select the digit to edit, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to edit the value of that
digit. Press ENTER when done.

CONFIG: Remote Control  ETHERNET  SNMP

COMMUNITIES TRAPS

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select the parameter to configure: COMMUNITIES or TRAPS.

CONFIG: Remote Control  ETHERNET  SNMP  COMMUNITIES

SNMP Communities:
READ WRITE TRAP

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select READ, WRITE, or TRAP, and then press ENTER.

CONFIG: Remote Control  ETHERNET  SNMP 

COMMUNITIES READ
Read Community:
public

You may view or edit the SNMP Read Community string. To edit, first use the ◄
► arrow keys to select the character to edit, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys
to edit that character. Press ENTER when done.

CONFIG: Remote Control  ETHERNET  SNMP 

COMMUNITIES WRITE
Write Community:
private

5–7
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

You may view or edit the SNMP Write Community string. To edit, first use the ◄
► arrow keys to select the character to edit, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys
to edit that character. Press ENTER when done.

CONFIG: Remote Control  ETHERNET  SNMP 

COMMUNITIES TRAP
Trap Community:
comtech

You may view or edit the SNMP Trap Community string. To edit, first use the ◄
► arrow keys to select the character to edit, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys
to edit that character. Press ENTER when done.

CONFIG: Remote Control  ETHERNET  SNMP  TRAPS

TRAPIP1 TRAPIP2 VERSION
IP1 IP2 Version

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select TRAPIP1, TRAPIP2, or VERSION, and then press
ENTER.

CONFIG: Remote Control  ETHERNET  SNMP  TRAPS 

TRAPIP1/TRAPIP2
TRAP IP ADDRESS #1:
000.000.000.000

TRAP IP ADDRESS #2:

000.000.000.000

You may view or edit the Trap Destination’s IP Addresses. To edit, first use the ◄
► arrow keys to select the digit to edit, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to edit
the value of that digit. Press ENTER when done.

Note: If both Trap IP Addresses are 000.000.000.000, it means Traps are disabled.

CONFIG: Remote Control  ETHERNET  SNMP  TRAPS 

VERSION
Trap Version:
SNMPv1 SNMPv2

Use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to select the trap version – SNMPv1 or SNMPv2 – and
then press ENTER.

5–8
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

5.3.1.3 CONFIG: REDUNDANCY

1:1 Redundancy is an optional feature for the UT-4500-A. If you attempt to select any feature from
this menu branch, and either Redundancy Configuration is off or the upconverter is the primary
operating unit, the Redundancy menu branch appears as follows:

Redundancy: MODE

Otherwise:

Redundancy: MODE
Auto/Manual FORCE HSB

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select MODE, Auto/Manual, FORCE, or HSB (High Speed Bus), and
then press ENTER.

Note: If any submenu is selected from this menu branch when the unit is not in Local Mode
(i.e., the unit is in either Serial or Ethernet Remote Mode), the system prompts you to switch or
Local Mode as follows:

Remote Mode: press ENTER

for local mode, or CLEAR

Operations may continue once Local Mode is established.

CONFIG: REDUNDANCY  MODE

Redundancy Config = On
CONVERTER = #BU 1:01

On the top line: First, use the ◄ ► arrow keys to navigate to the Redundancy Config
setting, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to set operation as On or Off.

On the bottom line: First, use the ◄ ► arrow keys to navigate to the Converter Selection
setting, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to toggle the upconverter operational preference
as #BU or #01. Note the following:

• With CONVERTER = #BU, the unit is set as the standby, or backup unit. This mode of
operation is indicated on the right-hand side of the bottom line as 1:01.

• With CONVERTER = #01, the unit is set as the primary operating unit. The mode of
operation is indicated on the right-hand side of the bottom line as POL=1.

5–9
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

CONFIG: REDUNDANCY  Auto/Manual

CONVERTER 123456789ABC
AUTO/MAN A-----------

Use this submenu to define backup as Automatic or Manual. This command provides for
automatic switching by the backup upconverter if both units are in the Redundancy Mode.
This command is only accepted by the backup upconverter. If a chain upconverter is set in
Manual Mode, the backup upconverter will log the occurrence and not act upon further
information from the upconverter until put into Automatic Mode.

On the top line: The unit in use and its Application ID (identification label) are displayed
here.

On the bottom line: First, use the ◄ ► arrow keys to navigate to the AUTO/MAN setting,
and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to set toggle switchover as A (Automatic) or M (Manual).

CONFIG: REDUNDANCY  FORCE

CONV 01 OFFSET=+00.00 DB
ACTIVATE BACKUP = NO

On the top line: First, use the ◄ ► arrow keys to navigate to the OFFSET operational
threshold setting (i.e., the limit defined to automatically trigger switchover to the backup
unit), and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to set that value in 0.25 dB increments.

On the bottom line: First, use the ◄ ► arrow keys to navigate to the ACTIVATE BACKUP
setting, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to set toggle switchover as NO (i.e., no backup
will occur at the defined operational threshold), or FORCE (i.e., switchover will take place
automatically if operation exceeds the predefined operational threshold.

Note that this submenu is operational only with a backup unit assigned, and with the
switchover set as Automatic. In the absence of a designated backup unit and/or switchover
set as Manual, the following message displays:

NO UNITS CURRENTLY
BACKED UP OR IN MANUAL

Press ENTER or CLEAR to return to the previous menus, and then reconfigure the system to
operate as intended.

CONFIG: REDUNDANCY  HSB

CONV# 01 FRQ= 3625.000
ATTN=00.00 AUTO OK

In the "Daisy Chain" configuration, the backup upconverter communicates with the online
units through the high-speed interface bus (HSB). The backup upconverter is able to detect

5–10
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

faults and reconfigure itself to replace the faulted upconverter. The HSB interface is also
used in the backup Upconverter to monitor configuration changes made to an online
upconverter. Changes in frequency, gain, or polarity are immediately entered into the
backup table as well as information from new online units. The high-speed bus does not
interfere with the remote serial communication link access to any of the converters in the
chain.

The HSB (High Speed Bus) submenu is used to configure operation of the J3 HSB connector
provided on the optional Receive Switch Module (RSM) and Transmit Switch Module (TSM).
When an RSM or TSM is not configured for operation, the following message displays:

CONV #01 – NO DATA

HSB NO RESPONSE

Press ENTER or CLEAR to continue.

See Appendix B. REDUNDANT SYSTEM OPERATION for detailed information about use of the
front panel menus for redundancy configuration and operation.

5.3.1.4 CONFIG: FAULTRECOVERY

Fault Recovery: Auto

Use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to select Fault Recovery as Manual or Automatic, and then press
ENTER. The default operation is Auto.

5.3.1.5 CONFIG: COLDSTART

Cold Start = Disabled.

When redundancy is not active, use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to select Cold Start as Enabled or
Disabled, and then press ENTER. The default operation is Disabled.

Cold Start Mode, if enabled, mutes the upconverter output signal for a pre-determined time
after power is applied to the upconverter – 15 minutes – to ensure that the reference oscillator
is stable.

Note the following:

• You must be in Local or Remote Mode to use this command (default is Remote).

• This function is disabled in redundant systems.

5–11
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

5.3.2 MONITOR
Three read-only information screens are provided to monitor a number of operating voltage,
temperature and tuning parameters. Use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to page between screens.

The following examples are provided for informational purposes only – the data displayed here
for each parameter will vary depending on the operating conditions for the system in use:

15VDC=15.6V 14VDC=14.0V ▲
VCC=0.5V 5VDis=0.50V ▼

Converter Temp = +30.0C ▲

IFLO Tuning = 0.38V ▼

Synth Tuning: Sum=0.32V ▲

Coarse=06.0V Fine=03.5V ▼

Press ENTER or CLEAR to continue.

5.3.3 FAULTS
CURRENT STORED

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select CURRENT or STORED, and then press ENTER.

5.3.3.1 FAULTS: CURRENT

Four read-only information screens are provided to monitor a number of operating parameters
and return back whether the parameters are OK – i.e., operating within normal ranges, or FT –
i.e., currently faulted. Use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to page between screens.

The following examples are provided for information purposes only – the data displayed here
will vary depending on the operating conditions for the system in use:

Power Faults: 15VDC=OK ▲

14VDC=OK VCC=OK ▼

IFLO Lock Detect = OK ▲

▼

Synth Faults: SumLD=OK ▲

FineLD=OK CoarseLD=OK ▼

5–12
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

Conv Temperature = OK ▲
High Speed Bus = OK ▼

Press ENTER or CLEAR to continue.

5.3.3.2 FAULTS: STORED (Stored Faults Log)

VIEW CLEAR-ALL

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select View or Clear-All, and then press ENTER.

FAULTS: STORED  VIEW

If View is selected and no faults exist, the system displays the following message:

No Stored Faults.

The faults log can store up to 100 faults. When a fault condition occurs, it is date- and time-
stamped, and stored in the faults log with a number assigned in the order received. The fault
information displays as per the following example:

Log05 01/23/11 09:27:15▲

Fault – HSB ▼

When the fault condition clears, this is also recorded in the same fashion as the fault was
originally recorded, as shown per the following example:

Log09 01/23/11 10:45:35▲

Clear – HSB ▼

The stored faults remain in memory until the CLEAR-ALL command is entered. When the
number of faults reaches 100, the 100th fault will display ER.

You may use the ▲ ▼ arrow key to scroll backwards or forwards through the faults log.

Press ENTER or CLEAR to return to the previous menu.

FAULTS: STORED  CLEAR-ALL

Clear All Stored Faults
No Yes

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to choose No or Yes, and then press ENTER.

5–13
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

If Yes is selected, the faults log is cleared and you are returned to the previous menu. However,
if there are faults present on the unit at this time, they will be re-stamped and new log entries
will be generated.

5.3.4 PRE-SELECTS
#03 LOAD PROGRAM CLEAR ▲
03625.125 MHz 01.25 dB ▼

You may create (program) up to 32 operating configurations, and recall them as needed. If any
pre-selects exist, use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys browse through the available pre-selects (i.e., #01
through #32), and then press ENTER.

Note: Upon initial selection – i.e., prior to the creation of any pre-selects – this menu branch
appears as follows:

#XX LOAD PROGRAM CLEAR

No Pre-Select Programmed

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select one of the following actions, and then press ENTER.

Selection Functional Description

LOAD Recalls a previously defined pre-select from memory.
PROGRAM Stores a defined set of operating parameters into memory for future recall.
CLEAR Clears a previously defined pre-select from memory.

5.3.4.1 PRE-SELECTS: LOAD

Load this pre-select
Into converter? No Yes

LOAD is operable when pre-selects have previously been programmed into the unit via the
PROGRAM submenu. Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select No or Yes, and then press ENTER.

5.3.4.2 PRE-SELECTS: PROGRAM

Program pre-select? #XX
04200.000 MHz 01.25 dB

Select PROGRAM when it is desired to save an operational configuration for recall at a later
date.

On the top line, first use the ◄ ► arrow keys to navigate to the pre-select designator (#XX),
and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to select a number from 01 to 32.

5–14
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

The read-only bottom line displays the operating parameters that will be stored into the
designated slot (via this submenu), and then recalled via the LOAD submenu.

5.3.4.3 PRE-SELECTS: CLEAR

Clear this pre-select?
No Yes

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select No or Yes to clear a previously saved parameter from
memory. This will free up the slot for future pre-select programming needs. Press ENTER when
done.

5.3.5 UTILITY
TIME DISP FIRMWARE AID
REFOSC SLOPE LAMP-TEST

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select from the submenu choices shown, and then press ENTER. Note
the following:

Submenu Sect Functional Description

TIME 5.3.5.1 Allows configuration of the Real-Time Clock.
(Display) Allows adjustment of the Video Fluorescent Display (VFD) brightness
DISP 5.3.5.2
level.
AID 5.2.5.3 Allows definition of a unit identifier (label).
(External Reference Oscillator) Allows adjustment of the upconverter reference
REFOSC 5.3.5.4
frequency.
SLOPE 5.3.5.5 Allows adjustment of the upconverter slope settings.
LAMP-TEST 5.3.5.6 Performs a diagnostic test of the front panel LEDs and VFD.

5.3.5.1 UTILITY: TIME (Real-Time Clock)

Edit Real-Time Clock:
12:00:00 01/23/11

To edit the time and date settings of the real-time clock, first use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select
the digit to be edited, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to change the value of that digit. Press
ENTER when done.

Note: 24-hour Military time format is used.

5–15
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

5.3.5.2 UTILITY : DISP (VFD Display)

VFD Display Brightness:
100%

To edit the display brightness: Use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to select a brightness value of 25%,
50%, 75%, or 100%. Press ENTER when the brightness is suitable.

5.3.5.3 UTILITY: AID (Application Identification String)

Edit AID Message?
No Yes

The Application Identification (AID) command allows a free form message to be created. It is
intended to identify the satellite, either transponder, beam, destination or other aspects of the
application that may be significant to operations. The AID display alternates with the Equipment
type display by use of the CLEAR key. The default is "AID MESSAGE".

To edit the AID message: First, use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select No or Yes, and then press
ENTER. Then, to edit the Application ID string: For both the top and bottom lines of the display,
first use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select the character to edit, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys
to edit that character.

A maximum of 24 characters are available on each line (48 characters in all), as follows:

[Space] ( ) * + - , . / 0-9 and A-Z.

UT-4500-A SERIES
48 CHAR MAX TST MESSAGE

Once the Application ID string is composed as per the above example, press ENTER.

5.3.5.4 UTILITY: REFOSC (Reference Oscillator Adjustment)

Reference frequency
adjustment = 087

The reference oscillator adjustment may be manipulated with this submenu. Use the ◄ ► arrow
keys to select the digit to edit, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to edit the value of that digit.
Press ENTER when done.

The default Reference Frequency tuning adjustment is 087, with allowable values from 0 to 255.

5–16
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

5.3.5.5 UTILITY: SLOPE

Converter slope
adjustment = 0.0

The upconverter slope adjustment may be manipulated with this submenu. Use the ◄ ► arrow
keys to select the digit to edit, and then use the ▲ ▼ arrow keys to edit the value of that digit.
Press ENTER when done.

The default upconverter slope adjustment is 0.0, with allowable values from 0.0 to 1.0.

5.3.5.6 UTILITY: LAMP-TEST

Start Lamp Test?
No Yes

To start the lamp test, use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select No or Yes, and then press ENTER. The
test begins with the following message:

Lamp Test in Progress

Please Wait

The front panel will then run through a series of diagnostics: the LED array will cycle, and then the
VFD will generate a series of test patterns. The VFD will return to the previous menu upon
successful completion of the test.

Once the test has run, press CLEAR to return to the main menu. .

5.3.5.7 UTILITY: FIRMWARE

THESE MENUS ARE INTENDED FOR DIAGNOSTIC PURPOSES ONLY. DO NOT

CHANGE AN IMAGE UNLESS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED BY COMTECH EF
DATA CUSTOMER SUPPORT.

This series of submenus permits you to view information about the UT-4500-A internal
firmware. The upconverter can store two complete firmware images, and you can select which
image will be loaded the next time the unit reboots.

Firmware Images:
INFO SELECT

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select INFO or SELECT, and then press ENTER.

5–17
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Front Panel Operation MN-UT4500A

UTILITY: FIRMWARE  INFO

Firmware Info: BOOTROM
IMAGE#1 IMAGE#2

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select BOOTROM, IMAGE#1 or IMAGE#2, and then press ENTER to
view the information.

The BOOTROM screen displays information similar to the example that follows:

Bootrom: FW-0000200
X.X.X MM/DD/YY

For IMAGE#1 and IMAGE#2, each image is further broken down as follows (where IMAGE#X
denotes IMAGE#1 or IMAGE#2):

IMAGE#X: Bulk APP FPGA

Use the ◄ ► arrow keys to select Bulk, App, or FPGA, and then press ENTER. The screens display
information in a format similar to the examples that follow:

Bulk#X: FW-0000202
X.X.X MM/DD/YY

App#X: FW-0000203
X.X.X MM/DD/YY

FPGA#X: FW-0000204
X.X.X MM/DD/YY

UTILITY: Firmware  SELECT

Current Active Image: #1
Next Reboot Image: #1 #2

The top line shows the Current Active Image. From the bottom line, use the ◄ ► arrow keys to
select the Next Reboot Image (i.e., the image that will be active the next time the unit is
rebooted) as #1 or #2. Press ENTER when done.

If the image selected is already designated as the Next Reboot Image, the following message
displays:

THAT IMAGE IS ALREADY

CURRENT. NO CHANGE MADE.

5–18
 Chapter 6. ETHERNET-BASED
REMOTE PRODUCT
MANAGEMENT
6.1 Introduction
Ethernet-based remote management and control of the UT-4500-A is available using the rear
panel ‘10/100 ETHERNET’ port.

1. TO PROCEED WITH ETHERNET-BASED REMOTE PRODUCT MANAGEMENT,

ASSUMPTIONS ARE MADE THAT:

• The UT-4500-A is operating with the latest version firmware files.

• The UT-4500-A is connected to a user-supplied Windows-based PC as

follows:

o The PC’s serial port is connected to the UT-4500-A rear panel ‘J1 |
COM1’ port with a user-supplied serial cable.

o The PC’s Ethernet port is connected to the UT-4500-A rear panel

‘10/100 ETHERNET’ port with a user-supplied hub, switch, or direct
Ethernet cable connection.

o The PC is running a terminal emulation program (for operation of the

45xxA Telnet or serial remote control interface) and a compatible
web browser (for operation of the 45xxA Web Server Interface).

• The UT-4500-A’s Management IP Address has been noted using the

UT-4500-A Front Panel.

2. USE OF THE ETHERNET-BASED SNMP INTERFACE IS RECOMMENDED

ONLY FOR ADVANCED USERS. ALL OTHER USERS ARE STRONGLY
ENCOURAGED TO USE THE 45XX A WEB SERVER INTERFACE FOR
REMOTE MONITOR AND CONTROL (M&C) OF THE UT-4500-A.

6–1
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.1.1 Ethernet Management Interface Protocols

For SNMP, Telnet, or HTTP operation, the UT-4500-A must be configured with the
Ethernet control option. From the front panel, select CONFIG: REMOTE 
ETHERNET. See Chapter 5. FRONT PANEL OPERATION for further information.

The user PC provides access to Ethernet-based remote Monitor and Control (M&C) of the
UT-4500-A through three separately operated protocols:

• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). This requires a user-supplied Network

Management System (NMS) and a user-supplied Management Information Base (MIB) File
Browser.

• 45xxA Telnet Interface. This requires use of a user-supplied terminal emulation program
such as HyperTerminal.

• 45xxA Web Server (HTTP) Interface. This requires a compatible user-supplied web
browser such as Internet Explorer.

6.2 SNMP Interface

The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an Internet-standard protocol for
managing devices on IP networks. An SNMP-managed network consists of three key
components:

• The managed device. This includes the UT-4500-A.

• The SNMP Agent. This is the software that runs on the UT-4500-A. The 45xxA SNMP
Agent supports both SNMPv1 and SNMPv2c.

• The user-supplied Network Management System (NMS). This is the software that runs
on the manager.

6.2.1 Management Information Base (MIB) Files

MIB files are used for SNMP remote management of a unique device. A MIB file consists of a
tree of nodes called Object Identifiers (OIDs). Each OID provides remote management of a
particular function. Compile these MIB files in a user-supplied MIB Browser or SNMP Network
Monitoring System server.

6–2
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

The following MIB files are associated with the UT-4500-A:

MIB File/Name
(where ‘x’ is the Description
revision letter)
FW-0000235x.mib ComtechEFData MIB file gives the root tree for ALL Comtech EF Data products and
ComtechEFData consists of only the following OID:
Root MIB file Name: comtechEFData
Type: MODULE-IDENTITY
OID: 1.3.6.1.4.1.6247
Full path:
iso(1).org(3).dod(6).internet(1).private(4).enterprises(1).comtechEFData(6247)
Module: ComtechEFData
FW-0020205x.mib
MIB file consisting of all OID’s for management of the upconverter functions
UT-4500-A MIB file
FW-0020206x.mib
UT-4500-A Traps Trap MIB file for SNMPv1 traps common for UT-4500-A.
MIB file

6.2.2 SNMP Community Strings

In SNMP v1/v2c, the SNMP Community String is sent unencrypted in the SNMP
packets. Caution must be taken by the network administrator to ensure that SNMP
packets travel only over a secure and private network if security is a concern.
The UT-4500-A uses Community Strings as a password scheme that provides authentication
before gaining access to the UT-4500-A agent’s MIBs. They are used to authenticate users and
determine access privileges to the SNMP agent.

Type the SNMP Community String into the user-supplied MIB Browser or Network Node
Management software. You may define three Community Strings for SNMP access:

• Read Community default = public

• Write Community default = private

• Trap Community default = comtech

For proper SNMP operation, the UT-4500-A MIB files must be used with the
associated version of the UT-4500-A Series Upconverter M&C. Refer to the
UT-4500-A FW Release Notes for information on the required FW/SW compatibility.

6.2.3 SNMP Traps

The UT-4500-A supports both SNMPv1 traps and SNMPv2 notifications. The UT-4500-A has the
ability to send out SNMP traps when certain faults occur in the unit. A trap is sent both when a

6–3
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

fault occurs and when a fault clears. Which style of traps the UT-4500-A sends are configured
using the UT-4500-ASNMPTrapVersion OID.

The UT-4500-A supports MIB2 SNMPv1traps and SNMPv2notifications.

6.3 Telnet Interface

The UT-4500-A provides a Telnet interface for the purpose of Equipment M&C via the standard
equipment Remote Control protocol. The Telnet interface requires user login at the
Administrator level and Read/Write level. An example of the login process is shown here:

Once logged into the Telnet interface as Administrator, you can access the standard remote
control interface defined in Appendix A. REMOTE CONTROL.

6.3.1 Telnet Operation via HyperTerminal

There is a disadvantage when using Windows Command-line as a Telnet client. Since Command-
line cannot translate a ‘\r’ (i.e., carriage return or “CR”) to a ‘\r\n’ (i.e., CR+line feed “LF”) for the
messages coming from Telnet Server, any multi-line Target-to-Controller response (e.g., the
response to the FRW? query) will be displayed as one line, with the latter lines overwriting the
previous lines. In order to view the full response messages, Comtech EF Data recommends use
of the HyperTerminal terminal emulation program, configured as a Telnet client.

Configure HyperTerminal as follows:

1. Ensure that the connection is made

using TCP/IP (Winsock) instead of
COM1 or COM2, as shown at the near
right.

2. ASCII Setup (File  Properties 

Settings  ASCII Setup): Check the
"Send line ends with line feeds" option
in the ASCII Sending section, and the
"Append line feeds to incoming line
ends" option in the ASCII Receiving
section, as shown at the far right.

6–4
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

An example of login and remote command/query execution, when using HyperTerminal as the
interface, is shown here:

6.4 45xxA Web Server (HTTP) Interface

A user-supplied web browser allows the full monitor and control (M&C) of the UT-4500-A
through its 45xxA Web Server Interface. This embedded web application is designed for, and
works best with, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Version 5.5 or higher (the examples shown use
Internet Explorer Version 9.0).

See Chapter 5. FRONT PANEL OPERATION or the Remote Commands Specifications tables found
in Appendix A. REMOTE CONTROL for detailed descriptions of many of the functions depicted
throughout Sect. 6.4.5 Web Server Page Descriptions.

6.4.1 Enabling the Web Server Interface

The IP Address can be verified from the front panel menus: CONFIG: REMOTE
 ETHERNET  ADDRESS. See Chapter 5. FRONT PANEL OPERATION for
complete details about using this M&C interface.

To enable the Web Server Interface in the UT-4500-A using only a 100BaseTx remote interface
(this assumes you are running Microsoft Windows OS):

1. Select Start, then Run, then type

“cmd” to open the command
prompt window:

2. Start a Telnet session with the unit at the default

IP address (this example uses 192.168.1.4):

3. Enter the Telnet username and password (the

default for both parameters is comtech):

6–5
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

Failure to enter the correct User name and Password will return you to a blank login screen.

6.4.2 User Login

1. From the PC, type the default IP address for the UT-4500-A
into the Address area of the browser (this example uses
http://192.168.1.4):

2. At the prompt, type in a valid User name and Password,

similar to the dialog box shown to the right. For all
interfaces, the default for both is comtech.

Type the User name and Password, and then click [OK].

Failure to enter the correct User name and Password will return you to the Login window.
Should you continue to specify an invalid User name or Password, the message “You do not have
security privilege to access this area.” displays. Otherwise, upon entry of the valid IP address and
login information 45xxA Web Server Interface “splash” page displays, similar to the example
shown here:

6–6
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.3 45xxA Web Server Interface Operational Features

6.4.3.1 Navigation
The 45xxA Web Server Interface features navigation tabs located at
the top of each page. After you click a navigation tab, you may click
an available page hyperlink.

This manual uses a naming format for all Web pages to indicate the depth of navigation needed
to view the subject page: “Top Level Tab | Web page hyperlink”.

For example: “Home | Support” is interpreted to mean “first click the top-level ‘Home’
navigation tab; then, click the ‘Support’ page hyperlink.

6.4.3.2 Page Sections

Each page features one or more sections. The title at the upper-left
corner of each page or page section provides indicates its
operational features. Each section can feature editable fields, action
buttons, and read-only displays that are specific to that section.

This manual explains the purpose and operation for each Web page on a per-page, per-section
basis.

6.4.3.3 Action Buttons

Action buttons are important in the Web Server Interface. Click an action
button to do one of these tasks:

• Reset changed parameters to remove unsaved changes.

• Permanently save changes.

• Refresh the page with current data.

If you edit a field, make sure to click the action button before you leave the page.
If you go to another page without first clicking the action button, your changes are
not saved.

6–7
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.3.4 Drop-down lists

A drop-down list lets you choose from a list of selections. Left-click
the drop-down button to open the list. Then, left-click on an item to
select that choice.

6.4.3.5 Text or Data Entry

Text boxes let you type data into a field. An action button may be
associated with a single text box, or a group of text boxes. For any
text box, left-click anywhere inside the box, type the desired
information into that field, and be sure to press [ENTER] when done.

Click the related action button to save the data.

If you edit any field, make sure to click the action button before you leave the
page. If you go to another page without first clicking the action button, your
changes are not saved.

6.4.4 45xxA Web Server Interface Menu Tree

The 45xxA Web Server Interface features four navigation tabs (shown in blue) located at the top
of each page. Nested page hyperlinks (gray) grant access to individual Web pages.

Home Admin Config Status

Home Access Converter Summary

Contact SNMP Ref Faults

Support Pre-selects

Utility

Redundancy

Click any tab or hyperlink to continue.

6–8
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.5 45xxA Web Server Interface Page Descriptions

6.4.5.1 Home Pages

Click the Home tab, and then select the Home, Contact, or Support hyperlink to continue.

6.4.5.1.1 Home | Home

Use this page to identify the product and its current operating firmware version. Click the Home
tab and/or the nested Home hyperlink to return to this page from anywhere in the Web Server
Interface.

Figure 6-1. Home | Home page

6–9
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.5.1.2 Home | Contact

Use this page to see the contact information (phone, fax, or Web/e-mail hyperlinks) for
Comtech EF Data Sales or Customer Support.

Figure 6-2. Home | Contact page

6–10
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.5.1.3 Home | Support

For this page to operate correctly, the Administrator must define the SMTP server,
domain name, and destination on the Admin | Access page (see Sect. 6.4.5.2.1).

This page uses SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol) to compose and send an e-mail message
to Comtech EF Customer Support ([email protected]). Use this communications
portal for questions about or problems with the unit.

Figure 6-3. Home | Support page

Contact Information
Provide your contact information – Name, Company, Telephone and E-mail – to Comtech EF
Data here.

Problem Report
Use this section to compose the required message of up to a maximum of 256 characters.

After providing your Contact Information and composing your message in the Problem Report
section, click [Submit Email] to send the message.

6–11
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.5.2 Admin Pages

The Administrator must use these pages to set up user access.

The Admin pages are available only to users who have logged in using the
Administrator Name and Password.

Click the Admin tab, and then select the Access or SNMP hyperlink to continue.

6.4.5.2.1 Admin | Access

The Administrator must use this page to manage the 45xxA Web Server Interface user access
settings.

Figure 6-4. Admin | Access page

Click [Refresh] to update the page with its latest operating parameters.

Network Maintenance
• IP Gateway, IP Address/Range: Enter the desired IP Gateway Address and IP Address/
Range in these text boxes.

• MAC Address (read-only): The MAC is set at the factory to a guaranteed unique address that
cannot be modified by the user.

6–12
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

Click [Change IP Address] to save. Otherwise, click [Reset] to revert to the previously assigned IP
Gateway and IP Address/Range,

System Account Access Information

• Admin, Read/Write, and Read Only Names and Passwords:

The factory defaults for these names/passwords are:

o Admin comtech/comtech

o Read/Write opcenter/1234

o Read Only monitor/1234

Note the following:

o These Name fields can be any alphanumeric combination with a maximum length of
10 characters.

o These Password fields can be any alphanumeric combination with a maximum

length of 10 characters.

• SMTP Server: Specify the mail server IP address from where you want to send the
e-mail.

• SMTP Domain Name / Destination: The Administrator can assign the SMTP Domain
Name and Destination. This is required if the e-mail feature of the Home | Support page
(Sect. 6.4.5.1.3) is to be used.

o For SMTP Domain Name, specify the domain of the e-mail server (usually found to
the right of the @ symbol in an e-mail address).

o For SMTP Domain Destination, specify the e-mail recipient name (usually found to
the left of the @ symbol in an e-mail address).

Click [Submit Access] to save. Otherwise, click [Reset] to revert to the previously assigned
System Account Access Information.

Webpage Timeout
To set an automatic timeout to safeguard access to an already logged-in unit, use the drop-
down list to set the time value as 5 minutes or 8 hours, and then click [Change].

The active session terminates if the unit remains idle (i.e., when no user activity occurs) beyond
the assigned Webpage Timeout. A valid user name and password is then required to resume the
45xxA Web Server Interface session.

6–13
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.5.2.2 Admin | SNMP

The Administrator must use this page to manage the 45xxA SNMP (Simple Network
Management Protocol) settings.

Figure 6-5. Admin | SNMP page

Click [Refresh] to update the page with its latest operating parameters.

SNMP
• Simple Network Management Operational Status: Use the drop-down list to select the
Simple Network Management operational setting as Enabled or Disabled.

• The SNMP Read and Write Community String fields can be any combination of characters
and a length of 0 - 20 characters:

o The factory default for the Read Community String parameter is public.

o The factory default Write Community String is private.

• Enable Authentication Trap: Use the drop-down list to select the Enable Authentication
Trap operational setting as Enabled or Disabled.

• The Administrator can assign up to two SNMP Trap IP addresses and one SNMP Trap
Community String. The SNMP Trap Community String field can be any combination of
characters and a length of 0 - 20 characters:

o The factory default for the Trap Community String is comtech.

• Trap Version: Use the drop-down list to select the SNMP Trap Version as SNMPv1 or
SNMPv2c.

See Sect. 6.3 SNMP INTERFACE for details pertaining to the remaining configuration parameters
available on this page,

6–14
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

Click [Submit SNMP] to save. Otherwise, click [Reset] to revert to the previously assigned SNMP
designations.

6.4.5.3 Config Pages

Click the Config tab, and then select the Converter, Ref, Pre-selects, Utility, or Redundancy
hyperlink to continue.

6.4.5.3.1 Config | Converter

Use this page to configure the communications, operations, and alarms/faults handling for the
UT-4500-A Upconverter.

Figure 6-6. Config | Converter page

Click [Refresh] to update the page with its latest operating parameters.

Converter
• Frequency in MHz: Enter an operating RF Frequency; otherwise, this field will display as
N/A.

• Attenuation (dB): Enter a valid attenuation level (00.00 to 20.00 dB) in 0.25 dB steps.

6–15
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

Click [Change Configuration] to save. Otherwise, click [Reset] to revert to the previously
assigned parameters.

Mute
Use the drop-down list to select Configuration Mute Mode as On or Off, and then click [Change].

Carrier Mute Mode

Use the drop-down list to select Carrier Mute Mode as On or Off, and then click [Change].

Cold Start Mute

Use the drop-down list to select the Cold Start Mute function as On or Off, and then click
[Change].

Fault Recovery
Use the drop-down list to select the Fault Recovery function as MANUAL or AUTOMATIC, and
then click [Change].

Channel Slope Adjustment

Enter a slope value (0.0 to 1.0) in 0.1 steps. Click [Change] when done.

Serial
• Interface Type: Use the drop-down list to select the operating serial mode as RS-485 or
RS-232.

• Remote Address: Enter a valid remote control address from 0001 to 9999.

• Baud Rate: Use the drop-down list to select the operating baud rate as 100, 2400, 4800,
9600, 19200 or 38400 baud.

• Data bits – Parity – Stop Bits: Use the drop-down list to select the asynchronous character
format as:

o 8-N-1 (8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)

o 7-O-2 (7 data bits, odd parity, 2 stop bits

o 7-E-2 (7 data bits, even parity, 2 stop bits).

Click [Change Serial Configuration] to save.

6–16
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.5.3.2 Config | Ref

Use this page to review the operational parameters of, and to adjust, the reference oscillator.

Figure 6-7. Config | Ref page

Click [Refresh] to update the page with its latest operating parameters.

Reference Oscillator
• External Reference Freq. (read-only): When an external reference oscillator is connected, its
operational value (i.e., 5 MHz or 10 MHz) is displayed here.

• Reference Tuning (VDC) (read-only): The currently defined Reference Frequency tuning
adjustment is displayed here.

• External Reference Lock (read-only): The External Reference Lock state is displayed here.

• Tuning Adjustment (0-255): Enter a numeric value for the reference oscillator tuning
voltage here. The default value is 087, with allowable values from 0 to 255.

Click [Submit] to save.

External Reference Lock Detect Mask

Use the drop-down list to select the External Reference Lock Detect Mask function as FAULT or
MASKED, and then click [Submit] to save.

6–17
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.5.3.3 Config | Pre-selects

Use this page to review the operational parameters of, and to adjust, the reference oscillator.

Figure 6-8. Config | Pre-selects page

Click [Refresh] to update the page with its latest configuration.

Pre-Selects
You may create (program) up to 32 operating configurations, and recall them as needed.

Note: Upon initial selection – i.e., prior to the creation of any pre-selects – the Frequency and
Attenuation columns are populated with null values.

To program any pre-select (Numbers 01 through 32), enter an operating RF frequency (in MHz),
and an attenuation level from 00.00 to 20.00 dB in 0.25 dB steps. Click [Change Configuration]
to save (program) the pre-select for future selection (recall).

Load Pre-Select
Use the drop-down list to select (recall) a previously defined pre-select from memory, and then
click [Change].

6–18
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.5.3.4 Config | Utility

Use this page to configure UT-4500-A operating parameters.

Figure 6-9. Config | Utility page

Click [Refresh] to update the page with its latest operating parameters.

Date
Enter a date in the form MM/DD/YY (where MM = month [01 to 12], DD = day [01 to 31], and YY
= year [00 to 99]).

Time
Enter a time in the form HH:MM:SS (where HH = hour [00 to 23], MM = minutes [00 to 59], and
SS = seconds [00 to 59]).

Click [Change Date/Time] to save.

Circuit ID
Enter a Circuit ID string of up to 48 characters, and then click [Change CID] to save.

Current Active Firmware Image (read-only)

This section identifies the selected Current Active Firmware Image. In this example, Image 2 is
the Current Active Firmware Image.

6–19
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

• Next Reboot Image: Use the drop-down list to select Image 1 or 2, and then click [Submit].

Perform Soft Reboot

Click [Reboot Now] to reboot the unit using the Current Active Firmware Image.

Firmware Information (read-only)

This scrollable window identifies the Bootrom, Bulk Image#1 and Bulk Image #2 firmware
information.

Part Number (read-only)

The part number for the unit is identified here.

6–20
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.5.3.5 Config | Redundancy

See Appendix B. REDUNDANT SYSTEM OPERATION for the functional

description of this page.

Use this page to configure the UT-4500-A’s Redundancy Switch Mode.

Figure 6-10. Config | Redundancy page

(Top) Page with Redundancy Mode OFF
(Bottom) Page with Redundancy Mode ON

Click [Refresh] to update the page with its latest operating parameters.

6–21
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.5.4 Status Pages

Use these pages to review operational statistics, status windows, and a logged fault table.

Click the Status tab, and then select Summary or Faults hyperlink to continue.

6.4.5.4.1 Status | Summary

Use this read-only page to review pertinent information about the configured setup of the UT-
4500-A, its current operating parameters, and the operational status of the unit.

Figure 6-11. Status | Summary page

Click [Refresh] to update the page with its latest operating parameters.

Typical for all sections, when operating parameters are within acceptable limits for any item, the
STATUS indicates OK within a green box. If a fault condition exists, the message box changes to
red with the FAULT indicated accordingly.

Terminal Status Change will state YES if the unit identifies any configuration settings updates
since the last reboot. Click [Clear] to reset this monitoring feature (Terminal Status Change will
then state NO).

6–22
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

6.4.5.4.2 Status | Faults

Use this read-only page to review the UT-4500-A’s current logged operating faults.

Figure 6-12. Status | Faults page

Click [Refresh] to update the page with the latest reported faults.

Unread Stored Faults: ###

This read-only section features a scrollable window that displays the unread stored faults log in
sequential, date-stamped format. In the section header, ### denotes the running tally of unread
stored faults.

The unit returns and displays the five oldest stored faults in the alarm log. All faults that are read
from the log are automatically removed from the tally.

You can manage the Unread Stored Faults window as follows – select a choice, and then click
[Submit] to execute the window update:

• Read Next Five Faults: Select to display the next five unread stored faults in the log.

• Clear Fault Log: Select to clear all stored faults from the log.

• Initialize Faults Pointer: Select to reset the internal pointer to allow queries to start at
the beginning of the stored faults log.

6–23
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Ethernet-based Remote Product Management MN-UT4500A

Notes:

6–24
 Appendix A. REMOTE CONTROL

A.1 Introduction
This appendix describes the protocol and message command set for remote monitor and control
of Comtech EF Data’s UT-4500-A Series Upconverters.

A.2 Communication Interfaces

The electrical interface is either an EIA-485 multi-drop bus (for the control of many devices) or
an EIA-232 connection (for the control of a single device), and data is transmitted in
asynchronous serial form, using ASCII characters. Control and status information is transmitted
in packets of variable length, in accordance with the structure and protocol defined in later
sections.

The Remote Control connector pinout is shown in Chapter 3.2.1.7 J1 | COM1

EIA-485/232 Interface Connector (DB-9F)

A.2.1 TIA/EIA-485 (RS-485)

For applications where multiple devices are to be monitored and controlled, a full-duplex (4-
wire plus ground) EIA-485 is preferred. Half-duplex (2-wire plus ground) EIA-485 is possible, but
is not preferred. In full-duplex EIA-485 communication, there are two separate, isolated,
independent, differential-mode twisted pairs, each handling serial data in different directions.

It is assumed that a 'Controller' device (a PC or dumb terminal) transmits data in a broadcast

mode via one of the pairs. Many 'Target' devices are connected to this pair, and all
simultaneously receive data from the Controller. The Controller is the only device with a line-
driver connected to this pair; the Target devices have only line-receivers connected.

In the other direction: On the other pair, each Target has a tri-state line driver connected; the
Controller has a line-receiver connected. All the line drivers are held in high-impedance mode
until one – and only one – Target transmits back to the Controller. Each Target has a unique
address; each time the Controller transmits, the address of the intended recipient Target is
included in a framed 'packet' of data. All of the Targets receive the packet, but only one (the

A–1
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

intended) will reply. The Target enables its output line driver and transmits its return data
packet back to the Controller in the other direction on the physically separate pair.

EIA-485 (Full Duplex) summary:

• Two differential pairs - one pair for Controller-to-Target, one pair for Target-to-Controller.

• Controller-to-Target pair has one line driver (Controller), and all Targets have line-receivers.

• Target-to-Controller pair has one line receiver (Controller), and all Targets have tri-state
drivers.

A.2.2 TIA/EIA-232 (RS-232)

This is a much simpler configuration in which the Controller device is connected directly to the
Target via a two-wire-plus-ground connection. Controller-to-Target data is carried, via EIA-232
electrical levels, on one conductor, and Target-to-Controller data is carried in the other direction
on the other conductor.

A.2.3 Ethernet (100BASE-TX)

The unit implements a Telnet server that accepts Telnet terminal connections using
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) on port 23. After entering the username (default: comtech),
and the password (default: comtech) the Telnet server accepts the same syntax used by the
serial interfaces.

A.3 Access Methods

Converters may be accessed directly by using a physical address or indirectly through a backup
converter by using a virtual address.

A.3.1 Direct Access

Converters may be directly accessed by the EIA-232 interface or by the EIA-485 interface in a
bus configuration.

In this control network, all converters including the backup converter are paralleled on a
common EIA-485 cable. Both up and down converters can be mixed on the cable as long as each
converter has a unique physical address. Only one EIA-485 port is required on the system's
monitor and control computer. If a change is initiated directly to a converter in a redundancy
subsystem, the backup converter will detect the change via the High Speed Bus and update its
backup tables.

A–2
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

For EIA-232 control, a direct EIA-232 cable connection is made to each converter to be accessed.
If using an external Monitor and Control Computer, one EIA-232 port per converter is required.
This mode is commonly used with an ASCII terminal for bench testing.

A.3.2 Indirect Access

Converters in Redundancy Mode may be addressed indirectly by adding a virtual address to the
backup converter's physical address. The virtual address corresponds to the converter's position
in the redundant subsystem. The backup converter recognizes the virtual address and executes
the command via the high speed bus.

To control by using the EIA-485 interface, one or more backup converters are connected to a
system's monitor and control computer or ASCII terminal with a common EIA-485 bus cable.
Both up and down backup converters may be mixed on the cable as long as each has a unique
device address. In order to indirectly address an online converter in the subsystem, a virtual
address must be provided. The virtual address corresponds to the converter's position in the
chain beginning with number 1. Virtual addressing is only recognized by a backup converter.
Only one EIA-485 port is required on the monitor and control computer.

To control by using the EIA-232 interface, one EIA-232 port on the monitor and control
computer is required for each backup converter. Virtual addressing must be established by
command. All converters including the backup converter must be in the Redundancy Mode.

A.4 Addresses
All converters are addressed in a command by the Device Address. The Device Address consists
of a physical address or a physical address plus a virtual address.

A.4.1 Physical Address

Each converter in the system must have a unique physical address regardless of the access
method used. The physical address consists of a string of 1, 2 or 3 numbers from 1 to 255. The
physical address is entered into a converter via the front panel. For Direct Access, the physical
address is the only address required to command a converter. A backup converter or a
standalone converter can only be accessed with a physical address.

Example: 10 (Addresses converter whose physical address is 10.)

A.4.2 Virtual Address

In order to access a converter controlled by a backup converter indirectly, a virtual address is
required. A virtual address is appended to the physical address of the backup converter with a
"V". The virtual address is a number from 1 to 12 and corresponds to the position of the active
converter from the backup converter and is assigned by a configuration command.

A–3
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

Example: 10V3 (Addresses the third converter controlled by the backup converter whose
physical address is 10.)

A.4.3 IP Address
The IP address is a unique address on a network that supports Internet Protocol (i.e., IPv4). An
example of a network address using IPv4 is 192.168.1.4 (factory default IP address). This value
must be configured correctly to allow a Telnet session to control the unit.

A.5 Basic Protocol

Whether in EIA-232 or EIA-485 mode, all data is transmitted as asynchronous serial characters,
suitable for transmission and reception by a UART.

All data is transmitted in framed packets. The Controller is assumed to be a PC or ASCII dumb
terminal that is in charge of the process of monitor and control. The Controller is the only device
that is permitted to initiate, at will, the transmission of data. Targets are only permitted to
transmit when they have been specifically instructed to do so by the Controller.

All bytes within a packet are printable ASCII characters, less than ASCII code 127. In this context,
the Carriage Return and Line Feed characters are considered printable.

All messages from Controller-to-Target require a response, with one exception: This will be either to
return data that has been requested by the Controller, or to acknowledge reception of an instruction
to change the configuration of the Target. The exception to this is when the Controller broadcasts a
message (such as Set Time/Date) using Address 0, when the Target is set to EIA-485 mode.

A.5.1 Transmission Mode

The transmission mode is half duplex implemented in Command/Response convention. This
method requires the external system monitor and control unit to initiate all communications by
command and all converters to respond with either confirmation or an error message. The
confirmation may contain status information.

A.5.2 Baud Rate

The supported baud rates are 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 (default), 19200, and 38400 baud.

A.5.3 Asynchronous Character Format

The asynchronous character format is 8-N-1 (i.e., 8 data bits; no parity; 1 stop bit).

A.5.4 Character Set

The command syntax uses the printable ASCII character set.

A–4
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.5.5 Response Timeout

A minimum of 500 milliseconds is provided before declaring a “no response” instance, at which
time the command is re-transmitted.

A.5.6 Bus Inactivity Requirement

Comtech EF Data recommends that a minimum of 50 milliseconds bus inactivity be provided by
the user between the receipt of a response from an addressed converter and issuing the next
command on the serial bus.

A.6 Message Structure

The structure of a Command, Response, or Error Message is as follows:

• Start Character

• Device Address

• Command or Response

• End of Message String

A.6.1 Start Character

The Start Character begins each message:

Example: < Start of a user Command.

> Start of a converter response.

A.6.2 Device Address

The Device Address consists of a Physical Address or a Physical Address and an appended Virtual
Address.This appendix uses DEV for the generic case examples.

Example: <3V12

A.6.3 Command
A Command is a variable length character string beginning with a forward slash “/”’ and
containing either an instruction or an instruction and data for a converter to act upon. If data is
passed by command it is appended to the instruction by an underscore “_”. If data is retrieved
by command underscore follows the instruction flagging the converter to supply data in a
response.

A–5
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

Note: This appendix uses “/COM” for the generic case examples.

Example: <DEV/COM_xxx'cr' (Sends data to a converter.)

Example: <DEV/COM_'cr' (Requests information from a converter.)

A.6.4 Confirmation Response

A confirmation will change the start character, and echo the Device Address and Command. Any
requested data will be appended to the Command.

Example: >DEV/COM_xxx'cr''lf']

A.6.5 Error Response

If a converter cannot execute a Command or detects a protocol violation, an error response is
generated. An error is flagged by changing the “/” command designator in the response to a "?".

Following the "?" error symbol are two characters which are unique error symbols useful for
computer analysis. The two error symbols are followed by a text string explaining the error for
the convenience of a human operator. This appendix uses “ER” for the generic case examples
response.

Example: >DEV?COM ER Error Message 'cr''lf']

A.6.6 End of Message

End of message strings were devised in such a way that an orderly screen presentation would
result when converters are controlled by simple ASCII terminals.

A.6.6.1 Command Ending

The end of message for a command is a carriage return.This appendix uses “cr” for the carriage
return.

Example: <DEV/COM_'cr'

A.6.6.2 Response Ending

End of message for a response is a carriage return, line feed and a bracket: “'cr''lf']”.

Example: >DEV/COM_'cr''lf']

A–6
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7 Command / Response Pairs

A.7.1 Utility Commands

A.7.1.1 Time
Command Details
Set Time: <DEV/TIM_hh:mm:ss'cr'

Where:
hh=Hour
mm=Minutes
ss=Seconds
Confirmation: >DEV/TIM_hh:mm:ss'cr''lf']
Retrieve Time: <DEV/TIM_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/TIM_hh:mm:ss'cr''lf']

A.7.1.2 Date
Command Details
Set Date: <DEV/DAT_mm/dd/yy'cr’

Where:
mm=Month
dd=Day
yy=Year
Confirmation: >DEV/DAT_mm/dd/yy'cr'lf']
Retrieve Date: <DEV/DAT_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/DAT_mm/dd/yy'cr''lf']

A.7.1.3 Time Protocol Enable

Use the TPE command to enable or disable the time protocol.

Command Details
Set Time Protocol: <DEV/TPE_x'cr’

Where:
x=
0 Time protocol disabled
1 Time protocol enabled
Confirmation: >DEV/TPE_x'cr'lf']
Retrieve TPE: <DEV/TPE_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/TPE_x'cr''lf']

A–7
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.1.4 Time Protocol Server

Use the TPS command to set the Time Server IP address for the Ethernet management port in the
format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx.

Command Details
Set Time Protocol Server: <DEV/TPS_xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx'cr’

Where:
xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the Time server IP address.
Confirmation: >DEV/TPS_xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx'cr'lf']
Retrieve TPS: <DEV/TPS_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/TPS_xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx'cr''lf']

A.7.1.5 Local / Remote Status

Use the LRS command to enable or disable remote communications interfaces. The factory default
setting is 3 (Ethernet and Serial remote control enabled).

Command Details
Set Local / Remote <DEV/LRS_x'cr’
Status:
Where:
x=
0 for front panel control only (remote control disabled)
1 for serial remote control
2 for Ethernet control
3 for Ethernet and serial remote control
Confirmation: >DEV/LRS_x'cr'lf']
Retrieve LRS: <DEV/LRS_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/LRS_x'cr''lf']

A.7.1.6 Media Access Control (MAC) Address

Use the MAC command to query the unique MAC address of the unit’s Ethernet management
port.

Command Details
Retrieve MAC: <DEV/MAC_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/MAC_xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx'cr''lf']

Where:
xx=MAC address byte in hexadecimal

A–8
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.1.7 IP Address
Use the IPA command to set the IP address and network prefix for the 100BASE-TX Ethernet
management port. The factory default value is 192.168.1.4.24.

Command Details
Set IP Address: <DEV/IPA_aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.yy'cr’

Where:
aaa = 0-223
bbb = 0-255
ccc = 0-255
ddd = 0-255, but they cannot all be zero.
yy is the Subnet Mask Length (range: 8 to 30)
Confirmation: >DEV/IPA_ aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.yy'cr'lf']
Retrieve IP Address: <DEV/IPA_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/IPA_ aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.yy'cr''lf']

A.7.1.8 IP Gateway
Use the IPG command to set the IP gateway address for the Ethernet management port. The
factory default value is 192.168.1.5.

Command Details
Set IP Gateway: <DEV/IPG_aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd'cr’

Where:
aaa = 0-223
bbb = 0-255
ccc = 0-255
ddd = 0-255, but they cannot all be zero.
Confirmation: >DEV/IPG_ aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd'cr'lf']
Retrieve IP Gateway: <DEV/IPG_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/IPG_ aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd'cr''lf']

A.7.1.9 Physical Address

The default physical address is 001.

Command Details
Set Physical Address: <DEV/SPA_xxx'cr' xxx = 1 to 255
Confirmation: >DEV/SPA_xxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve Phys. Addr: <DEV/SPA_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/SPA_xxx'cr''lf']

A–9
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.1.10 Baud Rate

The default baud rate is 9600.

Command Details
Set Baud Rate: <DEV/SBR_xxxx'cr' xxxx = 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19K2, or 38K4
Confirmation: >DEV/SBR_xxxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve Baud Rate: <DEV/SBR_xxxx'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/SBR_xxxx'cr''lf']

A.7.1.11 LCD Contrast

This legacy command does not control any hardware, but its syntax is still supported to allow
backwards compatibility with existing monitor and control applications. The default LCD
contrast is 15.

Command Details
Set Contrast: <DEV/CON_xx'cr' xx = 0 to 30
Confirmation: >DEV/CON_xx'cr''lf']
Retrieve Contrast: <DEV/CON_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/CON_xx'cr''lf']

A.7.1.12 LCD Brightness

This legacy command does not control any hardware, but its syntax is still supported to allow
backwards compatibility with existing monitor and control applications. The default LCD
brightness is 15.

Command Details
Set Brightness <DEV/LCD_xx'cr' xx = 0 to 30
Confirmation: >DEV/LCD_xx'cr''lf']
Retrieve Brightness: <DEV/LCD_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/LCD_xx'cr''lf']

A.7.1.13 Screen Saver Mode

This legacy command does not control any hardware, but its syntax is still supported to allow
backwards compatibility with existing monitor and control applications. The default screen saver
mode is 0.

Command Details
Set SSM: <DEV/SSM_x'cr'
Where:
x=0 to 5
Confirmation: >DEV/SSM_x'cr''lf']
Retrieve SSM: <DEV/SSM_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/SSM_x'cr''lf']

A–10
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.1.14 Screen Saver Timeout

This legacy command does not control any hardware, but its syntax is still supported to allow
backwards compatibility with existing monitor and control applications. The default screen saver
timeout is 05.

Command Details
Set SST: <DEV/SST_xx'cr' xx = 00 to 99
Confirmation: >DEV/SST_xx'cr''lf']
Retrieve SST: <DEV/SST_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/SST_xx'cr''lf']

A.7.1.15 VFD Brightness

The VFD command allows the front panel brightness to be adjusted from 0% to 100% in 25%
steps. The default VFD brightness is 100.

Command Details
Set VFD: <DEV/VFD_xxx'cr' xx = 000 to 100 (in 025 steps)
Confirmation: >DEV/VFD_xxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve VFD: <DEV/LCD_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/VFD_xxx'cr''lf']

A.7.1.16 Reference Oscillator Tuning

The default reference oscillator tuning value is 087.

Command Details
Set Oscillator: <DEV/SRO_xxx'cr' xxx = 0 to 255
Confirmation: >DEV/SRO_xxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve Tuning: <DEV/SRO_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/SRO_xxx'cr''lf']

A.7.1.17 Converter Slope Adjustment

The default slope adjustment value is 0.3.

Command Details
Set Slope Adjust: <DEV/SSA_xxx'cr' xxx = 0.0 to 1.0
Confirmation: >DEV/SSA_xxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve Slope Adjust: <DEV/SSA_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/SSA_xxx'cr''lf']

A–11
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.1.18 Equipment Type

Equipment type is a query that retrieves the model number and the software revision of the
unit. This data is read-only.

Command Details
Retrieve Equipment Type: <DEV/RET_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/RET_xxxxxxxxxx yyyyyyy'cr’’lf']
xxxxxxxxxx = Model Number
yyyyyyy = Software Version.

A.7.1.19 Part Number

The PNM command retrieves the unit’s part number information. This data is read-only.

Command Details
Retrieve Part Number: <DEV/PNM_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/PNM_xx…xx'cr’’lf']

Where:
xx…xx = up to 96 bytes of part number information

A.7.1.20 Legacy Firmware Information

This legacy firmware command no longer provides information about the unit’s firmware type.
It is included only to provide backwards compatibility with existing monitor and control software
applications. To query the unit’s firmware information refer to the FRM command.

Command Details
Retrieve Firmware Information: <DEV/FRW_’cr’
Confirmation: >DEV/FRW_’cr’
BULK= FWnnnn-nr Ver=x.xx’cr’
M&C = FWnnnn-nr Ver=x.xx’cr’
FPGA= FWnnnn-nr Ver=x.xx’cr’’lf’]
Where: nnnn-n firmware number
r firmware revision
x.xx firmware version
Note: BULK, M&C, and FPGA have different firmware numbers,
revisions, and versions among each other.

A–12
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.1.21 Firmware Information

This command returns information about the firmware loaded in the unit including firmware
numbers, versions, and release dates. This command replaces the legacy FRW command.

Command Details
Retrieve Firmware Information: <DEV/FRM_’cr’
Confirmation: >DEV/FRM_’cr’
Boot: ’cr’
FW-AAAAAAA B.B.BB DD/MM/YY’cr’
Bulk1: ’cr’
FW-AAAAAAA B.B.BB DD/MM/YY’cr’
FW-AAAAAAA B.B.BB DD/MM/YY’cr’
FW-AAAAAAA B.B.BB DD/MM/YY’cr’
Bulk2: ’cr’
FW-AAAAAAA B.B.BB DD/MM/YY’cr’
FW-AAAAAAA B.B.BB DD/MM/YY’cr’
FW-AAAAAAA B.B.BB DD/MM/YY’cr’’lf’]

Where:
FW-AAAAAAA = the firmware part number
B.B.BB = the version number
DD/MM/YY = Day/Month/Year firmware released

A.7.1.22 Firmware Image

This command allows a valid bulk image to be selected as the next active image during boot-up.

Command Details
Set Next FW Image: <DEV/IMG_x'cr' x = 1 to 2
Confirmation: >DEV/IMG_x'cr''lf']
Retrieve Active FW <DEV/IMG_'cr'
Image:
Confirmation: >DEV/IMG_x'cr''lf']

A–13
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.1.23 Application Identification

The Application Identification (AID) command allows a free form message to be created. It is
intended to identify either the satellite, transponder, beam, destination or other aspects of the
application that may be significant to operations.

The message length corresponds to capability of the LCD and is 48 characters in total. The
second line begins at character 25, therefore, blanks must be used after line 1 information in
order to space to line 2. A carriage return ends the command. Trailing blanks will be generated
to fill the LCD field. The AID display will alternate with the Equipment type display by use of the
clear function key on the front panel. The default is "AID MESSAGE".

Command Details
Application ID: <DEV/AID_xxxxxxx ... xxxxx'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/AID_'cr'
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx'cr'
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve ID: <DEV/AID_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/AID_'cr'
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx'cr'
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx'cr''lf']

Note: xxxxxxx ... xxxxx = Your message, maximum 48 characters.

A.7.1.24 Force Reboot

The FRB command allows the unit to be forced to reboot after five seconds. This value is write-
only.

Command Details
Force Reboot: <DEV/FRB_YES'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/FRB_YES'cr''lf']

A–14
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.2 Configuration Commands

A.7.2.1 Frequency
The default RF frequency of the unit is equal to its minimum operating frequency (RFLow).

Command Details
Set Frequency: <DEV/FRE_xxxxx.xxx'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/FRE_xxxxx.xxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve Frequency: <DEV/FRE_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/FRE_xxxxx.xxx'cr''lf']

Note: For example, xxxx.xxx = 14000.000 to 14500.000 MHZ in 125 KHz steps for Model
UT-4514-A

A.7.2.2 Attenuator
The default attenuation value is 10.00 dB.

Command Details
Set Attenuator: <DEV/ATT_ yy.yy'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/ATT_yy.yy'cr'lf']
Retrieve Attenuator: <DEV/ATT_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/ATT_ yy.yy'cr''lf']

Note: yy.yy = 00.00 to 25.00 dB in 0.25 dB steps.

A.7.2.3 Cold Start

The cold start function, if enabled, mutes the output signal for a predetermined time following
Power-Up to ensure a stable reference oscillator (15 minutes). The default is OFF. This command
is disabled in redundant systems (i.e., COMMAND NOT AVAILABLE).

Command Details
Set Cold Start: <DEV/CLD_xxx'cr' xxx = ON or OFF
Confirmation: >DEV/CLD_xxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve Status: <DEV/CLD_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/CLD_xxx'cr''lf']

A–15
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.2.4 Mute
The default RF mute state is ON (output is muted).

Command Details
Mute Output: <DEV/MUT_xxx'cr' xxx = ON or OFF
Confirmation: >DEV/MUT_xxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve Mute Status: <DEV/MUT_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/MUT_yyy'cr''lf']
yyy = ON/OFF/COLD

A.7.2.5 Carrier Mute Mode

The carrier mute mode determines the mute state of the unit during frequency changes. The
default carrier mute mode state is OFF (output is muted during frequency changes).

Command Details
Mute Mode: <DEV/CMM_xxx'cr' xxx = ON or OFF
Confirmation: >DEV/CMM_xxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve CMM Status: <DEV/CMM_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/CMM_xxx'cr''lf']

A.7.2.6 Redundant Mute Mode

The redundant mute mode determines how the backup unit handles the mute state during a
redundant switchover condition. If the redundant mute mode is ON then the backup unit’s mute
state will be the same as the primary unit that it is backing up. Otherwise, if the redundant mute
mode is off the backup unit will unmute its output any time a redundant switchover occurs.

The default redundant mute mode state is OFF (backup unit’s output automatically unmutes
when a redundant switchover occurs).

Command Details
Set CRM: <DEV/CRM_xxx'cr' xxx = ON or OFF
Confirmation: >DEV/CRM_xxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve CRM: <DEV/CRM_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/CRM_xxx'cr''lf']

A–16
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.2.7 Auto Fault Recovery

The converter output is muterd automatically in the event of a detected fault. Auto Fault
Recovery, if enabled, will cause the output signal to go active (unmuted) if all faults clear. If
disabled, the output will remain muted even after all faults clear until a MUT_OFF command is
received. If Auto Fault Recovery is enabled and the converter detects the same fault more than
five times in a five minute interval (ex: multiple IFLO lock detect faults) the function reverts to
DISABLED and the converter remains muted. The default is ON.

Command Details
Set Fault Recovery: <DEV/AFR_xxx'cr' xxx = ON or 0FF
Confirmation: >DEV/AFR_xxx'cr''lf']
Retrieve Status: <DEV/AFR_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/AFR_xxx'cr''lf']

A.7.2.8 Program Preset

Use the PGM command to store up to 32 preset frequency and attenuation settings.

Command Details
Program Preset: <DEV/PGM_nn_xxxxx.xxx_yy.yy'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/PGM_nn_xxxxx.xxx_yy.yy'cr''lf']

Note: nn = Preset Number = 01 to 32.

xxxx.xxx = Frequency = RFLow to RFHigh (for example, 14000.000 to 14500.000 MHZ for Model
UT-4514).
yy.yy = Attenuator = 00.00 to 25.00.

A.7.2.9 Display All Presets

Use the DPS command to display all of the programmed preset values.

Command Details
Display Presets: <DEV/DPS_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/DPS_'cr'
P01 xxxxx.xxx yy.yy'cr'
to
P32 xxxxx.xxx yy.yy'cr''lf']
Where: xxxxx.xxx = Frequency
yy.yy= Attenuator

Note: Only programmed preset numbers are returned. If no preset(s) is programmed, “No Pre-
Selects Programmed” is returned.

A–17
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.2.10 Clear Preset Configuration

Use thE CLR command to clear a single preset value.

Command Details
Clear a Preset: <DEV/CLR_nn'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/CLR_nn_Cleared'cr''lf']

Note: nn = Preset Number = 01 to 32.

A.7.2.11 Select Preset Configuration

Use the SEL command to configure the converter to the frequency and attenuation data
assigned to a given preset number.

Command Details
Select Preset: <DEV/SEL_nn'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/SEL_nn_Selected'cr''lf']

Note: nn = Preset Number = 01 to 32.

Only programmed preset numbers are available.

A–18
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.3 Modes
There are two modes of operation that may intersect: Redundant Mode and Automatic Mode.

A.7.3.1 Redundant Mode

Since the default mode is OFF, each converter including the backup converter must be
commanded into the Redundant Mode.

Polling on the high speed bus will not begin until the position assignments are made.

Command Details
Redundant Mode: <DEV/RED_xxx'cr' xxx = ON or OFF
Confirmation: >DEV/RED_xxx'cr''lf']
Redundant Status: <DEV/RED_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/RED_xxx'cr''lf']

Note: The primary units must all be configured properly in redundant mode before redundant
mode is enabled on the backup unit.

Each converter's chain position must be initialized including the backup converter. The following
redundancy initialization command is only allowed if Redundancy Mode has been selected.

Command Details
Initialize Command: <DEV/ICT_xx_yy'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/ICT_xx_yy'cr''lf']
Initialize Status: <DEV/ICT_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/ICT_xx_yy'cr''lf']
xx = chain position = 01 to 12, or BU. Where BUselects the converter as the
backup.
yy = chain length for xx = BU (i.e. Backup converter) 01 to 12.
yy = unused if xx = 01 to 12 (i.e. chain converter)

Example 1: The following command assigns the converter chain position "1".
<DEV/ICT_01'cr'
>DEV/ICT_01'cr''lf']

Example 2: The following command assigns the receiving converter as the backup converter
in a 1:8 system.

<DEV/ICT_BU_08'cr'
>DEV/ICT_BU_08'cr''lf']

Important: It should be reiterated that only the converter physically located at the top of a
redundant rack should be assigned as the Backup unit. Likewise, assignment of chain positions in
a redundant rack should be made according to the physical allocation of each converter in the
rack (i.e. The top converter should be the Backup, the second converter should be assigned
chain position 1, the third converter position 2, etc.).

A–19
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.3.2 Automatic/Manual Mode

This command provides for automatic switching by the backup converter if both units are in the
Redundancy Mode. This command is only accepted by the backup converter. If a chain converter
is set in Manual Mode, the backup converter will log the occurrence and not act upon further
information from the converter until put into Automatic Mode. The default is off.

Command Details
Automatic Mode: <DEV/SAM_xx_y'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/SAM_xx_y'cr''lf']
Automatic Status: <DEV/SAM_xx_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/SAM_xx_y'cr''lf']
Where: xx = 01 to 12, converter number
y = A for Auto; M for Manual

A.7.3.3 Backup Mode

This command allows the user to force a backup condition for maintenance and test purposes.
This command must be sent to the converter designated as the backup converter (i.e., “BU”).
When activated this command forces the backup converter to assume the state of the specified
chain converter and forces the chain converter offline.

Command Details
Initiate a Backup: <DEV/FBU_xx_y'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/FBU_xx_y'cr''lf']
Where: xx = 01 to 12, converter number
y = ‘F’ to force a backup ‘N’ to remove a backup
Retrieve Backup Status: <DEV/FBU_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/FBU_xx_zzzzz'cr''lf']
Where: xx = 01 to 12, converter number. If zzzzz = NONE, converter
number is not displayed.
zzzzz = ‘NONE’ if no backup active
= ‘ACTIVE’ if an automatic backup has occurred
= ‘FORCED’ if a forced backup is active

A–20
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.4 Status Commands

Status commands retrieve configuration, maintenance and alarm status in summary form.

A.7.4.1 Configuration Status

Command Details
Configuration Status: <DEV/RCS_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/RCS_'cr'
FRE_xxxxx.xxx'cr' Frequency
ATT_yy.yy'cr' Attenuator
TX_nnn'cr' Transmitter - ON/OFF/COLD
ONL_nnn'cr' Online - ON/OFF
RED_xx_yy_z'cr' See Note
CLD_nnn'cr' Cold Start - ON/OFF
AFR_nnn'cr' Auto Flt Recovery-ON/OFF
EXT_xxx'cr''lf'] Ext. Ref. - YES/NO

Note: If Redundancy OFF xx_yy_z = OFF, else if Redundancy ON and converter selected as
backup controller xx_yy_z = BU_yy where yy is the number of converters in the chain (i.e. 01 to
12), else if Redundancy ON and converter selected as a chain unit xx is the converter number (01
to 12), and z = A if Auto Mode or M if Manual Mode.

A.7.4.2 Maintenance Status

Command Details
Maintenance Status: <DEV/RMS_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/RMS_'cr'
P15_xx.x'cr' 15 Vdc Supply
P14_xx.x'cr' 14 Vdc Supply
VCC_x.x'cr' VCC Supply
5VD_x.x'cr' Display 5 Vdc
TEM_xx'cr' Temperature
IFL_xx.x'cr' IFLO Tuning
SUM_xx.x'cr' Sum Loop Tuning
COR_xx.x'cr' Coarse Loop Tune
FIN_xx.x'cr''lf'] Fine Loop Tuning.

A–21
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.4.3 Utility Status

Command Details
Utility Status: <DEV/RUS_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/RUS_'cr'
COMM_aaaaaa'cr' RS-232 or RS-485
ADD_xxx'cr' Address (001 to 255)
BR_nnnn'cr' Baud Rate (1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,
19K2, or 38K4)
FMT_x-y-z’cr’ Data Format x=data, y=parity, z=stop
bit (8-N-1, 7-E-2, 7-O-2)
REF_xxx'cr' Osc. Adjust (000 to 255)
SLP_x.x'cr' Slope Adjust (0.0 to 1.0)
CON_xx'cr' LCD Contrast (0 to 30)
LCD_xx'cr''lf'] LCD Brightness (0 to 30).

A.7.4.4 Alarm Status

Command Details
Alarm Status: <DEV/RAS_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/RAS_'cr'
P15_xx'cr' 15 Vdc Fault
P14_xx'cr' 14 Vdc Fault
VCC_xx'cr' VCC Fault
5VD_xx'cr' 5VD Fault
TEM_xx'cr' Temperature Fault
IFL_xx'cr' IFLO Lock Fault
SUM_xx'cr' Sum Lock Fault
COR_xx'cr' Coarse Lock Fault
FIN_xx'cr'Fine lock Fault
HSB_xx’cr’ High Speed Bus Fault
*REF_xx'cr''lf'] Ref. Lock Fault
xx = OK or FT

Note: REF_xx is only returned if an external reference is present.

A.7.4.5 Summary Alarm Status

Summary alarm is set to Fault (FT) if any items in Sect. A.7.4.4 are faulted.

Command Details
Summary Alarm: <DEV/SAS_'cr' xx = OK or FT
Confirmation: >DEV/SAS_xx'cr''lf']

A–22
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.4.6 Terminal Status Change

The TSC_ command can be used to determine if the status of the terminal has changed since it
was last polled. If any of the parameters listed in the RCS or RUS commands have changed as a
result of user front panel operations or remote operations or if any new fault condition occur
the TSC_ command will return YES. The TSC_ command will then continue to return YES until
any of the following commands are received: RCS_, RUS_, RAS_, PACRCS_, PACRUS_, or PACRAS.

Command Details
Configuration Status: <DEV/TSC_'cr’
Confirmation: >DEV/TSC_nnn'cr''lf'] nnn=YES/NO

A.7.4.7 Packed Configuration Status

Configuration Status: <DEV/PACRCS_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/PACRCS_aaaabbbcdeffgghijkl'cr''lf']
where:
aaaa = # of 125kHz steps above base frequency1
bbb = # of 0.25 dB steps above 0.00 dB2
c = 1 if Transmitter ON, 0 if OFF, 2 if Cold
d = 1 if unit ONLINE, 0 if OFFLINE
e = 1 if Redundancy ON, else 0
ff = converter # (01-12,BU or 00 if e = 0)
gg = 00 if 'ff' is 00 (redundancy OFF)
gg = chain length (01-12) if 'ff' is BU
gg = XX if 'ff' = 01 - 12
h = A if Auto Mode, M if Manual3
I = 1 if Cold Start Enabled, else 0
j = 1 if Auto recovery enabled, else 0
k = 1 if an Ext. Ref is present, else 0
l = 1 if Remote Mode, 0 if Local Mode

Notes:
1. If the converter is 1 kHz step size, this will be the number of 1 kHz steps above the base
frequency
2. If the converter is 0.1 -dB step size, this will be the number of 0.1 -dB steps above the
base frequency
3. If it is a backup converter, it is always ‘A’

A–23
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.4.8 Packed Maintenance Status

Packed Maintenance Status: <DEV/PACRMS_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/PACRMS_aabbccddeeeffgghhii'cr''lf']
where:
aa = V15 scaled 123mV per count (0x00 - 0xFF)
bb = V14 scaled 123mV per count (0x00 - 0xFF)
bc = VCC scaled 39mV per count (0x00 - 0xFF)
dd = V5D scaled 39mV per count (0x00 - 0xFF)
eee = signed Temperature in degrees C (-10 to +60)
ff = IFLO tune scaled 67mV per count (0x00 - 0xFF)
gg = SUM tune scaled 54mV per count (0x00 - 0xFF)
hh = COARSE tune scaled 78mV per count(0x00 - 0xFF)
ii = FINE tune scaled 89mV per count (0x00 - 0xFF)

A.7.4.9 Packed Utility Status

Packed Utility Status: <DEV/PACRUS_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/PACRUS_abbcdeeffghhii'cr''lf']
where:
a = 0=EIA-232, 1=EIA-485
bb = Address in hex (01 to FF)
c = 0 if Baud Rate 38400
= 1 if Baud rate 19200
= 2 if Baud rate 9600
= 3 if Baud rate 4800
= 4 if Baud rate 2400
= 5 if Baud rate 1200
d = 0 if Data Format 8-N-1
= 1 if Data Format 7-E-2
= 2 if Data Format 7-O-2
ee = Osc. Adjust in hex (00 to FF)
ff = Slope Adjust times by 10 (00 to 10)
g = Always 0, unused
hh = LCD Contrast (0 to 30)
ii = LCD Brightness (0 to 30)

A–24
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.4.10 Packed Alarm Status

Packed Alarm Status: <DEV/PACRAS_'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/PACRAS_abcdefghijk'cr''lf']
where:
a = 1 if V15 Fault, else 0
b = 1 if V14 Fault, else 0
c = 1 if VCC Fault, else 0
d = 1 if V5D Fault, else 0
e = 1 if TEMP Fault, else 0
f = 1 if IFLO Fault, else 0
g = 1 if SUM Fault, else 0
h = 1 if COARSE Fault, else 0
I = 1 if FINE Fault, else 0
j = 1 if HSB Fault, else 0
k = 1 if EXT REF Fault, else 0

A–25
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.5 Stored Alarms

Up to 100 alarms are date/time stamped and stored in memory as they occur. The alarm entry is
also updated with its date/time of clearance. The entry remains in memory until it is cleared by
command.

A.7.5.1 Total Stored Alarms

This command retrieves the total number of stored alarms and the time and date of the most
recent alarm.

Retrieve Total Alarms: <DEV/TSA_'cr'

Confirmation: >DEV/TSA_TOTAL:nn'cr'
LAST:hh:mm:ss mm/dd/yy'cr''lf']
where:
nn = 0 to 99; the 100th alarm will be ER
hh.mm.ss = time in hour:minute:second
mm/dd/yy = date in month/day/year

A.7.5.2 Clear All Stored Alarms

Clear Alarms: <DEV/CAA_YES'cr'
Confirmation: >DEV/CAA_CLEARED'cr''lf']

A.7.5.3 List All Alarms

This command retrieves a list of the stored alarms. This command is currently unavailable when
using virtual addressing mode.

List All Alarms: <DEV/LAA_'cr'

Confirmation: >DEV/LAA_'cr'
xx yyyyyyyyyyy hh:mm:ss mm/dd/yy'cr'

" " " "

" " " "
xxx yyyyyyyyyyy hh:mm:ss mm/dd/yy'cr''lf']

Where:
xx = stored fault number
yyyyyyyyyyy = fault description
hh:mm:ss = fault time
mm/dd/yy = fault date

A–26
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.6 Error Processing

A.7.6.1 General Errors

The following Error Responses may be generated by any command instead of a confirmation:

>DEV?COM CU CMD UNRECOGNIZED'cr''lf']

>DEV?COM IP INVALID PARAM'cr''lf']
>DEV?COM PE PARITY ERROR'cr''lf']

A.7.6.2 Configuration Errors

The following Error Responses may be generated by configuration commands:

>DEV?COM LO DEVICE IN LOCAL MODE'cr''lf']

A.7.6.3 Mode Errors

The following Error Responses may be generated by Mode selection:

>DEV?COM AE ONLY VALID WHEN BACKUP'cr''lf']

>DEV?COM OE OFFLINE NOT AVAILABLE'cr''lf']
>DEV?COM CN COMMAND NOT AVAILABLE'cr''lf']

A.7.6.4 Time-Outs
A time-out should be assumed if there is no response in 500 milliseconds. The station monitor
and control computer should try at least three times.

A–27
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

A.7.7 Command Summaries

A.7.8 User Remote Command Summary

Utility Commands
Set Time <DEV/TIM_hh:mm:ss'cr'
Set Date <DEV/DAT_mm/dd/yy'cr'
Set Time Protocol <DEV/TPE_x'cr’
Set Time Protocol IP Address <DEV/TPS_xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx'cr’
Set Local / Remote Status <DEV/LRS_x'cr'
Get MAC Address <DEV/MAC_ 'cr'
Get IP Address <DEV/IPA_'cr'
Get IP Gateway <DEV/IPG_'cr'
Set Physical Address <DEV/SPA_xxx'cr'
Set Baud Rate <DEV/SBR_xxxx'cr'
Set LCD Contrast <DEV/CON_xx'cr'
Set LCD Brightness <DEV/LCD_xx'cr'
Set Screen Saver Mode <DEV/SSM_x'cr'
Set Screen Saver Timeout <DEV/SST_xx'cr'
Set VFD Brightness <DEV/VFD_xxx'cr'
Set Reference Oscillator <DEV/SRO_xxx'cr'
Set Converter Slope Adj. <DEV/SSA_xxx'cr'
Get Equipment Type <DEV/RET_'cr'
Get Part Number <DEV/PNM_'cr'
Get Legacy Firmware Information <DEV/FRW_'cr'
Get Firmware Information <DEV/FRM_'cr'
Set Firmware Image <DEV/IMG_x'cr'
Set Application ID Message <DEV/AID_xxxxx...xxxxx'cr'
Set Force Reboot <DEV/FRB_YES'cr'

Configuration Commands
Set Frequency <DEV/FRE_xxxxx.xxx'cr'
Set Attenuation <DEV/ATT_xx.xx'cr'
Select Cold Start Mode <DEV/CLD_xxx'cr'
Mute/Unmute Converter <DEV/MUT_xxx'cr'
Set Carrier Mute Mode <DEV/CMM_xxx'cr'
Set Redundant Mute Mode <DEV/CRM_xxx'cr'
Set Fault Recovery Mode <DEV/AFR_xxx'cr'
Set a Preset <DEV/PGM_nn_xxxxx.xxx_yy.yy'cr'
Get All Presets <DEV/DPS_'cr'
Clear a Preset <DEV/CLR_nn'cr'
Select a Preset <DEV/SEL_nn'cr'

Redundancy Mode Commands

Select Redundancy ON/OFF <DEV/RED_xxx’cr’
Configure Redundant Converter <DEV/ICT_xx_yy’cr’
Select Auto/Manual Mode <DEV/SAM_xx_y'cr'
Forced Backup Mode <DEV/FBU_xx_y'cr'

A–28
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

Status Commands
Retrieve Configuration Status <DEV/RCS_'cr'
Retrieve Maintenance Status <DEV/RMS_'cr'
Retrieve Utility Status <DEV/RUS_'cr'
Retrieve Alarm Status <DEV/RAS_'cr'
Summary Alarm Status <DEV/SAS_'cr'
Terminal Status Change <DEV/TSC_'cr'
Packed Configuration Status <DEV/PACRCS_'cr'
Packed Maintenance Status <DEV/PACRMS_'cr'
Packed Utility Status <DEV/PACRUS_'cr'
Packed Alarm Status <DEV/PACRAS_'cr'

Stored Alarm Commands

Retrieve Total Stored Alarms <DEV/TSA_'cr'
Clear All Stored Alarms <DEV/CAA_YES'cr'
List All Stored Alarms <DEV/LAA_'cr'

A–29
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix A MN-UT4500A

Notes:

A–30
 Appendix B. REDUNDANT
SYSTEM OPERATION

B.1 Introduction to Redundancy Operation

The Comtech EF Data UT-4500-A Series Upconverters are configured for redundant system
operation using distributed protection switching in an active "Daisy Chain" configuration.

Comtech EF Data's proprietary "Daisy Chain" configuration distributes the upconverter

protection switching functions in the upconverters. This provides a system capability to backup
from 1 to 12 online upconverters.

A High Speed Bus (HSB) provides the communications interface between the backup and online
upconverters to detect faults and reconfigure the subsystem to replace the failed upconverter.
When a faulted upconverter is removed from active operation, it is detached from the active
upconverter chain by separating the upconverter from its switch module, leaving the active
online upconverter chain intact through the switch module. The chain can be extended without
affecting the online upconverter operation.

The active "chained" upconverters in a redundancy subsystem can also be indirectly controlled
through the backup upconverter using the remote serial communication link – this capability is
discussed in Appendix A. REMOTE CONTROL.

B–1
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

B.2 Backup Upconverter

The "Daisy Chain" terminates in the backup upconverter. The backup upconverter has a
microprocessor, which performs fault detection, self-reconfiguration and the logical switching
functions. If the backup upconverter does not have a fault, it will assume the frequency and
attenuation of the faulted upconverter and compensate for the chain losses. This capability is
accomplished through the operation of the HSB and the online upconverter detachable switch
modules.

B.2.1 High Speed Bus (HSB)

In the "Daisy Chain" configuration, the backup upconverter communicates with the online units
through the HSB. The backup upconverter is able to detect faults and reconfigure itself to
replace the faulted upconverter. The HSB interface is also used in the backup converter to
monitor configuration changes made to an online upconverter. Changes in frequency, gain, or
polarity are immediately entered into the backup table as well as information from new online
units. The high-speed bus does not interfere with the remote serial communication link access
to any of the upconverters in the chain.

B.2.2 Detachable Modules

Comtech EF Data's upconverters are designed with a detachable Input/Output Module (IOM)
which contains the signal path connectors. The IOM is utilized for single thread operation, or for
testing of the unit.

For redundant "Daisy Chain" operations, the online upconverters are provided with a
detachable Transmit Switch Module (TSM) replacing the IOM.

Refer to Chapter 3. REAR PANEL CONNECTORS, Sect. 3.2.2.2 for quick reference tables for the
modules available to both the UT-4500-A Series Upconverters and the DT-4500-A Series
Downconverters.

B.2.2.1 Upconverter Switching

Upconverter switching is implemented with a detachable TSM. The TSM contains IF and RF
transfer switches for input/output looping of the signal. Options for the TSM include Type ‘SMA’
connectors for the RF output signal, and 50 or 75Ω BNC connectors for the IF.

B–2
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

B.3 Redundant Configurations

Comtech EF Data UT-4500-A Series Upconverters can be configured in several different
redundant subsystem "Daisy Chain" configurations to meet the reliability requirements of a
communication system. These configurations include:

• 1:1 Redundant Systems

o Single Source IF Input Configuration: The online upconverter uses an IF & RF transfer
switch to switch the IF input and RF output signals. A single switched IF input and RF
output is provided to and from the online upconverter. The transfer switches are
contained in the TSM installed in the online upconverter. When a fault occurs in the
online upconverter, the TSM is de-activated to switch out the online upconverter, and
switch the IF input and RF output to the backup upconverter. Figure B-1 depicts the
cable connections between the upconverters. Figure B-2 shows the block diagram of
this 1:1 redundant upconverter configuration.

o Dual Source IF Input Configuration: Two IF inputs – IF Input #1 (priority) and IF Input #2
– are switched in the TSM to provide redundant operation of the upconverters. The
upconverters provide two switched RF outputs – RF Output #1 (priority) and RF Output
#2. If Upconverter #1 faults, Upconverter #2 backs up the priority channel when IF Signal
#2 and RF Signal #2 are not operational. Figure B-5 depicts the cable connections
between the upconverters. Figure B-6 shows the block diagram of the 1:1 redundant,
dual source RF input, upconverter configuration.

• 1:N Redundant Systems

o IF and RF switches in the TSM are used to switch the IF input and RF output of a faulted
online upconverter to the backup upconverter. The IF input and RF output to the
redundant upconverter subsystem is connected to online upconverter #N. Figure B-7
depicts the cable connections between the upconverters. Figure B-8 shows the block
diagram for this 1:N redundant "Daisy Chain" upconverter configuration.

B–3
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

Figure B-1. 1:1 Redundant Configuration –Single Source IF Input with IOM-XX and TSM-XX
Installed

Figure B-2. 1:1 Redundant Configuration Diagram – Single Source RF Input with IOM-XX
and TSM-XX Installed

Figure B-3. 1:1 Redundant Configuration Diagram – Single Source RF Input with IOM-XX and
TSEQM-XX Installed

B–4
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

Figure B-4. TSEQM Connection Locations

Figure B-5. 1:1 Redundant Configuration - Dual Source IF Input

Figure B-6. 1:1 Redundant Configuration Diagram – Dual Source IF Input with IOM-XX and
TSM-XX Installed

B–5
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

Figure B-7. 1:N Redundant Configuration with IOM-XX and TSM-XX Installed

B–6
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

Figure B-8. 1:N Redundant Configuration Diagram with IOM-XX and TSM-XX Installed

B–7
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

B.4 Redundant System Configuration

B.4.1 Redundant System Configuration Using the Front Panel

Chapter 5. FRONT PANEL OPERATION

B.4.1.1 Initial Configuration

Redundant system configuration is controlled from the upconverter’s front panel configuration
menu. Each online unit is assigned a redundancy configuration address. This address is
dependent on the location of the online upconverter with reference to the backup. The unit
closest to the backup must be Upconverter # 1. The next unit down must be Upconverter # 2.
Figure B-9 shows the appropriate entries for a 1:3 system.

STATUS
POWER ON ON LINE
REDUNDANCY-CONFIG?-ON---
TRANSMIT FAULT
-CONVERTER-#-BU---1:03--
REMOTE STORED FAULT

STATUS
POWER ON ON LINE
REDUNDANCY-CONFIG?-ON---
TRANSMIT FAULT
-CONVERTER-#-01----POL-1
REMOTE STORED FAULT

STATUS
POWER ON ON LINE
REDUNDANCY-CONFIG?-ON---
TRANSMIT FAULT
-CONVERTER-#-02----POL-1
REMOTE STORED FAULT

STATUS
POWER ON ON LINE
REDUNDANCY-CONFIG?-ON---
TRANSMIT FAULT
-CONVERTER-#-03----POL-1
REMOTE STORED FAULT

Figure B-9. Front Panel Displays

Configure the online units first, and then configure the backup unit. Redundant polling starts
when the backup is configured. If this polling starts before the online units are configured, a

B–8
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

high-speed bus fault will result. This fault should clear when configuration is completed. At this
point, control of the redundant system is performed from the backup upconverter.

B.4.1.2 Automatic Configuration Verification

The backup upconverter has a menu that allows the operator to choose, on a unit-by-unit basis,
manual (M) or automatic (A) operating mode.

Figure B-10 shows the system configured for automatic (A) operation. In this mode, failure of an
online upconverter will automatically cause a switchover to the redundant unit to occur. In the
field, the simplest way to test this mode is to turn off an online unit. The AUTO/MANUAL
selection is made in the upconverter. The online units will report their status as shown in Figure
B-10.

Figure B-10. System in Auto Redundant Mode

B–9
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

Figure B-11 depicts the front panel displays after power has been turned off on Upconverter #1.
Note the ON LINE LED is illuminated on the backup upconverter. This indicates that the backup
is now providing the frequency translation in place of the online unit. As soon as power is
restored, Upconverter #1 will come back online.

Figure B-11. Backup of Converter #1

B–10
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

B.4.1.3 Manual Configuration and Verification

Figure B-12 shows the system with Upconverter #1 configured for manual (M) operation. In this
mode, the backup upconverter can force switchover of an online unit. This mode also overrides
fault status detection of the online units performed by the backup upconverter. If an online unit
is configured to manual mode and this unit faults, no switchover will occur.

Figure B-12. Converter #1 in MANUAL, Others in AUTO

B–11
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

Figure B-13 shows the front panel displays after the backup has forced upconverter 1 offline.
Note that the ON LINE LED allows the user to tell whether the backup is currently active and
which upconverter is being bypassed.

Figure B-13. Forced Backup of Converter #1

B–12
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

B.4.2 Redundant S ystem Configurati on usi ng the 45 xxA We b Se rver

Interface

Chapter 6. ETHERNET-BASED REMOTE PRODUCT MANAGEMENT

Monitoring and configuration of redundancy operations is possible using the 45xxA Web Server
Interface. Click the Config tab, and then select the Redundancy hyperlink to continue.

Figure B-14. Config | Redundancy page

Click [Refresh] to update the page with its latest operating parameters.

Online Status
This read-only section identifies the unit’s status as ONLINE or OFFLINE.

Redundancy Mode
Use the drop-down list to select Redundancy Mode as OFF or ON, and then click [Change].

Chain Position
Use the drop-down list to assign the unit’s Chain Position as the Backup Unit, or Unit 01 through
Unit 12.

B–13
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

• Chain Length (Backup Unit): Use the drop-down list to select N/A, or 1:1 through 1:12.

• Polarity (Primary Down Converter): Use the drop-down list to select N/A, Single, or Dual.

Click [Change] to save.

Forced Backup
Use the drop-down list to set the Forced Backup as NONE, or Unit 01 through Unit 12, and then
click [Change].

Redundancy Mute Mode

Use the drop-down list to set the Redundancy Mute Mode as OFF or ON, and then click
[Change].

Primary Unit Status

This section is populated on a per-unit basis as the daisy chain is configured. Information is
provided for each unit’s Online Status (Online or Offline), Operating RF Frequency, Attenuation,
Mute status, and Polarity. Additionally:

• Auto Mode: Use the drop-down list to select a unit’s switching mode as Manual or
Automatic.

• Offset: Enter an offset adjustment value here. See Sect. 0 for additional information.

Click [Change] to save.

B.4.3 Offset Adjustment

The offset is used to compensate for cable and switch losses. When the system is initially set up
and tested, each upconverter needs to be forced to backup and the offset adjusted to minimize
gain mismatch between the normal and bypassed mode. This offset will be different for each
upconverter and is stored in a table in the backup unit. Follow these steps to set the offset:

Step Description
1 Connect a signal source to the input and a power meter or spectrum analyzer to the output of the first
online upconverter.
2 Record the output power.
3 Force a backup of the first online unit and adjust the offset until the output power matches what was
recorded in Step 2.
4 Restore the online unit and repeat for the other online units.

B–14
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

B.4.4 Redundancy Systems – Upconverter Removal and Replacement

In a redundancy system, to remove an “inline” upconverter for repair, the following procedure
must be used:

Step Description
1 Force backup of faulted unit.
2 Turn the power switch on the inline upconverter rear panel to OFF, and remove the power cord from the
upconverter. DO NOT disconnect the RF and IF cables from the TSM.
3 Unscrew the mounting screws on the TSM first, and then unscrew the rack mounting screws on the front
panel of the upconverter.
4 From the rear of the inline upconverter, hold the TSM and push the upconverter to the front of the rack until
TSM is free of the upconverter chassis.
5 Remove the inline upconverter from the front of the rack.

To install the replacement unit, the following procedure must be used.

Step Description
1 Power up the new unit on the bench.
2 Configure the new unit for the correct redundancy settings (Redundant = ON, Address = match old unit).
3 Power off the new unit.
4 Remove existing personality module from the new unit.
5 Carefully install the new unit into the rack. The existing module in the rack will be plugged into the new unit.
6 Power up the new unit and un-force the backup.

To remove a “Backup” upconverter for repair, the following procedure must be used:

Step Description
1 Turn the power switch on the backup upconverter rear panel to OFF, and remove the
power cord from the upconverter. Disconnect the RF and IF cables from the IOM.
2 Unscrew the rack mounting screws on the front panel of the backup upconverter.
3 Remove the backup upconverter from the front of the rack.

B–15
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix B MN-UT4500A

Notes:

B–16
 Appendix C. MAINTENANCE A ND
TROUBLESHOOTING

C.1 Overview
This appendix serves to assist operator and maintenance personnel in the checkout,
maintenance and troubleshooting of the UT-4500-A Series Upconverters.

Comtech EF Data recommends that spare replacement converters be used to replace converters
removed from the system for maintenance. Troubleshooting procedures are provided for fault
isolation to the module level.

The input and output signals, the interconnecting cables and the location of the modules are as
shown in Figure C-1.

Figure C-1. Upconverter Signal and Interconnecting Cable Diagram (with Transmit Switch
Module [TSM])

C–1
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix C MN-UT4500A

C.2 Maintenance Testing

The UT-4500-A Series Upconverters translate the input IF frequency from 52 to 88 MHz (or
optional 104 to 176 MHz) to an output RF frequency. For example, the RF output frequency of
the Model UT-4514-A is 14000 to 14500 MHz. The IF input level is -35 dBm (typical), and the RF
output level is +10 dBm at 1 dB compression.

To prepare for checkout, review the rack mounting information provided in Chapter 2.
INSTALLATION. Operations via the front panel (i.e., use of the menu system, keypad, and VFD)
are explained in detail in Chapter 5. FRONT PANEL OPERATION.

C.2.1 Test Point Samples

The IF output and RF input can be monitored at the RF Sample Test Points on the front panel. A
BNC female connector is provided for the IF sample and a Type ‘SMA’ female connector is
provided for the RF output. The RF sample output level is -20 dBc nominal, and the IF sample
input level is -20 dBc nominal.

C.2.2 Troubleshooting
Upconverter operating problems can be identified by first observing the LED status indicators on
the front panel. When a fault condition is indicated, or and marginal performance tolerance
condition exists, the specific fault or faults can be identified via the FAULTS menu branch,
accessible via front panel operation. See Sect. 5.3.3 FAULTS in Chapter 5. FRONT PANEL
OPERATION for more information about viewing current or stored faults.

Upconverter operational status screens are available via the MONITOR menu branch. See Sect.
5.3.2 MONITOR in Chapter 5. FRONT PANEL OPERATION for more information.

C.2.3 Upconverter Faults

C.2.3.1 Prime Power

Check the dual fuses on the rear panel. The required prime power is 100 to 125 VAC, or 205 to
240 VAC @ 1 Amp. The optional DC prime power is -48 VDC.

C.2.3.2 DC Power Supply Module

15 VDC: A fault ("FT") indicates a voltage level exceeding ± 10% of the power supply voltage.
Check the output of the DC Power Supply Module. The typical current output level is 3.0 amps.
Check all connections to make sure they are secure. If the voltage exceeds ± 10%, or the power
supply module current is not approximately 3.0 amps, or the fault still exists, remove the power
supply and return it to Comtech EF Data for repair.

C–2
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix C MN-UT4500A

14 VDC: A fault ("FT") indicates a voltage level exceeding ± 10% of the power supply voltage.
The 14 VDC is developed in the modules. Check the output of the 15 VDC Power Supply
Module, check for other module faults, and check all connections. If the fault still exists, remove
the converter and return it to Comtech EF Data for repair.

VCC (+5 VDC): A fault ("FT") indicates a voltage level exceeding ± 10% of the power supply
voltage. The 5 VDC is developed in the modules. Check the output of the 15 VDC Power Supply
Module, check for other module faults, and check all connections. If the fault still exists, remove
the converter and return it to Comtech EF Data for repair.

C.2.3.3 RF Converter Module

IFLO Lock Detect: A fault (“FT”) indicates that the IFLO is not locked. Check all connections to the
converter module to make sure they are secure. If the fault still exists, remove the Converter
Module and return it to Comtech EF Data for repair.

C.2.3.4 Synthesizer Sum Loop Module

Sum Loop Detect: A fault (“FT”) indicates that the sum loop is not locked. Check all connections
to the converter module to make sure they are secure. If the fault still exists, remove the Sum
Loop Module and return it to Comtech EF Data for repair.

C.2.3.5 Synthesizer Fine Step Module

Coarse Loop Detect: A fault (“FT”) indicates that the coarse loop is not locked. Check all
connections to the converter module to make sure they are secure. If the fault still exists, remove
the Fine Step Module and return it to Comtech EF Data for repair.

Fine Loop Detect: A fault (“FT”) indicates that the fine loop is not locked. Check all connections to
the converter module to make sure they are secure. If the fault still exists, remove the Fine Step
Module and return it to Comtech EF Data for repair.

C.2.3.6 Reference Oscillator Module

Reference Lock Detect: A fault ("FT") indicates that the reference oscillator detected an external
reference, but could not lock to it. Disconnect the external reference. If the fault still exists,
remove the Reference Module and return it to Comtech EF Data for repair.

C.2.3.7 Temperature Fault

Upconverter Over Temperature Fault: A fault ("FT") indicates that the converter is over
temperature. Turn the prime power switch off and return the converter to Comtech EF Data for
repair.

C–3
UT-4500-A Series Upconverters Revision 1
Appendix C MN-UT4500A

C.2.4 Converter I/O Modules

The Converter I/O Modules (IOM or TSM) are installed into the rear panel of the converter.

When installing an I/O Module into the converter rear panel, DO NOT use a
screwdriver to tighten the module mounting thumbscrews – these screws are
designed to be hand-tightened only.

C.3 Spares
Comtech EF Data recommends field maintenance replacement at the RF converter level, and
that the converter is returned to Comtech EF Data for repairs. However, for field replacement of
the converter modules, contact Comtech EF Data for the correct spares for and particular
converter.

C–4
 METRIC CONVERSIONS

Units of Length

Unit Millimeter Centimeter Inch Foot Yard Meter Kilometer Mile

1 millimeter 1 0.1 0.0394 0.0033 0.0011 0.001 1 x 10-6 6.214 x 10-7

1 centimeter 10 1 0.3937 0.0328 0.0109 0.01 1 x 10-5 6.214 x 10-6

1 inch 25.4 2.54 1 0.0833 0.0278 0.0254 2.54 x 10-5 1.578 x 10-5

1 foot 304.8 30.48 12 1 0.3333 0.3048 3.048 x 10-4 1.894 x 10-4

1 yard 914.4 91.44 36 3 1 0.9144 9.144 x 10-4 5.682 x 10-4

1 meter 1000 100 39.37 3.2808 1.0936 1 0.001 6.214 x 10-4

1 kilometer 1 x 106 1 x 105 3.938 x 104 3.281 1093 1000 1 0.6214

1 mile 1.609 x 106 1.609 x 105 6.336 x 104 5280 1760 1609 1.609 1

Temperature Conversions

Temperature ° Fahrenheit ° Centigrade Formulas

Water freezes 32 0 ° C = (F - 32) * 0.555

Water boils 212 100 ° F = (C * 1.8) + 32

Absolute zero -459.69 -273.16

Units of Weight

Ounce Ounce Pound Pound

Unit Gram Kilogram
Avoirdupois Troy Avoirdupois Troy

1 gram — 0.03527 0.03215 0.002205 0.002679 0.001

1 oz. avoir. 28.35 — 0.9115 0.0625 0.07595 0.02835

1 oz. troy 31.10 1.097 — 0.06857 0.08333 0.03110

1 lb. avoir. 453.6 16.0 14.58 — 1.215 0.4536

1 lb. Troy 373.2 13.17 12.0 0.8229 — 0.3732

1 kilogram 1.0 x 103 35.27 32.15 2.205 2.679 —

2114 WEST 7TH STREET TEMPE ARIZONA 85281 USA
480 • 333 • 2200 PHONE
480 • 333 • 2161 FAX