FM10

FM EXCITER/TRANSMITTER

TECHNICAL MANUAL
 CONTENTS

1 Introduction
2 Safety, Electrical hazard
3 Safety, Toxic hazard
4 Unpacking
5 Controls and Connectors
6 Installation
7 Alignment
8 Specifications
19 How to contact Eddystone Broadcast Limited
10 Technical Section Contents
11 Declaration of conformity

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording or information storage and retrieval systems, for any purpose other than the
purchaser's personal use, without the express written permission of sbs.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of
Eddystone Broadcast Limited. Eddystone Broadcast Limited shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential
or incidental damages as a result of the use or misuse of this equipment, handbook or any related materials.

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1 Introduction
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The Eddystone Broadcast Limited FM10 has been designed for groups looking for
low power FM transmission equipment. It can include a high quality deviation limiter
and stereo encoder. With the addition of a low-cost aerial it is all that is needed to get
on air.

Because of the broadband design of the unit, no tuning is required. Frequency setting
is by means of internal, direct reading dial up switches. Output is automatically muted
during lock-up time.

The stereo version is available with its own high quality deviation limiter and coder. This
can be offered as an upgrade for the mono FM10. The unit will operate into any SWR
without damage, with an effective VSWR protection circuit which reduces the output
power if necessary to protect the amplifier.

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2 Safety, Electrical hazard
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This unit contains high voltages which could be fatal. YOU MUST ALWAYS ISOLATE
THE UNIT FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY BY COMPLETELY DISCONNECTING IT
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE CASE.

THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE EARTHED.

Do not expose this equipment to rain or any other source of moisture.

In common with all mains operated equipment, only suitably trained competent
personnel should attempt to adjust, modify or repair this equipment or operate it with the
cover removed. In case of query please contact your local agent or Eddystone
Broadcast Limited.

Any unauthorised adjustment, modification or repair of this equipment may invalidate

any warranty and/or safety approvals that apply.

Please read all of this manual and familiarise yourself with the controls before
attempting to use this equipment.

To ensure safety, it is the responsibility of the user to install and operate this equipment
in a manner that is within the manufacturers specifications.

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3 Safety, Toxic hazard
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This equipment includes devices which contain Beryllium Oxide which is a highly toxic
substance. Inhalation or ingestion of even tiny particles could be injurious to health or
even FATAL!

Extreme care must be exercised when replacing and discarding components which may
contain Beryllium Oxide. If any such device is physically damaged you should seek
expert advice, e.g. by contacting the device's manufacturers.

All such devices must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations. In the UK
your local council will have a toxic waste disposal department who will be able to advise
you. Elsewhere you should contact the responsible authorities.

NEVER DISPOSE OF A DEVICE CONTAINING BERYLLIUM OXIDE WITH GENERAL

WASTE.

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4 Unpacking
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This package should contain:-

1x FM10 Series broadcast exciter/transmitter

1x IEC Mains lead
1x FM10 series manual

If any items are missing or damaged please inform your supplier immediately.

Initial Checks

Ensure that the FM10 has been set to the correct mains/line voltage for your country.
The standard version is set to 230V.

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5 Controls and Connectors
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Front Panel:

POWER Mains power is applied.

LIMIT The audio input level is high enough for the limiter to reduce its
level (where fitted).

Rear Panel:

Audio input Unbalanced on female BNC connector without internal limiter or

balanced on female XLR connector with optional limiter (pin 2 hot,
3 cold and 1 ground).

EXT MPX Loop Multiplex output (unbuffered) on BNC connector, switchable

multiplex input on BNC connector. If switch is in ON position, the
multiplex is disconnected internally. If switch is in OFF position,
the external multiplex input is disabled and the multiplex signal is
connected internally.

Monitor 25 way female D-type.

Pin 1 Power supply OK
Pin 2 Forward power OK
Pin 4 Mute RF output
Pin 5 - 24 reserved.
Pin 25 Ground

The power supply OK and forward power OK outputs are open

collector and are normally low/ON in the normal condition. The Mute
input should be grounded to mute the output. This connector is not
normally fitted on cable distribution versions.

O/P Monitor Monitor of RF output (approx. -40dBc). This output should not be
used to measure harmonic/spurious levels.

RF Out 50Ω N type female connector.

Power Multi turn power control.

Mains Filtered IEC male connector with T1A fuse in pull out drawer.

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6 Installation
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The FM10 is normally supplied ready aligned, therefore installation should be straight
forward. Before installation please read the section of this manual about Electrical
safety.

RF leads should be made from high quality low loss cable and connectors of the correct
impedance, using the manufacturers recommended termination techniques. Since
connectors are a source of unreliability in any system, the number of terminations in any
RF lead should be kept to a minimum.

All other cables for audio and control signals should be high quality screened types. For
XLR connectors, the screen should be connected to the connector body.

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7 Alignment
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The FM10 is usually supplied ready aligned and therefore the following steps should not
normally be necessary:-

7.1 Frequency setting

7.2 Output power/level
7.3 Forward power alarm
7.4 Modulator input level
7.5 DLM3 PCB
7.6 LimX PCB

When an automatic change over system is in use (such as the ACU3) this should be
disconnected/overridden such that the FM10 operates continuously during the set-up
procedure.

7.1 FREQUENCY SETTING

Setting the frequency is a simple operation. Direct reading dials are located on the
PLL7 PCB. For example, to set a frequency of 107.30MHz, set the 10MHz dial to 0,
the 1MHz dial to 7, the 100kHz dial to 3 and the 12.5kHz dial to 0. For 98.35 set
10MHz dial to 9, the 1MHz dial to 8, the 100kHz dial to 3 and the 12.5kHz dial to 4 (4
x 12.5kHz = 50kHz).

Whilst the Phase Locked Loop is Locking up the modulator output is muted
(indicated by the PLL LOCK LED on the PLL7 PCB). When the FM10 is either
powered up or the frequency changed, it will normally take about 5 seconds for the
PLL to lock up. However if the frequency is changed from a high one to one at the
bottom of the band, with the unit in operation, it can take up to 10 seconds for the
PLL to attain lock.

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7.2 OUTPUT POWER/LEVEL

A small trimmer tool or precision screwdriver will be required to adjust the output power.
The control is located on the rear panel.

The output power should be set using an accurate power meter connected to the RF
output which in turn should be connected to an adequately rated dummy load. If a
dummy load is not available then the FM10 could be set up connected to the aerial. In
this case the Output Power control should be set to minimum (anti-clockwise) before
powering up the FM10.

7.3 FORWARD POWER ALARM

This setting defines the point at which a forward power fault is indicated at the
Control/Monitor socket (for telemetry and/or operation of an automatic change over
system). This is not adjustable on the FM10. It is pre-set to about 3W.

7.4 MODULATOR INPUT LEVEL

The setting of the modulator AUDIO LEVEL control (on the PLL7 PCB) will depend on
the version supplied. For the FM10/M please read the section below headed DLM3
PCB and for the FM10/S please read the section headed LimX PCB. An accurate
deviation meter will be required, which should be connected to the rear panel RF
monitor socket (or output on the cable distribution version).

Mono/MPX version (no limiter or stereo encoder)

The FM10 is normally supplied with the modulator input level set so that an input level
of +8dBu over the range 5Hz to 100kHz (without pre-emphasis) gives a deviation of
75kHz. If a different level is required then it will be necessary to reset the AUDIO
LEVEL control on the PLL7 board. Apply a 400Hz sine wave at the level required for
maximum deviation (normally 75kHz). Adjust the AUDIO LEVEL control to give the
required deviation.

Full details of the alignment procedure are available on request from Eddystone
Broadcast.

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7.5 DLM3 PCB

1 FET BIAS

Connect an audio input at 400Hz to the Mono input that is below the limit threshold, for
example -20dBu.

Turn R33 fully anti clockwise. Connect an oscilloscope or level meter to U3 pin 7. Turn
R33 slowly clockwise until the level is reduced by 0.1dB. The level will vary whilst R33
is turned.

2 MODULATOR INPUT LEVEL

Connect an audio input at 400Hz to the audio input such that the front panel limit LED is
fully ON. LINK TP1 on the DLM3 PCB to ground. This disables the limiter, leaving the
clipper active. Adjust the AUDIO LEVEL control on the PLL7 PCB to give 75kHz minus
your desired Guard-band of deviation. A typical value would be between 55 and 65
kHz. Disconnect the ground link from TP1.

3 INPUT LEVEL

Connect an audio oscillator to the audio input. Set its output to 400Hz and the output
level to the desired limit threshold. Turn R19 fully anti clockwise. Connect an
oscilloscope to the MPX OUTPUT connector. Turn R19 clockwise and observe that the
peak level shown on the oscilloscope increases. Stop adjusting R19 at the point where
the peak level stops increasing.

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7.6 LimX PCB

1 FET BIAS

Connect an audio input at 400Hz to the LEFT and RIGHT or mono inputs that is below
the limit threshold, for example -20dBu.

Turn R40 and R31fully anti clockwise. Connect an oscilloscope or level meter to U7 pin
7. Turn R31 slowly clockwise until the level is reduced by 0.1dB. The level will vary
whilst R31 is turned. Connect the oscilloscope/level meter to U6 pin 7. Turn R40
slowly clockwise until the level is reduced by 0.1dB. The level will vary whilst R40 is
turned.

2 MODULATOR INPUT LEVEL

Connect an audio oscillator, level +8dBu at 1kHz to the MPX IN socket and turn the
EXT MPX LOOP switch on (right position). Using a deviation meter, adjust the AUDIO
LEVEL control on the PLL7 PCB to give 75kHz deviation. Return the EXT MPX LOOP
switch to the OFF position (left).

3 LimX OUTPUT LEVEL

Connect an audio input at 400Hz to the LEFT and RIGHT audio inputs such that the
front panel limit LED is fully ON. LINK TP1 on the LimX PCB to ground. This disables
the limiters, leaving the clippers active. Switch the pilot off. Adjust R1 to give 75kHz
minus 6.75kHz minus your desired Guard-band deviation. A typical value would be
between 50 and 60 kHz. Disconnect the ground link from TP1.

4 INPUT LEVEL

Switch the pilot off. Connect an audio oscillator to the left and right inputs. Set its
output to 400Hz and the output level to the desired limit threshold. Turn R15 and R3
fully anti clockwise. Connect an oscilloscope to the MPX OUTPUT connector. Turn
R15 clockwise and observe that the peak level shown on the oscilloscope increases.
Stop adjusting R3 at the point where the peak level stops increasing. Now adjust R15
clockwise until the waveform is a pure sine wave.

5 PILOT LEVEL

Disconnect the audio input. Switch the pilot on. Adjust R86 to give a deviation of
6.75kHz.

In any of the above cases, if an RDS/SCA unit is to be connected, the output level of it
may need re-calibration.

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8 Specifications
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Frequency range 87.5 to 108 MHz in 50kHz steps

Frequency stability <± 200Hz
Power output 1 - 10W
Harmonic & spurious output < -76dBc
AM noise < -50 wrt 100%
Nominal input level 0dBu or +8dBu (adjustable)
Input Electronically balanced with limiter or unbalanced
Input impedance 20 kΩ
CMRR 54dB (typ.)
Pre-emphasis 50uS
AF response (with pre-emphasis) <±0.5dB (50Hz-15kHz)
THD < 0.15% at 75kHz
Power supply 230VAC ±10%
Power consumption < 40VA
Dimensions 1Ux260mm

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9 How to contact Eddystone Broadcast Limited
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For all enquiries write to:-

Eddystone Broadcast Limited

26 Arden Road
Arden Forest Industrial Estate
Alcester
Warwickshire
B49 6EP

Or telephone 01789 762278 within the UK, +44 1789 762278 from outside the UK.

Or fax 01789 766033 within the UK, +44 1789 766033 from outside the UK.

Or email [email protected]

Alternatively visit our web site: http://www.eddystone-broadcast.com/

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10 Technical Section Contents
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10.1 PLL7 Modulator PCB

10.2 PSU15 Power Supply PCB
10.3 DLM3 Limiter PCB (FM10/M only)
10.4 LimX Stereo coder (FM10/S only)
10.5 FM10-PA 10W Power amplifier

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10.1 PLL7
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The frequency determining element is formed by coil L1 and varicap diodes VD1 and
VD2, together with capacitors C17- C20. These components are used as part of a
cascode oscillator whose output is then buffered by transistor T3. The RF output from
T3 is impedance matched to the base of transistor T5 by RFT1, a 4 to 1 matching
transformer. The high power output from T5 is impedance matched by coils L2 and L3
and associated capacitors to the 50 ohm output socket CON2. These components also
provide harmonic filtering.

The PLL circuit is primarily IC2 which is a serially programmable PLL chip. The
microcontroller IC3 reads the dial switches at switch on and outputs a serial code to the
PLL chip in a format that determines the output frequency that the PLL will try and lock
the transmitter to. The PLL chip outputs control pulses to the loop filter built around op
amp IC4. The loop filter takes the sharp pulses from the PLL chip and converts them
into a smoothed signal ready to apply to the frequency determining components,
varicap diodes VD1 and VD2. IC1 is an analogue switch that shorts out two of the
resistors in the loop filter which enables the transmitter to get on frequency faster.
When the oscillator is on frequency the Analogue switch switches out which greatly
improves the audio response of the transmitter. The microcontroller IC3 determines
when to switch the analogue switch in and out by reading the lock detect signals from
the PLL chip. The microcontroller can also use this information to switch off transistor
T3 with open collector configured T4 which mutes the RF output when the transmitter is
out of lock. LED1 provides visual indication of the PLL locked condition.

The master clock oscillator (OSC1) determines the accuracy of the output frequency. It
is a high stability temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO). The frequency
can be trimmed if required by adjusting the small trimmer located beneath a hole in the
oscillator module.

Audio is fed into the modulation input connector CON2. From here the signal passes to
variable resistor VR2 where modulation levels can be set, it is then passed via R29 to
the varicap diodes.

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Page 17
10.2 PSU15
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10.3 DLM3
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Page 20
10.4 LimX
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Page 22
10.5 FM10-PA
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Page 23
11 Declaration of conformity
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Name of Manufacturer: sbs

Product: FM10 FM Exciter

Declaration:

The product described above compiles with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive
(73/23/EEC) and the protection requirements of the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) issued
by the Commission of the European Community.

Compliance with these directives implies conformity to the following European Standards:

EN 60065:1998 Safety requirements for mains operated electronic and

related apparatus for household and similar general
use

EN 50081-2:1994 Electromagnetic compatibility. Generic emission standard.

Industrial environment

EN 50082-2:1995 Electromagnetic compatibility. Generic immunity standard.

Industrial environment

Additionally, the product described above complies with all relevant parts of the following
standards:

ETS 300 384:1995 Radio broadcasting systems; Very High Frequency (VHF),
frequency modulated, sound broadcasting transmitters

Signed: Date of Issue:

On file 16. 05. 2001
for and on behalf Pyers Easton
of sbs, UK CEO

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