CA-30RK550 Manual.qxd 9/9/03 3:00 PM Page 1
CA-30RK550
550MHz Push-Pull Headend Amplifier
Installation and
Operation Manual
Operation
Manual
Rev. 08/03
Ph: 800-421-6511
CA-30RK550 Manual.qxd 9/9/03 3:01 PM Page 3
Safeguards
CA-30RK550
11. Power Sources: This product should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not
sure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult your appli-
ance dealer or local power company.
12. Power-cord Protection: Power-supply cords should be routed
so they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon
or against them. Pay particular attention to cords and plugs, conven-
ience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
13. Lightning: For added protection for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended or unused for long periods of time,
the unit should be disconnected from power source.
14. Power Lines: An outside antenna system should not be located
in the vicinity of overhead power lines, other electric light or power cir-
cuits, where it can fall into such power lines or circuits.When installing
an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep
from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them may
be fatal.
15. Overloading: Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as
this can result in risk of fire or electric shock.
16. Object and Liquid Entry: Never push objects of any kind into this
product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage
points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
17. Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or
other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
18. Damage Requiring Service: Unplug this product from the wall
outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the fol-
lowing conditions:
provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static
charges.
a. Use No.10 AWG (5.3mm) copper, No.8 AWG (8.4mm) alu-
minum, No.7 AWG (10mm) copper-clad steel or bronze wire or
larger, as ground wire.
a. When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
b. Secure antenna lead-in and ground wires to house with stand-
off insulators spaced from 4 feet (1.22m) to 6 feet (1.83m) apart.
d. If the product does not operate normally by following the oper-
ating instruction. Adjust only those controls that are covered by
the operating instructions. An improper adjustment may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified tech-
nician to restore the product to its normal operation.
c. Mount antenna discharge unit as close as possible to where
lead-in enters house.
d. A driven rod may be used as the grounding electrode where
other types of electrode systems do not exist. Refer to the
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70-1984 for information.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
e. Use jumper wire not smaller than No.6 AWG (13.3mm) copper
or equivalent, when a separate antenna grounding electrode is
used.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance—
this indicates a need for service.
19. Replacement Parts: When replacement parts are required, be
sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by
the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original
parts. Unauthorized substitutes may result in fire, electric shock or
other hazards.
NOTE TO THE CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER
THIS REMINDER IS PROVIDED TO CALL THE CATV SYSTEM
INSTALLER’S ATTENTION TO ARTICLE 820-22 OF THE NEC
THAT PROVIDES GUIDELINES FOR PROPER GROUNDING
AND, IN PARTICULAR, SPECIFIES THAT THE CABLE
GROUND SHALL BE CONNECTED TO THE GROUNDING
SYSTEM OF THE BUILDING, AS CLOSE TO THE POINT OF
CABLE ENTRY AS PRACTICAL.
20. Safety Check: Upon completion of any service or repairs to this
product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to deter-
mine that the product is in proper operating conditions.
21. Outdoor Antenna Grounding: Before attempting to install this
product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to
3
Ph: 800-421-6511
Rev. 08/03
CA-30RK550 Manual.qxd 9/9/03 3:01 PM Page 4
Descriptions
CA-30RK550
550MHz Push-Pull Headend Amplifier
Wide 54-550MHz frequency
range (Channels CATV 2-78,
95-99)
Available in either 30dB or 45dB
gain configurations for optimal
carrier-to-noise ratio and supe-
rior picture quality
0.5dB flatness across band
provides low distortion and
excellent frequency response
Employs state-of-the art hybrid
CA-30RK550
push-pull technology for distor-
tion-free audio-video quality
550MHz Push-Pull Headend Amplifiers
Adjustable slope and gain con-
trols for easy system balancing
The Pico Macom CA-30RK550 and CA-45RK550 are professional re-broad-
cast grade push-pull amplifiers producing signals with extremely low noise and
harmonic distortion. In the CA-45RK550, the state-of-the-art hybrid amplifier
module is preceded by a single transistor stage preamplifier to achieve the
total gain of 45dB. The amplifiers are capable of 82 channel operation over the
54-550MHz range. These rack-mounted amplifiers make excellent headend
launch amplifiers and are frequently used in conjunction with Pico Macom’s
passive headend combiners (PHC12G or PHC24G) to overcome losses asso-
ciated with signal combining in CATV and SMATV systems. Also, the
Front panel controls and test
point enable easy setup and
monitoring
Double shielded enclosure pro-
vides over 95dB RFI shielding
performance reducing leakage
and ingress
Built-in lightning and line volt-
age surge protection protects
the unit from damage
CA30RK550 and CA45RK550 are ideally suited for amplifying the cable input
prior to Pico Macom’s CEF channel elimination filter in applications requiring
“mix-and-match” channel applications or those requiring local insertion. Pico
Macom backs up this product with its industry leading 5-year limited warranty.
Also available in a wall mount
versions as CA30-550 or
CA45-550 Distribution Amplifiers
4
Ph: 800-421-6511
Rev. 08/03
CA-30RK550 Manual.qxd 9/9/03 3:02 PM Page 5
Specifications
CA-30RK550
550MHz Push-Pull Headend Amplifier
Front View
Rear View
General
RF
Power Input:
Operating Temperature:
Dimensions:
115 VAC 60 Hz 4 W
-10° to +50° C
19˝(L) x 3˝(D) x 13/4˝(H)
3.8 lbs.
Bandwidth:
54-550 MHz
30 dB or 45 dB
0 to 8 dB
0 to 8 dB variable
.5 dB per channel
45 dB (54 channels)
-57 dB (cross modulation)
5.0 dB
-70 dB
-61 dB
16 dB
16 dB
Gain:
Gain Adjust Range:
Slope:
Flatness:
Weight:
Test Points:
-30 dB
Max. Output (@ Max Slope):
Noise:
Second Order Beats:
Composite Triple Beat:
Return Loss In:
Return Loss Out:
Ordering Information
CA-30RK550 30 dB Gain Amplifier
Channel Loading Specifications
Total # of
Channels
CA-30RK550
CA-45RK550
Max. Output Level
(@ Max. Slope)
Max. Input Level
Max. Input Level
7
44 dBmV
41 dBmV
32 dBmV
23 dBmV
18 dBmV
29 dBmV
26 dBmV
17 dBmV
8 dBmV
5 dBmB
66 dBmV
63 dBmV
54 dBmV
45 dBmV
40 dBmV
12
36
54
78
5
Ph: 800-421-6511
Rev. 08/03
CA-30RK550 Manual.qxd 9/9/03 3:02 PM Page 6
Operation and Controls
CA-30RK550
2
3
1
4
Front Panel
1. Power On LED:
3. Tilt:
Indicates power is on when lit.
Adjust potentiometer provides for slope adjustment over entire bandwidth.
2. R.F. Gain:
4. -30dB Output Test Monitor:
Adjust potentiometer for overall amplifier gain level.
Output test point is provided for amplifier set up and monitoring.
1
3
3
Back Panel
1. OUT:
3. Power Cord:
The amplified RF signal is available at this port.
This three prong polarized power cord is approved by both UL and
CSA for safe operation of the amplifier. Do not cut the ground terminal
for both safety and operational reasons. Connect to 108 to 125 Vac,
50/60 Hz electrical outlet
2. IN:
The input RF signal is connected to this port.
6
Ph: 800-421-6511
Rev. 08/03
CA-30RK550 Manual.qxd 9/9/03 3:02 PM Page 7
Installation Procedure
CA-30RK550
Installation
Signal Combining Methods
PICO MACOM recommends connecting the headend components in the
following manner: Each of the modulators, signal processors or strip ampli-
fiers output are connected to a combining network. Either a PHC-12G or
a PHC-24G headend combiner may be used to accomplish this purpose.
It is recommended that assistance be available to safely install equipment in
equipment racks.
1. Install chassis in equipment rack (equipment rack sold separately) by
supporting the bottom and rear of CA-30RK550 at the desired eleva-
tion in rack.
The PHC-12G or PHC-24G passive headend combiner consists of two
rows of directional couplers combined by a hybrid splitter. Normally, the
odd channels are combined on one row while even channels are combined
on the other row of directional couplers for maximum isolation. The output
of the combiners may be connected to the input of a launch amplifier such
as a CA-30RK550 or CA-30RK1000. The output of the amplifier is con-
nected to the main distribution line.
2. Line up the side holes of chassis with the tapped equipment rack
holes.
3. Insert the provided screws through the mounting holes at the
extreme left and right of faceplate and thread into the tapped equip-
ment rack holes.
4. Fasten the bottom screws first, then fasten top screws. (tighten
securely).
The CHC16U/550 and CHC16U/860 sixteen channel active combiners
provides both signal combining and post amplification of the headend
signals. Up to 16 channels may be combined using the CHC16U. The
combiner gain is 15 dB per channel.
5. Connect power cord to outlet supplying line power to the amplifier.
6. Connect a cable from the output of the combining system to the IN
connector on the rear of the CA-30RK550.
A 24 channel system hook-up is shown. (The same combining result may
be accomplished by using a single PHC-24G).
7. Connect a cable from the OUT connector on the rear of the
CA-30RK550 to the input of the distribution network.
8. Using a non-metallic flat blade screwdriver adjust the gain and tilt
controls on the front panel of the amplifier to meet system design
requirements.
The two PHC-12G outputs are combined via a two-way splitter, which is
connected to a CA-30RK1000 launch amplifier. The input levels to the
combiner, whether from a modulator, signal processor or a strip amplifier,
must be at the same amplitude.
7
Ph: 800-421-6511
Rev. 08/03
CA-30RK550 Manual.qxd 9/9/03 3:02 PM Page 8
Warranty
CA-30RK550
Limited Warranty
Pico Macom warrants to the original purchaser that all of its new products are of sound design, quality materials and workmanship at the time of manufacture
and will be free from related defects for one year from the original purchase date. Pico Macom will repair or, at its discretion, replace without cost to the original
purchaser, the product which, upon inspection by Pico Macom, appears to be defective or not conforming to factory specifications. Pico Macom will cover the cost
of parts, labor, and return freight from factory.
Five-Year Limited Warranty
Most products designated as “Headend Electronics” are further covered by an extended 4-year period beyond the expiration of the original 1-year warranty, for a full
5-year period. Qualified equipment requiring factory repair during the extended 4-year period is covered under our re-certification program. Re-certification fees
under this program shall not to exceed 20% of the product’s List Price and whenever possible, Pico Macom will attempt to upgrade performance to the latest
improved specification.
Warranty Limitations
This warranty excludes coverage of damage or inoperability resulting from (1) use or installation other than in strict accordance with Pico Macom’s written instruc-
tions, (2) disassembly or repair by someone other than Pico Macom or a Pico Macom authorized repair center, (3) misuse, misapplication or abuse, (4) alteration,
(5) lack of reasonable care or (6) wind, ice, snow, rain, lightning, power surges, or any other weather conditions or acts of God. Pico Macom’s warranty with respect
to third-party proprietary sub-assembly modules and/or private-label products are limited to the duration and terms of third-party vendors’ warranty. Pico Macom
shall in no event and under no circumstances be liable or responsible for any consequential, indirect, incidental, punitive, direct or special damages based upon
breach of warranty, breach of contract, negligence, strict tort liability or otherwise or any other legal theory, arising directly or indirectly from the sale, use, installa-
tion or failure of any product acquired by buyer from Pico Macom. This limited warranty extends to the original purchaser. Pico Macom reserves the right to modify
or discontinue this warranty at Pico Macom’s sole discretion without notification. No other warrantees are expressed or implied.
Uptime Loaner Program
Our Uptime loaner program is designed to provide domestic users of our headend products and commercial systems the best possible support and service. This
program is established to minimize downtime resulting from equipment failure in critical service situations. We offer this program free-of-charge (excluding freight)
to qualified purchasers within the warranty period. The program provides a free equipment loan of like qualified equipment enabling seamless operation for the time
required to repair and return the unit.
The process is simple. Call our Customer Service desk requesting a return-merchandise-authorization (RMA) number for the failed equipment and ask for a loaner
unit. We will issue an invoice for the List Price of the loaner unit plus shipping costs. When you receive the loaner unit, pack the failed unit in the loaner unit’s box
and ship it freight prepaid to Pico Macom for repair. When you receive the repaired unit, a new RMA number will be provided in the box. Carefully pack the loaner
unit and affix the new RMA number on the box and ship it back to us for full credit excluding shipping costs.
To qualify for the program, you must have current open-terms with us and in good standing. We must receive your failed unit within one week after the loaner unit
is shipped to you, and must likewise receive the loaner unit within one week after the repaired unit is shipped back to you. Daily rental fees not to exceed 10% of
the equipment’s List Price will apply beyond one week after the loaner or repaired unit are shipped to you. Other limitations may apply, so please call us for addi-
tional information on qualifying equipment and procedures. Pico Macom reserves the right to modify or discontinue the Uptime Loaner Program at any time, and at
its sole discretion.
Damage or Shortage Claims
Our shipping staff carefully packs and ships your orders in compliance with common carriers’ requirements. Please make note of any obvious damage or shortage
on the freight bill or carrier’s receipt next to your signature. The carrier’s agent must too sign acknowledging the loss. Failure to do so may result in the carrier’s
refusal to honor the claim. Please open your order immediately upon receipt to check for concealed damage and compare the packing list to the items shipped. If
damaged, keep the original shipping cartons for possible inspection by the carrier.You must report claims for loss or damage within 3 days of delivery, while claims
for erroneous charges or price corrections must be presented within 30 days of invoice date.
Returning Shipped Items
To return any shipped items, including those shipped for warranty repairs or credit, call our Customer Service desk to request a Return Merchandise Authorization
(RMA) number. Please reference the original invoice number and purchase date, and product serial number (if any). Be certain to mark the RMA number on the
package boldly and legibly. Unless we specify a different carrier, please ship your returned items to us via UPS freight prepaid and fully insured. If returned for
credit, we will promptly process your request upon receipt of your return order.
Our Return Policy: Your Satisfaction Guaranteed
Our goal is your complete satisfaction. If for any reason, our products were not quite what you anticipated, simply call your customer service rep and
we will be happy to assist you in replacing or returning the order.You may return current, non-discontinued items for full credit for up to 30 days from
invoice date. Our requirements are simple: Excepting defective items, the products must be returned in their original packaging and in re-salable
condition. Restocking fees may otherwise apply beyond this period or if products are not returned in their original condition. Please contact your
customer service rep for more information.
8
Ph: 800-421-6511
Rev. 08/03
|