DRAKE AC1686 User manual

Instruction Manual

® is a registered trademark of the R.L. Drake Company

AC1686 Active Combiner

ii Caution Statements

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING

ELECTRODE SYSTEM

(NEC ART 250, PART H)

GROUND

CLAMPS

GROUNDING

CONDUCTORS

(NEC SECTION

810-21)

ANTENNA

DISCHARGE

UNIT (NEC

SECTION 810-20)

ANTENNA

LEAD IN

WIRE

ELECTRIC

SERVICE

EQUIPMENT

GROUND CLAMP

EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET, REFER

SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN

EXTENSIONCORDRECEPTACLEOROTHEROUTLETUNLESSTHEBLADESCANBE

FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, NE PAS UTILISER CETTE FICHE

POLARISEE AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE DE COURANT OU UNE AUTRE

SORTIE DE COURANT, SAUF SI LES LAMES PEUVENT ETRE INSEREES A FOND

SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A DECOUVERT.

WARNING:

CAUTION:

ATTENTION:

A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick

stops, excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the product

and cart combination to overturn.

The lightning flash with arrow head symbol, within an equilateral

triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated

"dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of

sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to

alert the user to the presence of important operating and

maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying

the product.

!WARNING!

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR

ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT

EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

1. Read Instructions—All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is

operated.

2.Retain Instructions—The safetyand operatinginstructions shouldbe retainedfor futurereference.

3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered

to.

4. Follow Instructions—All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning—Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or

aerosol cleansers. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

6. Attachments—Do not use attachments that are not recommended by the product manufacturer as

they may cause hazards.

7.Water andMoisture—Donot usethis productnear water—forexample, nearabathtub, washbowl,

kitchen sink or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.

8. Accessories—Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The

productmay fall,causing seriousinjury toachild oradult, andserious damageto theproduct. Useonly

witha cart,stand, tripod, bracket,or tablerecommended bythe manufacturer,or soldwith the product.

Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should use a mounting

accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

9.Aproductandcartcombinationshouldbemovedwithcare.Quickstops,excessiveforce,anduneven

surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

10. Ventilation—Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable

operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked

orcovered. Theopeningsshouldnever beblockedbyplacing theproductona bed,sofa,rug,or similar

surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as bookcase or rack unless

proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to.

11. Power Sources—This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated

onthemarkinglabel. Ifyouarenotsureofthetypeofpowersuppliedtoyourhome,consultyourproduct

dealeror localpower company.For productsintended tooperate frombattery power,or othersources,

refer to the operating instructions.

12. Grounding or Polarization—This product may be equipped with a polarized alternating-current

line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one

way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the

plug.Iftheplugshouldstillfailtofit,contactyourelectriciantoreplaceyourobsoleteoutlet.Donotdefeat

the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

Alternate Warnings—If this product is equipped with a three-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having

a third (grounding) pin, the plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature.

Ifyouareunabletoinserttheplugintotheoutlet,contactyourelectriciantoreplaceyourobsoleteoutlet.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.

12 a. Mise à la terre ou Polarisation—Cet appareil est équipé avec un cordon d'alimentation à trois

fils. Il est a brancher sur une prise ayant un connecteur a la terre. Assurez-vous que la connection a

la terre ne manque pas.

13. Power-Cord Protection—Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be

walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at

plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.

14.Outdoor Antenna Grounding—Ifanoutsideantennaorcable systemisconnected totheproduct,

be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage

surgesandbuilt-up staticcharges.Article810oftheNational ElectricalCode,ANSI/NFPA70, provides

informationwithregardtopropergroundingofthe mastandsupportingstructure,grounding ofthelead-

in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit,

connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. See Figure A.

15. Lightning—For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left

unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the

antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line

surges.

16. Power Lines—An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power

lines, other electric light or power circuits, 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.

17. Overloading—Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles

as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Damage Requiring Service—Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to

qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

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,

d. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only

those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other

controls mayresult in damageand willoften requireextensive work bya qualifiedtechnician torestore

the product to its normal operation,

e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way, and

f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance—this indicates a need for service.

21. 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

part. Unauthorized substitutes may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

22.Safety Check—Uponcompletionofanyserviceorrepairstothisproduct,asktheservicetechnician

to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

23. Wall or Ceiling Mounting—The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as

recommended by the manufacturer.

24. Heat—The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLERS:

THISREMINDERIS PROVIDED TO CALL THE CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER'S ATTENTION

TO ARTICLE 820 - 40 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.

Important Safety Instructions

ii. Caution Statements

ii. Important Safety Instructions

iii. Table of Contents / Specifications

iii. General Description

2. Front and Rear Panel Connections and Controls

3. Installation - Applications

4. Service / If You Need To Call For Help

5. Warranty

SPECIFICATIONS

Bandwidth:

Number of Inputs:

Input Impedance:

Input Return Loss:

Input-Input Isolation:

Gain (any input to output):

Input Adjustable Attenuator:

Maximum Input Level:

54 - 860 MHz

16.

75 Ohms (type F connectors).

14 dB, typical.

30 dB minimum, 54 - 550 MHz.

25 dB minimum, 550 - 860 MHz.

3 dB typical, 0 dB minimum,

54 - 550 MHz.

2 dB typical, -1 dB minimum, 550 -

860 MHz.

Front panel setting, 15 dB

minimum range.

+60 dBmV (input attenuator set to

limit output level to rated

maximum), each input.

+48 dBmV each video carrier with

16 equal input NTSC signals.

-60 dBc, 16 channels at output

level of +48 dBmV per channel.

-60 dBc, 16 channels at output

level of +48 dBmV per channel.

14 dB, typical.

-20 dB ±2 dB.

14 VAC/700 mA supplied by

included AC adapter.

120 VAC/60 Hz.

00C to 500C, ambient.

19" W x 1.75" H x 4.0" D.

4 Lbs.

Maximum Output Level:

Composite Triple Beat:

Cross Modulation:

Output Return Loss:

Output Test Point:

Power Requirements:

AC Adapter Input:

Operating Temperature:

Size:

Weight:

Output

Level

AC1686

OUTPUT

Monitor Output

Power

Supply

INPUTS 1-16

+60 dBmV

maximum

AC1686 BLOCK DIAGRAM

The AC1686 Active Combiner permits combining the

outputs of up to 16 Audio/Video Modulators, Channel

Processors, etc. onto a single coax. The unit includes a

low distortion Ga As output amplifier to permit linear

signal output and very low input noise figure.

Attenuator

0-15dB

adjustable

-20 dB

Input

Amp

Low Noise

Ga As Amp

+20 dB

The AC1686 is housed in a standard 1-3/4" H x 19" W

rack space. A monitor output is provided at the front

panel of the combiner.

Table of Contents/Specifications/General Description iii

AC1686 ACTIVE COMBINER

POWER OUTPUT TEST

20 dB

OUTPUT LEVEL

14 VAC

Power Input

Power Indicator

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AC1686 ACTIVE COMBINER

POWER OUTPUT TEST

20 dB

OUTPUT LEVEL

2 Front and Rear Panel Connections and Controls

F1 F2 F3

F3 - OUTPUT LEVEL Control

This screwdriver adjusted attenuator permits setting the

attenuation of the combined signals applied to the

‘INPUTS 1-16’ rear panel connectors prior to

amplification. The range of attenuation adjustment is at

least 15 dB.

F1 - POWER Indicator

Lights to indicate that the combiner is connected to a

source of power.

F2 - MONITOR Test Point Connector

This type F connector is provided for sampling the

combined RF Output of the combiner. The level of each

signal at this connector is approximately 20 dB below

the level of the respective signal present at the rear

panel ‘RF OUTPUT’ connector. The rear panel output

connector must be terminated in 75 Ohms.

R1 - INPUTS 1-16 Connectors

These type F connectors accept signals with levels up

to 60 dBmV each, maximum.

R2 - RF OUT Connector

This type F connector provides the single coax output

connection of the combined signal inputs. With the

front panel ‘OUTPUT LEVELS 1-16’ control set

maximum clockwise, the signal level output is

approximately 2 dB to 3 dB above the respective signal

level input at the ‘INPUTS 1-16’ connectors.

R3 - POWER CABLE

When this cable is connected to the accompanying 120

VAC power adapter, and the adapter is plugged into a

nominal 120 VAC power source, 14 VAC power will be

supplied to the unit.

R1 R2 R3

FRONT PANEL

REAR PANEL

Installation - Applications 3

CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS

All connections, except the output monitor test port, to

and from the AC1686, are made through the rear

panel. A convenient front panel gain adjustment is also

provided. The included application diagrams are

drawn as Block Diagrams to more efficiently illustrate

the system connections.

INSTALLATION NOTES

Level adjustment is critical in a multichannel installation,

and should be checked periodically with a spectrum

analyzer or CATV signal level meter.

Care should be taken to insure that all channels are

within ±1 dB of the desired output for best adjacent

channel operation. In addition, all A/V ratios should be

held to -15 dB or less.

Adequate ventilation is very important in multichannel

installations. Units should be spaced apart by at least

one panel height, and some air movement is advisable

in enclosed rack cabinets. Excessive heat will shorten

component life and equipment performance will be

degraded without proper cooling.

Use the following chart to determine the maximum

permissible output levels for the specific number of

combined input channels from 2 - 16.

NUMBER OF COMBINED

CHANNELS

MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE

OUTPUT LEVELS (each channel)

at RF OUT

If these levels are exceeded, second and third order

distortion products may exceed acceptable levels.

dBmV

+60

+55

+50

+45

+40

8CH 16CH

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Application Notes:

Use with 16 modulators with 45 dBmV output levels.

Set all modulator output levels to +45 dBmV. Adjust

input attenuator on the active combiner until the

combiner output levels are all at the desired output

level, but not exceeding 48 dBmV per channel, as

measured at the combiner output port. Slightly level

each modulator, as required, by adjusting each

modulator output. Do not exceed maximum output

levels shown in the above graph.

Use with 16 modulators with 55 dBmV output levels.

Set all modulator output levels to +55 dBmV. For best

noise performance, it is best to keep modulator outputs

within 5 dB of the maximum output. Start with the active

combiner attenuation adjustment at the extreme

counterclockwise position and adjust to bring output

levels up to desired level. Do not exceed the maximum

shown in the above graph. Next, adjust individual

modulator outputs slightly to equalize all channels.

4 Service / IfYou Need To Call For Help

In the rare case that this fuse is blown, the transformer

must be replaced.

There are no internal adjustments that can be made in the

field. Any circuit element changes require sophisticated

test equipment, and checkout should be attempted only by

a trained technician.

SERVICE INFORMATION

You may contact the R.L. DRAKE Service Department for

additional information or assistance by calling

+1 (937) 746-6990, Monday through Friday, between

8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time, except on holidays.

You may also contact the R.L. DRAKE Service Department by

E-mail at the following address:

[email protected]

or by Telefax:

+1 (937) 743-4576.

Should you want to return your unit for service, package

the unit carefully using the original carton or other suitable

container.

Write your return address clearly on the shipping carton

and on an enclosed cover letter describing the service

required, symptoms or problems. Also include your

daytime telephone number and a copy of your proof of

purchase.

The unit will be serviced under the terms of the

R.L. DRAKE COMPANY Limited Warranty and returned

to you.

Red is an overnight service. Send the unit in a way that it

can be traced if we can’t verify receipt of shipment. We

suggest UPS or insured postal shipment.

If the unit is still under the original owner’s warranty,

R.L. DRAKE will pay the cost of the return shipment to

you. Our return shipping policy is that we will return it UPS

Brown if received Brown or by US Mail, it will be returned

Blue if received Blue or Red—or it will be returned

however you prefer if you furnish the return cost for the

method you select.

If the unit is out of warranty, use one of the following

methods for return shipment:

1) You designate billing to American ExPress, VISA,

MasterCard or Discover card;

2) You prepay the service charges with a personal check,

3) You specify some other method of return

and payment.

When calling, the technician can estimate the repair

charges for you over the phone. This is another good

reason to call before sending a unit in for repair.

Typically, equipment is repaired in five to ten working

days after it arrives at R.L. DRAKE if we have all the facts.

If we must call you, it may take longer. R.L. DRAKE is not

responsible for damage caused by lightning, nonprofes-

sional alterations, “acts of God”, shipping damage, poor

storage/handling, etc. R.L. DRAKE will make note of any

shipping damage upon receipt.

Should your warranty card not be on file at R.L. DRAKE,

you will need to send proof of purchase to receive

warranty service. Typically, a copy of the invoice from an

R.L. DRAKE dealer will suffice. The warranty is for the

original owner only and is not transferable.

IF YOU NEED TO CALL FOR HELP

Call our Customer Service/Technical Support line at

+1 (937) 746-6990 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.

Eastern Time, weekdays. Please have the unit’s serial

number available. We will also need to know the specifics

of any other equipment connected to the unit.

When calling, please have the unit up and running, near

the phone if possible. Our technician(s) will likely ask

certain questions to aid in diagnosis of the problem. Also,

have a voltmeter handy, if possible.

R.L. DRAKE also provides technical assistance by

e-mail: [email protected]

or by Telefax: +1 (937) 743-4576.

Many of the products that are sent to us for repair are in

perfect working order when we receive them. For these

units, there is a standard checkout fee that you will be

charged. Please perform whatever steps are applicable

from the installation sections of the Owner's Manual

before calling or writing—this could save unnecessary

phone charges. Please do not return the unit without

contacting R.L. DRAKE first: it is preferred to help

troubleshoot the problem over the phone (or by mail) first,

saving you both time and money.

Inside the carton, enclose a note with your name, ad-

dress, daytime phone number, and a description of the

unit’s problem.

The unit must be sent to the following address:

Service Department

R.L. DRAKE COMPANY

230 Industrial Drive

Franklin, Ohio 45005 U.S.A.

Be sure to include your street address which will be

needed for UPS return. UPS Surface (Brown Label) takes

7-10 days to reach us depending on your location, Blue

takes 2-3 days.

The AC1686 Active Combiner has been designed and

produced to provide trouble-free service. Should the

need for repair arise, extreme caution should be used to

avoid a potentially lethal electric shock.

FUSE: The power transformer is internally fused.

Warranty 5

ThreeYear Limited Warranty

R.L. DRAKE COMPANY warrants to the original purchaser this product shall be free from defects in material or

workmanship for three (3) years from the date of original purchase.

During the warranty period the R.L. DRAKE COMPANY or an authorized Drake service facility will provide, free

of charge, both parts and labor necessary to correct defects in material and workmanship. At its option,

R.L. DRAKE COMPANY may replace a defective unit.

To obtain such a warranty service, the original purchaser must:

(1) Retain invoice or original proof of purchase to establish the start of the warranty period.

(2)NotifytheR.L.DRAKECOMPANYorthenearestauthorizedservicefacility,assoonaspossibleafterdiscovery

of a possible defect, of:

(a) the model and serial number,

(b) the identity of the seller and the approximate date of purchase; and

(c)Adetaileddescriptionoftheproblem,includingdetailsontheelectricalconnectiontoassociatedequipmentand

the list of such equipment.

(3) Deliver the product to the R.L. DRAKE COMPANY or the nearest authorized service facility, or ship the same

in its original container or equivalent, fully insured and shipping charges prepaid.

Correct maintenance, repair, and use are important to obtain proper performance from this product. Therefore

carefully read the Instruction Manual. This warranty does not apply to any defect that R.L. DRAKE COMPANY

determines is due to:

(1) Improper maintenance or repair, including the installation of parts or accessories that do not conform to the

quality and specifications of the original parts.

(2) Misuse, abuse, neglect or improper installation.

(3) Accidental or intentional damage.

Allimpliedwarranties,ifany,includingwarrantiesofmerchantabilityandfitnessforaparticularpurpose,terminate

three (3) years from the date of the original purchase.

TheforegoingconstitutesR.L.DRAKECOMPANY’Sentireobligationwithrespecttothisproduct,andtheoriginal

purchasershallhavenootherremedyandnoclaimforincidentalorconsequentialdamages,lossesorexpenses.

Somestatesdonotallowlimitationsonhowlonganimpliedwarrantylastsordonotallowtheexclusionsorlimitation

of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

This warranty shall be construed under the laws of Ohio.

For Service, contact: R.L. DRAKE COMPANY

230 Industrial Drive

Franklin, Ohio 45005 U.S.A.

Customer Service and Parts Telephone: +1 (937) 746-6990

Telefax: +1 (937) 743-4576

World Wide Web Site: http://www.rldrake.com

R.L. DRAKE COMPANY

230 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE

FRANKLIN, OHIO 45005 U.S.A.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PARTS TELEPHONE: +1 (937) 746-6990

TELEFAX: +1 (937) 743-4576

WORLD WIDE WEB SITE: http://www.rldrake.com

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