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MODEL TFM-138 SERIES

Airborne VHF FM Transceivers                        

Technisonic VHF FM Airborne Transceivers

Technisonic TFM-138 series airborne VHF/FM transceivers utilize state of the art frequency synthesis
techniques to provide FM communications on every currently available channel within the VHF/FM High
Band.  These radios cover the entire band from 138 to 174 MHz in 2.5 KHz increments.  Data entry and
function control are via a front panel 12 button keypad.  Operating frequency and other related data are
presented on a 48 character two line LED matrix display which is available in either green or red.

Technisonic FM transceivers can be operated in the Direct Entry or Simplex mode by simply keying in the
desired operating frequency, or can function without restriction on any split frequency pair within the band.
The TFM-138 features 100 preset memory positions each of which is capable of storing a receive
frequency, a transmit frequency, a separate CTCSS tone for each receive and transmit frequency and an
alpha numeric identifier for each channel.  The TFM-138B features similar storage capability, but provide for
120 channels of preset memory, and offer the additional capability of allowing for DPL (Digital Private Line)
or DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch) operation.  The TFM-138 and TFM-138B  allows either 25 kHz wide band
or 12.5 kHz narrow band operation on any or all their preset memory channels.  Data can be easily entered
into any of the preset non-volatile memory positions for both main and guard channels via the front panel
keyboard.  Information stored in memory is available for instant recall by keypad entry, or by pressing the
UP or DOWN button which allows the operator to scroll through all preset channels.  Technisonic FM
transceivers feature a synthesized two channel guard, receiver, a DTMF encoder for signaling during
transmit, and a scan function which will scan any or all of the frequencies stored in the preset memory
positions.

TFM-138 series transceivers are panel mounted (Dzus mounting) and are completely self contained in a 8.0
x 3.0 x 5.75 inch chassis weighing just 3.1 pounds.  Front panel controls are 

MAIN

 for main channel

volume; 

GUARD

 for guard channel volume; 

MON

 for squelch test; a

 MN/GD

 switch provides for main or

guard transmitter selection; a 

G1/G2

 switch selects guard 1 or guard 2 receive and transmit; and a 

HI/LO

switch allows for control of transmitter power output.  Hi power is 10 Watts output, low power is 1 Watt
output, which is necessary to comply with Marine harbor environment rules.  These transceivers offer 28
volt DC backlighting, which is controlled by the aircraft dimmer bus.  Display brightness is controlled from
the front panel keypad.  The small size and light weight of TFM-138 series transceivers make them ideally
suited to helicopter installations  Technisonic FM transceivers are compliant with RTCA DO-160C
categories relating to Vibration, Overpressure,  Humidity, Temperature and Altitude, Magnetic Effect, Power
Input, Voltage Spike, Decompression, and RF emission (including Section 21, Category Z)

Summary of Contents for TFM-138

Page 1: ...into any of the preset non volatile memory positions for both main and guard channels via the front panel keyboard Information stored in memory is available for instant recall by keypad entry or by p...

Page 2: ...rd red optional Green standard red optional Minimum Performance Specifications Main receiver Sensitivity at 12 dB SINAD Better than 0 35 microvolts Better than 0 35 microvolts Adjacent channel 78 dB f...

Page 3: ...and up with F10 B Software Installation and Operating Instructions Til Document No 98RE229 Rev A Issue 2 AUGUST 2010 Technisonic Industries Limited 240 Traders Boulevard Mississauga Ontario L4Z 1W7 T...

Page 4: ...n accordance with the instruction manual may cause harmful interference to radio communications Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case...

Page 5: ...in the US and Canada as well as a number of single engine fixed wing aircraft The above referenced DO 160C test data is also on file and available from Technisonic to support approval requirements in...

Page 6: ...ones 2 6 2 14 PC Memory Programming Download Capability 2 7 SECTION 3 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 3 1 General 3 1 3 2 Equipment Packing Log 3 1 3 3 Transceiver Installation 3 1 3 4 Installation Kit Cont...

Page 7: ...and Controls TFM 138 2 2 2 2 TFM 138 Transceiver PC Download Cable Wiring Diagram 2 8 3 1 Outline Drawing for TFM 138 Transceiver 3 2 3 2 Wiring Connections for TFM 138 Transceiver 3 4 3 3 Interal Ena...

Page 8: ...and onwards which have been delivered from the factory with version F10 B software capable of wide narrow band operation For TFM 138 s with s n 1539 or less TiL Document 95RE177 should be referred to...

Page 9: ...r for each channel and in the TFM 138 s n 1540 and up only wideband 25 kHz or narrowband 12 5 kHz channel spacing assignment Operating frequency and other related data are presented on a 48 character...

Page 10: ...ive 0 7 A Max 1 Watt Transmit 1 3 A Max 8 10 Watt Transmit 2 0 A Max Frequency Selection 100 memories programmed with a Tx Frequency Rx Frequency b Tx Rx CTCSS tone c 9 character alpha numeric title G...

Page 11: ...s than 70 dBm GUARD RECEIVER All specifications identical to main receiver TRANSMITTER RF Power Output 1 watt or 10 watts Output Impedance 50 ohms Maximum Deviation 5 kHz 25 kHz mode In narrowband mod...

Page 12: ...y scan up and down in 2 5 kHz steps 10 LED display variable dimming mode 11 Selectable 90 second Tx time out feature 12 Quick download of any of the 100 memory positions to the guard memories 13 PC Me...

Page 13: ...2 2 FIGURE 2 1 Operator s Switches and Controls TFM 138 F10 B software...

Page 14: ...uency if no RX CTCSS tone is programmed and RT if a CTCSS tone is programmed When the transceiver is in either of the operating frequency or CTCSS tone programming modes and you must respond to a call...

Page 15: ...ast character is entered the radio returns to normal operating mode If the guard is to be programmed for 12 5 kHz narrowband operation use the QUICK GUARD PROGRAMMING FEATURE described in paragraph 2...

Page 16: ...th transmit and receive simplex only modes If RX or TX CTCSS tones are required they must be programmed on 2 7 RECEIVE FREQUENCY SIMPLEX FUNCTION The receive frequency simplex function allows you to q...

Page 17: ...memory positions can be accomplished Select the memory position whose contents you desire to download to a guard memory Select either GD1 or GD2 memory channel as desired Press FUNC then 7 The guard...

Page 18: ...supplied on a CD with the TFM 138 transceiver or is available for download from our web site www til ca This software will allow anyone with a standard personal computer PC and the PIB 100 programmin...

Page 19: ...programming interface box Do not use cable p n 943165 4 which is for use with the DOS program only 2 14 2 Windows Program Installation 1 Insert the CD into the drive 2 Open the CD with windows explore...

Page 20: ...drive 2 Create a directory on your hard drive called TIL 3 Copy everything from the PCDLN directory on the CD to the TIL directory on the hard drive 2 14 8 Connections 1 Connect the PC download cable...

Page 21: ...eeded There always has to be a data file called DATA or the program will not work 2 14 10 Helpful Hints Be sure to never plug in the radio while the power supply is on or damage may occur to your prin...

Page 22: ...2 11 TFM 138 Upload Download Programming Cable For DOS Program P N 943165 4 Wiring Diagram FIGURE 2 2 TFM 138 Transceiver PC Download Cable wiring diagram for DOS program only...

Page 23: ...installation kit See Figure 3 1 for an outline drawing of the unit with dimensions to facilitate the installation 3 4 INSTALLATION KIT CONTENTS The IN 150 installation kit consists of 1 One 15 pin Can...

Page 24: ...3 2 FIGURE 3 1 Outline Drawing for Model TFM 138 Transceiver...

Page 25: ...13 PTT Ground Keying 14 Main Power 28VDC 15 Main Ground TABLE 3 1 3 7 WIRING INSTRUCTIONS Figure 3 2 shows all required connections and recommended wire sizes for the TFM 138 Transceiver 3 7 1 Main Po...

Page 26: ...3 4 Figure 3 2 Wiring Connections for TFM 138 Transceiver...

Page 27: ...cted via pins 2 and 11 Data cannot be transmitted in CANADA unless equipment is approved for use with the TFM 138 unit by the communications regulatory authority 3 8 INTERNAL ENABLE DISABLE JUMPER The...

Page 28: ...PCB Module Notes R23 is High Power Adjustment R24 is Low Power Adjustment J15 Jumper between pins 3 and 4 for Entry Enable Remove for Entry Disable FIGURE 3 3 Internal Enable Disable Jumper and Trans...

Page 29: ...n the previous paragraph 3 8 3 10 TRANSMITTER MICROPHONE LEVEL ADJUSTMENT 1 Set the transceiver operating frequency to 156 000 MHz and connect an appropriate test receiver to the RF output connector E...

Page 30: ...3 8 FIGURE 3 4 Microphone and Sidetone Level Main and Guard Squelch Adjustment Access Holes...

Page 31: ...appropriate test receiver to the RF output connector Ensure that the output of the transceiver is terminated into a proper dummy load 3 Key the transmitter and input a 10 dBm 2 5 VRMS 1 kHz audio sig...

Page 32: ...A 1 Main Receiver Transmitter PCB Module Notes R30 is for 5 0 kHz wideband Deviation Adjustment R76 is for 2 5 kHz narrowband Deviaton Adjustment FIGURE 3 5 Deviation Adjustment Potentiometer Location...

Page 33: ...arby navigation station Modulate the TFM 138 transmitter on the indicated frequencies for at least 20 seconds Observe the GPS for any degradation in satellite status or availability or flags Listen fo...

Page 34: ...er on the following frequencies for at least 20 seconds Observe the GPS for any degradation in satellite status or availability or flags FREQUENCIES GPS 1 GPS 2 TFM 138 PASS FAIL PASS FAIL 143 180 MHz...

Page 35: ...lowing frequencies for at least 20 seconds Listen for any noise or detected audio signals on the VHF comm Example Bendix King KY 196A The first IF frequency is 11 4 MHZ The L O is above the received f...

Page 36: ...R frequency range Record those values in the spaces provided in the following chart Modulate the TFM 138 transmitter on the following frequencies for at least 20 seconds Listen for any noise or detect...

Page 37: ...be flight tested according to the following procedure Using the table below determine the glide slope frequency based on the localizer frequency of the ILS to be used Divide the glide slope frequency...

Page 38: ...A 7 FREQUENCIES RESULTS G S 1 TFM 138 PASS FAIL 334 7 108 1 167 3500 FREQUENCIES RESULTS G S 1 TFM 138 series PASS FAIL 334 7 108 1 167 3500 NOTES...

Page 39: ...stability augmentation system Modulate the TFM 138 transmitter on the above frequencies for at least 20 seconds Observe any effect on the autopilot or stability augmentation system Observations F Per...

Page 40: ...ic instruments in the chart provided and note any anomalies that occur while transmitting Assess the results STEP SYSTEM PASS FAIL NOTES 1 Xponder Encoder 2 ADF 1 2 3 VG 4 Compass 5 Directional Gyro 6...

Page 41: ...STEP SYSTEM PASS FAIL NOTES A 10 10 Bus Voltage 11 Fuel 12 Ng 13 TOT 14 Torque 15 Annunciators 16 Digital Clock 17 GPS 18 DME...

Page 42: ...STEP SYSTEM PASS FAIL NOTES A 11...

Page 43: ...STEP SYSTEM PASS FAIL NOTES A 12...

Page 44: ...STEP SYSTEM PASS FAIL NOTES A 13 NOTES...

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