Strata Operations Guide
-
20 -
3. When initially powering a Strata TX system, the power/error front panel LED will indicate an error
condition (amber) for a few seconds prior to turning green. This is an indication that the Strata TX
components have not completed software initialization. You will also note this condition when
switching between digital and analog modes. Users will be prevented from operating the Strata
transmitter until the front panel power/error LEDs have turned green.
4. You should not attempt to change presets while the transmitter is active. Turn OFF the Strata
transmitter (hold front panel control knob in for 1 second) before changing presets. Before activating
the transmitter after changing a preset or operating frequency, use the front panel control to ensure the
selected operating frequency is the desired frequency.
5. Note that the front panel will not display the transmitter output power when an HPU is present. When
using a TXU without the HPU option, the approximate RF output power will displayed on the front
panel main menu display.
6. For those applications that require transmitting at lower output power, you may dial in additional IF
attenuation (1 to 31 dB) using the front panel control. Note that any additional attenuation applied in
this manner will be lost when changing presets or re-powering the system. For permanently installed
additional attenuation values associated with a system preset number, you may configure these values
using the supplied Strata TX Configurator utility. In this case the amount of additional attenuation
will apply when the associated preset is selected but may be temporarily changed using the front
panel control. Depending on the operating mode, and the characteristics of the radio components,
added IF attenuation may not decrease RF output power on a 1:1 basis. If accurate RF output power
setting is required, use an external RF power meter to ensure the desired amount of RF output power
is obtained.
7. For those systems configured for
Frequency-locked-to-Presets
, you may temporarily change the
transmitting frequency using the front panel control. Any channelized frequency entered in this
manner is temporary and will be lost when changing presets or re-powering the system. For those
systems configured for
Frequency-unlocked-to-Presets
, changing the current operating frequency
will remain in effect until changed by the user.
8. Note that Strata TX systems must be configured at the MRC factory for the following options:
•
NTSC (default) or PAL composite video formats
•
Frequencies-locked-to-Presets (Helicopter operation)
•
Frequencies-not-locked-to-Presets (default option)
•
RF band, e.g., 1.9 GHz to 2.5 GHz (default) or 2.3 GHz to 2.7 GHz
These options cannot be changed in the field.
9. Adjustment of FMT audio deviation levels cannot be accomplished in the field. There are no physical
controls permitting this adjustment. The FMT audio deviation levels are adjusted with special
software tools in the MRC factory for industry standard (+8 dBm input @ 75 kHz deviation) levels
unless otherwise specified.
Every effort has been made to supply a state-of-the-art and reliable Strata TX design. Should you
encounter any difficulty operating your Strata TX radio system, please contact Microwave Radio
Communications for assistance.
