Quick Start for CVR-200

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Instruction Manual

Video Transmitter CVT-M

Video Receiver CVR-200

What? Read the manual. You must be joking!!!

OK, we know you’re in a hurry to get your neat new equipment on the air, so here’s how, see our Quick Start information on the next pages.

Also PLEASE read the great installation & operation tips we’ve put in the Instruction Manual.

Contents

SUBJECT PAGE

1. WHAT, Read the Manual? 2

2. FCC & Industry Canada Statements 4

3. CVR-200 Receiver Quick Start Instructions 5

4. CVT-M Transmitter Quick Start Instructions 6

5. Specifications: CVR-200 Receiver and CVT-M Transmitter 7

6. General Operating Instructions for CVT-M and CVR-200 8

7. Compatibility with other Coherent Wireless Products 9

8. Installation Tips---Antennas & Antenna Selection 9

9. Antenna Golden Rules 10

10. Antenna Orientation 12

11. Wiring Instructions CVT-M Transmitter 15

12. Wiring Instructions CVR-200 Receiver 16

13. Application Notes 1 -- Operating Distance 17

14. Application Notes 2 – Antenna Cable Specifications 18

15. Application Notes 3 -- Video Cable Specifications 19

16. Application Notes 4 – Link Margins and Range Calculations 20

17. Service & Calibration 22

18. Warranty Information and Safety Terms 23

19. Notes 24

FCC Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used according to the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that which the receiver is connected. • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Shielded cables and I/O cords must be used for this equipment to comply with the relevant FCC regulations.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved in writing by Coherent Communications, Inc. may void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Industry Canada Statement

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Thank you for purchasing our products. We hope that they will serve you well.

MINIATURE WIRELESS VIDEO RECEIVER

Model CVR-200

0.93 in Rear 2.4 cm ON A B 6. Video Out

1 2 3 4 5 7. 12 VDC Power In 3.38 8. Antenna In Front in 1. Power On/Off Switch VIDEO RECEIVER 2.32 in / 5.9 cm 2. Signal Strength: GOOD 8.6 MODEL CVR-200 3. Signal Strength: OK cm 4. Signal Strength: POOR 5. Channel Selector Switch 1 2

Features: 6 7 8 • A truly small size for maximum flexibility and convenience • Extremely rugged and lightweight Aluminum enclosure; electronics use latest surface mounted technology for maximum reliability • Two switch selectable channels in 902-928 MHz band, US/Canada -- no license required • Works from a 9 Volt Alkaline battery for up to 6 hours • FM Video for highest quality picture and most resistance to interference • Wide power supply range from 7.6 to 14 VDC or AC Adapter. • Color coded side markers to distinguish between multiple Transmitter and Receiver sets. • Crystal referenced, synthesized PLL design for best frequency stability and reliability over temperature • Three section signal strength indicators are a real help in evaluating location, antenna position and range. The first light is green showing excellent to moderate signal strength. The next light is yellow, warning of a weaker signal. The red light means that the signal is probably not usable.

Quick Start for CVR-200

1. Connect Antenna to BNC Jack marked “Antenna” 2. Plug in 12 VDC Power Supply to jack marked “12 VDC In” 3. Plug a 75 Ohm video cable into BNC Jack marked “Video Out”. Connect other end to a Video monitor, VCR, or any standard composite 1 V p-p Video input. 4. Turn on CVR-200. If the channel is clear, only a random “snow” will appear on the monitor. If you see any kind of pattern, lines, flashes, etc. there is interference. In this case, switch Channel selector to the alternate channel and check it. If interference appears on both channels, use the one with the least disturbance to the picture. 5. Once the Transmitter is on, an initial range check can be made without the monitor by observing the signal strength lights. Green is best, yellow is OK and Red is weak. 6. The Receiver's channel selector switch is on the bottom. Verify that the Transmitter and Receiver are switched to the same channel.

MATCHBOX WIRELESS VIDEO TRANSMITTER

Model CVT-M

ACTUAL SIZE!

0.6 in Front 1.4 cm

1. Channel Selector 2. Power & Video input jack 1.8 3 4 5 6 in VIDEO 1.5 in -- 3.9 cm Rear TRANSMITTER 4.7 MODEL CVT-M 3. Power On/Off cm 4. Power On Indicator 5. Low Battery Indicator 6. Antenna Connector 1 2

Features: • A truly tiny size for maximum flexibility in placement & concealment—may be body worn, put in helmet, etc. • Extremely rugged and lightweight Aluminum enclosure, all surface mounted parts for maximum reliability • Two switch selectable channels in 902-928 MHz band, US / Canadian approved power levels -- no license required • Higher powered export model available between 900 and 1300 MHz • Works from a 9 Volt Alkaline battery for up to 8 hours (not including camera) • FM Video for highest quality picture and most resistance to interference • Wide power supply range from 7.6 to 14 VDC or AC Adapter. • Color-coded side markers to distinguish between multiple Transmitter and Receiver sets. • Crystal referenced, synthesized PLL design for best frequency stability and reliability over temperature

Quick Start for CVT-M

1. Push Antenna and its miniature plug into the jack marked “ANT.” It will click when seated. 2. Push black Power and Video connector into jack at bottom of Transmitter marked “Power/Video”. Note key way on plug and match on jack before pushing. Push firmly and it will click in place. To remove, pull firmly on plug, NOT on wires. 3. Plug 9 V battery into holder or plug power cable into appropriate source of 7.6 to 14 VDC. 4. Turn On/Off switch to ON position. Red LED will light. 5. When battery falls below operating range, the yellow LED will light. NOTE: If you are using the CVT-M with a miniature CCTV (board) camera, the camera will only operate to about 8.5 VDC, so battery life will be short, about 1 hour. The CVT-M operates from 7.6 to 14 VDC. You may wire in a 12 V supply if desired for testing. 6. The channel selector switch is on the bottom. Verify that the Transmitter and Receiver are switched to the same channel. 7. Mount Transmitter to Camera with Velcro tape if desired. 6 8.

SPECIFICATIONS CVR-200 RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS Operating Distance: 1000 ft (305m) line of sight with supplied antennas. May be more or less depending on conditions, antennas used, elevation, etc. For greater range (1 to 2 miles), see price list for high gain Yagi antennas. Operating Frequency: 902-928 MHz. An Export model will be available to 1300 MHz, greatly increasing the number of available channels. Frequency stability: (-20ºC to +60ºC, -4ºF to +131ºF) ±0.005% Receiver sensitivity: Usable picture to approximately -83 dBm Video System: (with CVT-1000 Transmitter at -40 dBm RF in) NTSC or PAL, automatic selection Video level 1.0 Volt p-p into 75 Ohms Video bandwidth 10Hz - 4.2MHz ± 1dB typical, 10 Hz to 5.5 MHz +1, -3 dB Differential Gain at -40 dBm RF input <5 % Differential Phase at -40 dBm RF input <8º Signal to noise ratio -40 dBm RF input 55 dB weighted 3 dB Voltage & Current consumption. 7.6 to 14 VDC, 80 mA at 12 VDC Mechanical Size 3.38 L x 2.32 W x 0.93 H in. (8.6 x 5.9 x 2.4 cm) Weight 0.27 LB (121 g) Antenna connector 50 Ohm BNC Video Connector 75 Ohm BNC Power connector 5.5 x 2.5 mm Coaxial jack Environmental Operating temperature -20ºC to +60ºC (-4ºF to +131ºF) Storage temperature -40ºC to +70ºC (-40ºF to + 158ºF) Humidity range (non-condensing) 5 to 90%

CVT-M TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONS Operating Distance: 1000 ft (305m) line of sight (US / Canadian version). May be more or less depending on conditions, antennas used, elevation, etc. To extend range, see our price list for high gain Yagi antennas. Higher power Government & Export version will have considerably more range. Operating Frequency: 902-928 MHz. An Export model will be available to 1300 MHz, greatly increasing the number of available channels. Transmitter Type: FM, Crystal referenced, synthesized phase locked loop, Deviation is ±3 MHz nominal, but may be adjusted. RF Power Out: Per FCC 15.249 Frequency stability: (-20ºC to +60ºC, -4ºF to +131ºF) ±0.005% Video System: (with CVR-1000 Receiver) NTSC or PAL, automatic selection Video level 1.0 Volt p-p into 75 Ohms Video bandwidth 10Hz - 4.2MHz ± 1dB typical, 10 Hz to 5.5 MHz +1, -3 dB Voltage & Current consumption: 7.6 to 14 VDC, 45 mA at 12 VDC Mechanical: Size 1.5W x 1.8L x 0.6D in (3.9 x 4.7 x 1.4 cm) Weight 2 oz. (58g) Antenna connector 50 Ohm subminiature MMCX type Power & Video input connector 4 pin subminiature quick disconnect Environmental: Operating temperature -20ºC to +60ºC (-4ºF to +131ºF) Storage temperature -40ºC to +70ºC (-40ºF to + 158ºF) Humidity range (non-condensing) 5 to 90% Approvals: FCC & Industry Canada No licensing required under FCC part 15.249 & IC RSS-210 for standard systems. Specifications subject to change without notice

General Operating Instructions for the CVT-M and CVR-200

1. Keep antennas away from metal objects as they will detune. Have the antennas vertically polarized (antennas rods up and down). This usually works best. 2. The CVR-200 is designed for fixed applications. When you walk with the Transmitter you may notice signal dropouts due to multipath reflections. Our Model CVR-1500 Triple Diversity Receiver largely eliminates this problem by using three antennas and switching to the best signal. 3. In any location with multipath problems, moving the antenna a few inches or tilting it from vertical will usually fix the problem. 4. If range or excessive dropouts are a problem, use a directional antenna on the Receiver, such as our AY-7, 10 dB gain Yagi Antenna. Mount it at the rear or use the Antenna brackets to mount it to a pole. The rods should be up and down normally, but indoors especially, polarization gets mixed up and turning the antenna or moving it may help. 5. Keep the antennas as high as possible: this allows the signal to clear bodies, filing cabinets, metal furniture, etc.

Compatibility with other Coherent™ Wireless products The CVT-M Transmitter and CVR-200 Receiver are designed to work together. If you wish to use either one with other Coherent wireless products, be sure to ask for the "Wideband Modification" for that Coherent Transmitter or Receiver. This is now the standard configuration for all CVT/CVR products made after 01/2001. The CVT-M works very well with either the CVR-1000 or CVR-1500 Receivers.

The CVT-M Channel A corresponds to CVR-1000/1500 Channel 1. Channel B corresponds to Channel 7. Be sure to check!

Antenna Installation Tips

Warning: Danger of Electrocution

When installing external Antennas be sure: ♦ That they cannot come into contact with power lines during installation or after they are installed. ♦ That they are not being installed near high voltage lines that may induce dangerous voltages or currents. ♦ That they are equipped with suitable lightening protection & grounding straps ♦ That they are rigidly mounted to a strong pole or surface, and wind & ice loads have been calculated Antennas

Antennas fall into two basic categories, omnidirectional and directional. The signal from an omnidirectional antenna can be visualized as a sphere or ball of radio frequency energy radiating outward evenly in all directions from the antenna into space.

A directional antenna is constructed to radiate this energy in one direction or plane. Imagine that the ball mentioned above, is “squished”, so that the signal is radiated mainly in the desired direction. This is how a directional antenna can have gain compared to an omnidirectional type. Remember however, that a directional antenna gives up much of its ability to transmit or a receive a signal except in its active direction. Or stated another way, directional gain is accomplished by reducing the antenna’s gain in all directions except the desired one.

Without getting too technical, antennas are further categorized by the type of polarization used: linear or circular. Linear types are usually divided into vertical & horizontal polarization. Imagine that the radio signal is like an ocean wave in space. In the case of a vertically polarized antenna, the waves go up and down vertically. If you could turn the waves at right angles, so they went back and forth, this would be horizontal polarization. If the waves leave the antenna in a corkscrew pattern, then this is called circular polarization.

When viewed from the antenna feed point end, if the wave is clockwise, then it is called right hand circular polarization. If counter-clockwise, then it is called left hand CP. This is very useful when a limited number of channels is available, because a RHCP antenna doesn’t “see” the signal from a LHCP type, and vice-versa. The cancellation is never perfect, but often is good enough to reuse the same frequency. CP antennas also have less sensitivity to signal dropouts caused by multipath signal cancellations.

Antenna gain is measured in dB (decibels), and is often referenced to a perfectly omnidirectional antenna whose gain is 0 dBi. A simple dipole antenna is slightly directional in the vertical plane (called elevation), and omnidirectional in the horizontal plane (called azimuth), and has a gain of about 2 dBi. Just to make life more complicated, many manufacturers consider a dipole their reference antenna and would tell you that a dipole has a gain of 0 dBd. In many ways, this is a more realistic measurement, and the one we use.

Antenna Types

a. Dipole antennas. 1. Flex (“Rubber Duck”) antennas. These are rugged, flexible & inexpensive. Very common on walkie-talkies. Manufacturers rate them at 2 to 4 dBi gain. In fact, they are sensitive to placement, availability of a good ground plane (quarter-wave types), and frequently do not live up to manufacturers gain claims. Their radiation patterns are more or less omnidirectional horizontally, depending on mounting position. Useful for short distances only. 2. “J” Pole antennas. The “J” antenna is a good compromise dipole. It has about 2 dBi of gain, is omnidirectional horizontally, and is compact. Good for short to medium distances. 3. The “Eggbeater” Antenna looks just like its namesake and produces a smooth omnidirectional pattern, horizontally polarized at ground level. At higher elevations, the pattern transforms into Right Hand Circular polarized. This antenna is somewhat larger than a Rubber Duck or J pole, about 7 in long by 4.5 in wide (17.8 x 11.4 cm), but an excellent choice where overhead pickup is required, or where horizontal polarization is preferred. The gain is approximately 2 dBi.

b. Yagi antennas. These look similar to your television antenna, although the rods are usually pointed up and down (vertically polarized), for best operation. The more rods (called elements), the more gain and the better the antenna will reject unwanted signals coming in from the side and rear. Available in gains from 6 to about 15 dB, these are reasonably priced, general purpose antennas. They are mostly used outside, mounted on a mast and can be stacked for additional gain and directivity. If used over water, they should be horizontally polarized, especially if one or both ends are less than 6 ft. (1.8m) above the surface. The radio waves are reflected off the water’s surface and “free gain” of up to 6 dB may be had this way.

A good circularly polarized antenna may be made using two identical Yagi antennas and proper phasing cables and a combiner.

Yagi antennas are a good choice for most applications. Unfortunately, there are many inflated claims concerning actual versus theoretical gain, directional patterns, front to back ratios, etc. Coherent has tried to winnow through a number of manufacturers and offer our customers only well performing antennas.

c. Corner Reflector antenna. They are somewhat large, even at 900 MHz, are usually moderately priced, have high gains (6-15 dB), excellent rejection of unwanted signals from the sides and rear, fairly directional, outdoor antennas. Corner Reflectors are also usually vertically polarized. They are an excellent alternative to a Yagi if you don’t have to worry about high wind or snow loads. Corner reflectors also offer much wider bandwidths than a Yagi.

d. Patch antennas are compact, usually flat, mounted in a plastic enclosure and range in size from a paperback novel to a large hardback book. They may be omnidirectional or moderately directional with gains to about 9 dB. Patch and their larger, more directional relative, the Panel antenna, may be linear or circularly polarized. Patch antennas are very handy to mount on a regular ceiling or clip to a T-bar drop ceiling. They are easy to mount on office walls, to conceal inside a non- metallic object such as a plastic store display, exit sign, sports bag, etc.

e. Panel antennas are larger, more directional versions of patch antennas. They are designed for permanent mounting on a mast or even against a building wall, where they may be painted to match the building’s color. Panel antennas range in gains from about 9 to 18 dB. A typical 12 dB gain antenna is 18 x 18 x 0.85 in. (71 x 71 x 22 mm).

f. Helical antennas range from fairly directional, with gains of 6-8 dB, to very directional with gains of 10-17 dB. Their rejection of signals from the rear (front to back ratio), is very good at around 15 dB. They work very well for fixed applications such as rooftop to rooftop. A typical high gain (17 dB) unit is 24” long, with a 4.5” helix and a 13” diameter base plate and weighs 20 lbs. Because they are circularly polarized, they may work better than an equivalent gain Yagi or corner reflector in an urban area. Helix type antennas are usually considerably more expensive than a Yagi because of its increased complexity. g. Parabolic dishes at this frequency are quite large for their gain, about 6 ft in diameter for 20 dB of gain and a front to back ration of 20 dB. We would normally recommend using a helical, a Yagi, or stacked array instead.

There are many more antenna types and variations, but we feel that this summary covers the ones most likely to be used with our equipment. It is a complicated subject, so please feel free to call us for advice. Antenna Golden Rules

A. Fixed Installations (Point to Point) 1. Make sure that the path from the transmitter to the receiver is unobstructed by buildings, hills or other large objects. 2. Go for the highest Antenna elevation practical; it will give you the best range. 3. Whichever antenna you select from the list below, PLEASE remember that at these frequencies and even more so at higher ones, a foot or two left or right, or up or down may make all the difference in the world in the signal quality you receive, so experiment before you make any permanent site selections. Also, just because one antenna is polarized in one direction (see p 10 for explanation), doesn’t mean that your best signal will also be polarized the same way, especially in urban areas where radio waves bounce off buildings like cue balls. So try pointing your directional antenna in different directions than it “should” be coming from, including at the ground. Sometimes you will be amazed with the results. 4. Use the right antenna cable and keep it as short as possible to minimize signal loss. See p. 18 for correct cable and lengths. 5. Use the right Antenna for the job. If the distance is short (less than 100 feet), and the receiver is in line of sight, Rubber Duck type antennas will do fine. Otherwise, please review the antenna types listed below and select the one that will work for your application. Remember, antennas are just like everything else: you don’t get something for nothing. Consider your application requirements in the following terms: a. Is your application fixed, point to point (building to building for instance), outdoors where a directional, high gain antenna will be the best solution? Remember, If you need high gain, the trade-off will be a more directional antenna which may be more difficult to position properly. Depending on distance and antenna location, we normally recommend a Yagi Antenna. We offer four types from 6 to 15 dB gain b. Is your application fixed, interior to interior (from one side of a warehouse or store to another side for example), where you may have shelving, walls, metal furniture, etc. blocking your signal? Try ceiling or roof mounted patch or panel antennas. If there are no obstructions, you may want to try a Yagi or other directional antenna.

c. Is your application from the interior of a warehouse or store, where the receiver may be permanently located in a Security office, and the transmitter moved about to monitor shoplifting or pilferage? Consider usin g a ceiling or roof mounted patch or panel antenna for the receiver, and a second patch or panel for the transmitter. If minimum size is important, and distance not too great, a rubber helical antenna may be easiest to conceal. Consider concealing a small Yagi above a drop ceiling to get better range. d. Is your application from the interior of one building to the interior of another building? If you can locate the antennas outside the building, try a directional antenna (see a). If you need to conceal one or both antennas, try a directional patch or panel antenna. Try and locate the antennas on, or near a window, wood, or other non-conductive surface. Do not mount the antenna where it will be blocked by a steel or other metallic, or metal reinforced surface or wall.

B. Mobile Installations 1. Make sure that the path from the transmitter to the receiver is unobstructed by buildings, hills or other large objects. 2. Go for the highest Antenna elevation practical; it will give you the best range. 3. Whichever antenna you select from the list below, PLEASE remember that at these frequencies and even more so at higher ones, a foot or two left or right, or up or down may make all the difference in the world in the signal quality you receive, so experiment before you make any permanent site selections. Also, just because one antenna is polarized in one direction (see p 26 for explanation), doesn’t mean that your best signal will also be polarized the same way, especially in urban areas where radio waves bounce off buildings like cue balls. So try pointing your directional antenna in different directions than it “should” be coming from, including at the ground. Sometimes you will be amazed with the results. 4. Most mobile applications will require a Diversity Receiver for best results. Our CVR-1500 is a Triple Diversity type ideally suited to these applications. See the CVR-1500 brochure for an explanation of Diversity. Mobile applications are almost always more complicated then fixed installations because of the challenge of dealing with signal reflections that cause picture dropouts as the Transmitter or Receiver is moving. Please review the antenna types listed below and select the one that will work for your application. Also, consider how “perfect” your picture has to be, and for what percentage of the time. If you can tolerate a certain number of dropouts, than generally, a simpler installation will work fine. A. Do you have a Broadcast & Motion Picture application? These usually require an omnidirectional antenna on the transmitter and a directional receiving antenna. For the Transmitter, we normally recommend using the helical, flex type (rubber duck) supplied (except for the CVT-500 which has a built in patch antenna), an Eggbeater antenna or an omnidirectional patch type. A circularly polarized Omni will work well if there is room for this type. Remember, if you have to locate the receiving antennas over the transmitter, as on a catwalk above a stage, most dipole antennas such as the Rubber Duck we supply, have a dead spot and will not work well on the Transmitter. We recommend using either an Omnidirectional Patch , or an Eggbeater type antenna. For the receiving end, we recommend our AY-6 Yagi antennas (10 dB gain) for most applications.

B. Does your application require concealing the Transmitter or Receiver in an attaché case or something similar? Depending on the range required, try a high gain antenna such as a panel type at the fixed end, or a Yagi if concealment isn’t an issue. The antenna used in the attaché case should be an omnidirectional type. An omni patch usually works well. Be certain that the active side of the antenna faces away from any metal. A helical type (Rubber duck) may be ok, but will be detuned by its proximity to surrounding objects. C. Do you have a mobile application, where either the Transmitter or Receiver is in a vehicle of some sort? Usually, a magnet mounted, 5/8 over a ½ wave collinear dipole is a good solution if the antenna can be attached to the roof of a car. These antennas look like a rod with a slight bulge about 1/3 of the way up, are omnidirectional and have about 5 dB of gain. A typical length is 18 in.(46 cm). Many variations are available including types disguised as an ordinary car radio antenna. If the vehicle’s roof is not metal, then an antenna that works without a ground plane is necessary. Several manufacturers make what is called an “Elevated Feed Point Mobile Antenna”. They usually have a gain of 3 dB and are about 23 in (58 cm) long.

We do not recommend omnidirectional antennas with more than 5 dB gain for mobile use as the pattern becomes very compressed vertically. It resembles a pancake, so that if the vehicle is on a hill, the receiver will not “see” the tilted pattern as it will be aimed skyward on one end and into the earth at the other. At the sides, the polarization angle will be somewhere between horizontal and vertical. If total concealment is required, an omnidirectional patch antenna may be hidden under the car or in the headliner. The range will not be as good as the collinear designs mentioned above. The transmitter or receiver mounted at the other end should have a high gain antenna if possible. If this is another vehicle, use a yagi. If this vehicle moves too much for a directional antenna, use one of the collinear antennas mentioned above.

Antenna Orientation

Position Transmitter and Receiver so antennas are parallel to each other and pointing up (usually best), or parallel to the ground. When using Yagi antenna(s) on Receiver CVR-1000 or CVR-1500 orient the antenna elements horizontally for the CVT-500 and vertically for the CVT-1000, CVT1400 or CVT-1500. If reception isn’t as good as you would like, try experimenting with different antenna positions and types

Correct basic antenna orientation: OR:

Transmitter

Receiver

Transmitter Receiver

Yagi receiving antenna orientation:

Transmitter Receiver Transmitter Receiver

Incorrect

Transmitter

Transmitter locations Receiver on film or video cameras.

CVT-M

Video Camera Film Camera

Wiring Instructions

Micro-4 - Connector Assembly for CVT-M

Ke y on top

Outer Shell Strain Relief Contact Block

1. Unscrew the Mini-connector into its three component parts. Thread either a small 3 conductor (24 to 28 AWG conductors) with shield, or two miniature cables (one for Power and one for Video) through the Outer Shell and Strain Relief assembly. The Video cable should be a shielded 75-Ohm type.

2. Strip about 3/8 inch (10 mm) of insulation off the cable. On the shielded cable carefully separate the braid next to the insulator and move the wires through the hole in the braid. The shield should be soldered to Pin 4, Video Ground. If possible, slip a piece of shrink tubing over the wire(s) to protect them.

3. Strip the cable jacket about 3/8in. (9.5mm) and the insulation from the end of each wire about 1/16 of an inch (1.5 mm), and tin them.

3/8 in. 1/16in

DETAIL: Wire Length

4. Carefully solder wires to the Contact Block pins. See Pin-Out Below. CAUTION: Do not over heat pins or

plastic block may melt and deform.

DC Ground 1 2 +12 VDC

Video G nd 4 3 Video In

Rear view of 4 pin Contact Block

5. Screw Strain Relief barrel onto Contact Block. Then screw Outer Shell onto Strain Relief barrel. Do not over tighten.

6. To use, push black Power and Video connector into jack at bottom of Transmitter marked “Power/Video”. Note key way on plug and match on jack before pushing. Push firmly and it will click in place. To remove, pull firmly on plug, NOT on wires.

Wiring Instructions

MPL-1 DC Power Connector for CVR-200

Plastic Shell

+ 12 VDC

Ground

Threaded Coupling

1. The PS-10 Power Adapter supplied with the CVR-200 is provided with this connector already attached. If you wish to make a different cable, for battery power for instance, you may purchase our CT-11 cable, which is 4 ft. long and has this connector molded in place.

2. If you really like to make cables, then use a two conductor 22 or 24 AWG cable and solder the Positive lead to the center tab. We recommend that you slide a piece of shrink tubing over this conductor first and to slip in place after soldering to prevent a short. Solder the remaining wire (ground), to the outer tab. Carefully crimp the strain relief around both wires and thread the plastic barrel onto the connector.

16 APPLICATION NOTE 1

Range Information - Coherent Wireless Video-Audio Transmitters & Receivers

The first question anyone asks us at a trade show is “How far will your system transmit?”. When we answer, “it depends…” they usually don’t have the time for a better explanation. In an effort to slightly quantify our answer, here are the results of some tests that we performed in and around our building in Valencia, California.

The picture and audio quality limits for an “end of range” notation is “VCR” quality or better, meaning that the yellow light on our signal strength meter was as low as we went. The five light indicator order is green, green, green, yellow, red, for best to worst signal.

Please note that Coherent Transmitters are furnished at the approved FCC power levels. References to higher power versions are for government and export users. Much greater range is possible at these higher powers.

The antennas used were the standard omnidirectional, “rubber duck” type flex antennas normally supplied with our systems (except the CVT-500 which has a built in patch type antenna). The directional Yagi antenna referred to below is our AY-18.

The test area used is only about 1.3 miles long. In several instances, the Receiver signal strength indicator showed a strong signal at the end of the test range, and we estimate that the signal would have gone an additional 0.5 to 1 mile.

In a test by the US Navy, using our system at high power, with two 10 dB Yagi antennas, they reported a range of 4 miles. With better antennas and elevation, we feel they would go quite a bit farther.

DISTANCE POWER RECEIVE TRANSMIT NOTES: CVR-1000 Receiver used for all ANTENNA ANTENNA tests 190 ft std std std Outside on parking lot,. 5 Ft. above ground, surrounded by many cars & several buildings. CVT-1000 Video & Audio Transmitter 1050 ft high std std Outside from 2nd floor roof to street with many concrete & steel buildings on both sides of road partially blocking signal. 1000-1100 ft. std 14 dB gain std as above Yagi 0.4 mi (2100ft) std std std Outside, mostly clear line of sight (some trees & a large dip in road, partially blocking signal). 5 feet above ground. 0.75mi (4000ft) high std std As above

1.3 mi (6900ft) std 14 dB gain std As above, strong signal at 1.3 mile Yagi 0.5 mi (2640ft) std std internal As above, CVT-500 Video only Transmitter & CVR-1000 Receiver. End of range 1.3 mi (6900ft) std 14 dB Yagi internal As above, strong signal at 1.3 mile To convert to meters multiply Feet times 0.3048

Range inside most structures will be much less than outside. Interference from signal reflections, called multipath is especially severe. A picture may be perfect in one spot and gone completely a foot away.

We have chosen not to show precise figures for inside a building because of the large number of variables. These include building construction and materials, number and composition of walls and floors, as well as metal objects such as shelves, filing cabinets, office furniture, etc. (Continued next page) 17

As a very rough statement, we find that with proper antennas and placement, 100 to 300 ft. is realistic in an office. A store or warehouse is a very different environment and with room for directional antennas, much better range is possible. The best solution is to try one of our systems in your actual location.

APPLICATION NOTE 2

Antenna Cable Specifications for Coherent Products

Choosing the correct antenna for the job is absolutely critical for any wireless system. It is even more so with the low power limits imposed by the FCC and Industry Canada regulations for transmission at 902 to 928 MHz.

At these frequencies, ordinary coaxial (coax) cable such as the standard RG-58 types exhibit huge losses— 16.5 dB per 100’ (30.48m). Even with high gain antennas of 12 to 15 dB, it becomes obvious that signal reception will be poor indeed with cable losses such as these.

If we restrict ourselves to a cable loss of 1.5 dB per receiver, and where permitted, 1.5 dB per transmitter, we still end up with 3 dB, or ½ our signal energy lost in the cable. Nonetheless, 1.5 dB is about the minimum practical figure to consider.

The connectors used also have losses. With good quality connectors, if we budget 0.25 dB per connector, or 0.5 dB per cable, this should be adequate. If we allow 1 dB for cable losses, this will maintain our desired specification.

Cable type Loss at 100 ft (30.48 m) Cable diameter Length for a 1 dB loss RG-58 16.5 dB 0.195 in 4.95mm 6.00 ft 1.97 m Ultralink 14.0 0.195 7. 14 2.17 LMR-200 9.9 0.195 10.1 3.1 Belden RG-8X 12.8 0.242 6.15 7.8 2.6 LMR-240 7.6 0.240 6.1 13.15 4.3 RG-213/214 8.0 0.405 10.29 12.5 4.1 Ultralink 4.19 0.405 23.86 7.83 Belden 9913 4.2 0.405 23.8 7.8 LMR-400 3.9 0.405 25.64 8.4 LMR-600 2.5 0.590 14.99 40.00 13.1 LMR900 1.6 0.870 22.1 62.50 21.4 LMR-1700 0.936 1.670 42.42 106.8 35.0

If we use a fixed antenna directly mounted on the Transmitter, we can double these distances if absolutely required.

Naturally, sometimes tradeoffs are necessary. If a greater cable length is required then we recommend, try to use a higher gain antenna to compensate.

Numbers are derived from the Times Microwave “Communications Coax Selection Guide”.

APPLICATION NOTE 3

Video Cable Specifications for Coherent Products

Your Coherent Video Transmission link will provide you with broadcast quality pictures. To maintain this picture quality, the correct type of video cable should be used. We recommend staying with name brands such as Alpha, Belden, Canare, Mogami, etc. and using double shielded type cable (one layer of foil shield and one layer of braided shield).

We also recommend using 75 Ohm BNC connectors (available from AMP, Amphenol, Canare and others). The 75 Ohm types are distinguished from the more common 50 Ohm variety by a lack of a white (Teflon in the better quality BNCs), insulator surrounding the center contact.

All cables have losses due to the resistance, capacitance and inductance of the center conductor and the shield. Generally, the larger the cable, the lower the losses at high frequencies.

Almost all video gear is rated for use with a 75 Ohm characteristic impedance cables. The military RG prefix is still commonly used in the USA to refer to standard types. Naturally, each manufacturer also has their own part number. Three types are normally used with video equipment.

The chart below shows their basic specifications, and most importantly, the maximum length that should be used before switching to the next larger size.

Cable Type Loss at 100 Ft Cable Cable Length for a 1 dB loss (30.48m) diameter diameter mm (at 5 MHz) at 10 MHz inches feet meters RG-59 0.88 dB 0.240 6.1 228 74.8 RG-6 0.67 0.303 7.7 298 98 RG-11 0.49 0.402 10.2 408 134

For users wishing to maintain Broadcast specifications, divide the above numbers by 2.

For CATV and Industrial closed circuit television applications including security, the above distances are reasonable to maintain very good quality video.

The signal level going to most Video equipment is quite critical, especially for VCRs. Unless Video amplifiers are used to boost or make up the signal lost, we recommend keeping the signal loss to within 1 dB. Additional amplifiers will also add noise and may distort the video signal as well. Since high frequency information is lost first, a special type of amplifier, called a Processing or Proc. Amp is best as it can be adjusted to boost the high frequencies more than the low ones to compensate.

If color fidelity is not important, or Monochrome (Black and White) cameras are being used, the above numbers may be doubled.

19 APPLICATION NOTE 4 Range Calculations and Link Margins

If you are planning a fixed point-to-point installation and wish to check to see if the distance you need is within the range of your equipment, here is how to do it. There are however, several items to take into consideration.

1. Service Companies exist that have exact site maps for much of the world and will give you far more accurate results than a simple formula. They take into account such things as natural and man made obstructions, precise knowledge of the terrain, exact distances, they check for interference by other users, verify desired quality of reception, etc. They will also guarantee their results.

2. The following formula is much better than a guess, but is subject to modification by factors such as those listed above. There is no substitute for actually trying the system exactly where it will be used. Inexpensive software is available through Amateur and Mobile Radio Dealers to speed these calculations as well. More expensive software is also available that contains detailed maps and other resources.

Calculations: Multiply answers in miles by 0.62 to obtain kilometers and divide feet by 0.3048 for meters

1. First things first: Conduct a survey. Is there a reasonable path? Are there buildings, hills, forests, etc. in the way? If a building is in the way, pretend you are playing pool. Could the signal bounce off that building to an adjacent building and back the way you want? If there are obstructions, can the antennas be mounted high enough to go over the top?

2. Calculate the radio line of sight distance (about 1.18 times the visual line of sight distance at 900 MHz). At 6 ft AGL, the line of sight is about 3 Miles. At 25 ft. the visual line of sight is about 6 miles, but multiplied by 1.18 for the radio line of sight, you get 7 miles. For other heights: multiply D (distance in miles) * 1.4 * H (height in feet of antennas) = ______. If you need to calculate the required antenna height, the formula is H=(D*D/2).

3. To calculate the actual link margin proceed as follows (see example below): First, calculate the Space Loss: and express it as a negative number. This works out to: -95.84 dB per mile at 914 MHz. It increases by -6 dB each time you double the distance. For instance, 2 miles would be -102 dB. To calculate for other distances: SL (dB) = 96.6 + 20 log distance (miles) + 20 log Frequency (MHz) = ______dB.

4. Now plug in Transmit Power, Receiver Sensitivity, Antenna gains, cable & connector losses (check with cable & connector manufacturer), and Space loss. Receiver sensitivity is traditionally expressed as a negative number, so invert the sign and ADD it to the other items. To convert antenna gains expressed in dBd to dBi, ADD 2.2 dB

Example: Transmit Power: Export model CVT-1000 set to 100 mW +20 dBm Coherent CVR-1000 Receiver sensitivity for a Video SNR of 45 dB 75 dB Transmitter Antenna Gain (AY-18 Antenna) 15.2 dBi Receiver Antenna Gain (AY-18 Antenna) 15.2 dBi Cable/connector losses (check cable & connector manufacturer) -3 dB Space loss (Two mile path) -101.84 dB Margin +20.56 dB

5. To simplify Space loss calculations add 6 dB every time you double the distance (going from 2 to 4 miles in the above example would give us a link margin of 14.56 dB).

6. Is your link margin sufficient? 10 dB is on the low side, 20 dB is generous. Link Margin: ______dB. For our FCC part 15 approved (USA & Canada) Transmitters, the power out is 0 dBm and the Transmit antenna gain is 2.2 dBi. Export settings are +10 dBm, +20 dBm and + 27 dBm.

7. Because of the way radio waves travel, they broaden at an area called the Fresnel zone. This point must be free of obstructions. The most important spot in this area is at the lower 0.6 Fresnel done. To find the lower 0.6 Fresnel zone, calculate the first Fresnel zone: F1 = 72.1 * sq. rt.(d*d/2fd) = ______* 0.6 for 0.6 Fresnel zone = ______. F1 is the Fresnel zone in feet, d = midway distance in miles.

8. To calculate link margins inside a building is not at all straightforward. Many factors determine the actual range: Building composition (cement, brick or wood), the internal building design, number of intervening walls and floors, internal furnishings and equipment (filing cabinets, metal shelving, etc.), and not the least, people walking around and causing signal absorption. Another issue is multipath signal reflections, which can cause deep signal nulls in unexpected places. We recommend a detailed site survey.

Typical range will be far less than outdoor free space conditions. Also, the antennas used (typically 5 to 8 dB gain patch antennas, ceiling mounted), are lower gain since space often does not allow for the larger high gain directional antennas. As a guesstimate, an additional 30 dB may be added to the path loss as compensation for these unfavorable conditions.

Rev. 7/11/00

Service & Calibration

These Coherent products are covered by a one year limited warranty (see warranty statement on page 3). We encourage you to return any defective units for a free repair, or if outside of warranty, for a reasonable fee.

We strongly advise that anyone wishing to align or repair any of these Coherent products do so only if they have the equipment, knowledge and experience to deal with near-microwave radio frequencies, as well as video and audio circuits.

Because of the complexity of our equipment, and its proprietary circuits, we do not generally release our Service Manual. If your situation is such that you feel that you or your organization needs to be able to service this equipment, please contact us.

Please feel free to call us at +1-661-295-0300, Fax at +1-661-295-0090, or e-mail at [email protected].

Warranty This Coherent Communications product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment. During the warranty period, Coherent Communications will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective. Warranty Service For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to Coherent Communications, or a designated service facility.

For products returned to Coherent Communications for warranty service, the buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Coherent Communications and Coherent Communications shall pay shipping charges to return the product to the Buyer. However, the Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to and from Coherent Communications from another country. Limitation of Warranty The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the Buyer, Buyer-supplied products or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the environmental or functional specifications for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance.

The design and implementation of any system or circuitry using this product is the sole responsibility of the Buyer. Coherent Communications does not warranty the Buyer’s system or malfunctions of Coherent Communications products that result from the Buyer’s system. In addition, Coherent Communications does not warranty any damage that occurs as a result of the Buyer’s circuits or system or any defects that result from Buyer-supplied products. No other warranty is expressed or implied. Coherent Communications specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Exclusive Remedies The remedies provided herein are the Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Coherent Communications shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, whether based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory. Notice The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Coherent Communications makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Coherent Communications shall not be liable herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced or translated to another language without the prior written consent of Coherent Communications, Inc. Safety Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to Coherent Communications, Inc. for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained. Safety Terms: Warning Calls attention to a procedure, practice or condition that could possibly cause bodily injury or death. Caution Calls attention to a procedure, practice or condition that could possibly cause damage to equipment and its ability to function. ======Warning: For continued protection against fire, replace line fuses only with fuses of the same specified type and rating. Do not use wall power adapters or power supplies at other than their rated voltage. Caution: There are no operator serviceable parts inside. Have service performed only by qualified technicians.

NOTES:

Made in USA

28245 Avenue Crocker Suite 200 Valencia, California 91355 USA PHONE:+1 (661) 295-0300 FAX: +1 (661) 295-0090 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cocom.com

 1999 Coherent Communications, Inc. Rev 19 July 2000 Printed in USA