PCS cyber max fm+ 500w User manual

Brand: PCS

Model: cyber max fm+ 500w

Category: Musical Equipment

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

PCS Electronics

www.pcs-electronics.com

CYBER MAX FM+ 40W/100W/150W/300W/500W (v11/2007)

Innovative high performance FM stereo and RDS broadcasting exciter available in a wide range of

configurations at an unbeatable price/performance ratio. Designed with SWR and TEMP protection and

guaranteed to offer excellent performance, spectral cleanliness and ruggedness, as well as fairly simple

handling. High quality components and manufacturing ensure 24/7 operation for years.

Technical specifications:

- RF Output Power: 0 to 500 Watts (40W/100W/150W/300W/500W)

- Output connector: N

- Output Impedance: 50 Ohms

- Audio input impedance: 10K balanced, 10K unbalanced

- Frequency Range: 87.500-108.000MHz (Japanese or other band on request)

- PLL steps: 6.25 KHz (12.5/50/100KHz)

- Frequency stability: +/- 100Hz

- Audio Frequency Response: 35Hz – 75 Khz @ -3dB

- Stereo separation: > 50dB, depending on model, DSP version performs best

- Audio low pass filter: Yes, all models (best in DSP models), with 19KHz notch

- Limiter: Yes, all models (best in DSP models)

- Pre-emphasis: Yes, precision 50uS, 75uS or none for all models

- DSP processor: Yes, in models denoted with DSP

- RF output ruggedness: SWR protection, TEMP protection

- Spurious/Harmonic rejection: Harmonics: >-60dB, Spurious: -90dB

- Power Supply: Mains, 110V-240V AC/ 50-60Hz

- Ultra Stable, Ultra Clean Output

- SWR protection: foldback, unit reduces power as the SWR raises

- TEMP protection: foldback, unit reduces power as the temperature raises

This manual covers following products:

CYBERMAX FM+ 40W, CYBERMAX FM+ 100W, CYBERMAX FM+ 150W, CYBERMAX FM+ 300W, and CYBERMAX FM+

500W (coming soon)

Why is this FM transmitter so great?

- True wideband no-tune operation (no tuning required to make it work, just set the frequency and antenna)

- Built-in SWR and TEMP protection for peace of mind

- High power (up to 300W, ask for 500W model coming soon)

- Digital output power adjustment (with up/down keys)

- DSP model offers extremely sharp audio filters and complete control over audio parameters via LCD menu

system

- It can be powered by a solar array (ask for this, we offer panels and charge managers)

- Now with new stereo encoder, new RDS encoder and completely new firmware (new functions)

FRONT AND BACK PANEL, NEW MODEL

The front panel (left to right)

- 3 menu keys, up, down and menu, for navigating the menu system and changing various settings, including

frequency

- LCD display, shows various settings and makes it possible to change them.

- RED led diode shows error conditions (High SWR, PLL unlock or high TEMP). This LED also lights shortly

after changing the frequency or just after the power up, but than turns and remains off during normal operation.

- GREEN led diode shows power-on.

- Large fan grill covering ventilation opening.

The back panel (left to right)

A: Antenna output connector (N male type). NEVER operate this transmitter without a matched antenna.

B: Ventilation openings, covered with fan grill

C: Mains fuse, switch, LC filter and mains socket assembly. Always replace fuse with same type!

D: Balanced XLR audio inputs, connect to mixer, computer, CD player or other audio source.

E: Unbalanced stereo audio inputs (RCA jacks). Connect to mixer, computer, CD player...

F: RS232 connector for RDS encoder (only RDS capable models)

FRONT AND BACK PANEL, OLD MODEL

CYBER MAX FM 150W: Controls on the front panel

1. UP key, used for navigating the menu system

2. DOWN key, used for navigating the menu system

3. MENU key, used for navigating the menu system

4. LCD display unit

5. POWER indicator

6. TEMP warning, this LED lights when the unit heats up too much and automatically starts to shut down. This

LED also lights whenever the output stage is off at power-up and after changing the operating frequency.

7. Air intake fan, do not block

CYBER MAX FM 150W: Controls on the back panel

1. N connector, antenna. DO NOT OPERATE THIS TRANSMITTER WITHOUT A MATCHED ANTENNA!!

2. Air intake fan, do not block

3. Main on/off switch

4. Mains voltage connector, standard and not shipped with the unit

5. Balanced audio input, left

6. Unbalanced audio input, left

7. STEREO indicator

8. Unbalanced audio input, right

9. MONO/STEREO selection switch

10. Balanced audio input, right

11. RDS encoder (optional)

Inside the unit

Internal configuration depends on the model you purchased, but is generally similar in all four models. Separate

extensive manuals for all of the built-in components are available on our website. We have a section in our

forum dedicated to all the manuals and you can discuss each of the manuals with other forum members:

http://www.pcs-electronics.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=33

Schematic diagram

These are the basic building blocks of this (and other) transmitters. Note that RDS encoder is optional and only

available in models with RDS capability. Similarly DSP encoder is only available in DSP capable models. Also

the diagram is missing the mains power supply, the amplifier module and controller board for simplicity reasons.

Available models

There are five models available at the moment. Look at the table above to see how they compare.

MODEL STEREO

DSP

processor

XLR

inputs

RDS

SWR & TEMP

protection

FULL NAME

A YES NO NO NO YES CYBERMAXFM+ (A)

B YES YES YES NO YES CYBERMAXFM+ (B)

C YES NO YES YES YES CYBERMAXFM+ (C)

D YES YES YES YES YES CYBERMAXFM+ (D)

E NO NO NO NO YES CYBERMAXFM+ (E)

BEFORE YOU START USING THIS TRANSMITTER...

It is a good idea not to rush things; get informed first about the various aspects of radio broadcasting. You will

find some very useful “How to” guides, answers to most common questions, a forum and tips on antennas at

http://www.pcs-electronics.com. This is generally a good place to visit before putting your unit on the air. Also,

ARRL handbook is a very valuable printed resource on the subject of radio electronics and electronics in

general. It is released yearly and is found on every engineer’s book shelf.

HERE IS LIST OF THINGS YOU NEED TO GET CYBER MAX FM+ ON THE AIR

Antenna

Preferred type of antenna is affected by several factors, but mostly by your transmitting site. In the middle of the

area you want to cover you'll need an omni-directional antenna which transmits equally in all directions, while

outside your coverage area you can beam the signal in with a directional antenna. Before going on air get a low

VSWR by adjusting the position of the antenna and any adjustable pieces. Aim for 2:1 or less. Use low power

into the antenna when tuning it up and making adjustments. If you were using full power and a bit of the antenna

came off in your hand the VSWR could be so bad as to blow the final transistor. For the same reason check the

DC continuity of the antenna with an ohmmeter before plugging it in, to be sure it's what it's meant to be, either a

short circuit or an open one, depending on the antenna type. Please note that yo won’t get a reading of 50 ohms,

50 ohms is supposed to be antenna impedance at working frequency and your ohmmeter is measuring DC

resistance. For instructions regarding construction of antennas please see our website: http://www.pcs-electronics.com

(guides section - antennas).

You should realize that antenna was, is and will always be a crucial part of the system. Special care has to be

taken! Your range largely depends how good your antenna system is. It is usually a good idea to place antenna

away from your transmitter, power supply and audio system. If you

cannot meet these requirements, you could experience feedback and

other RF problems. We cannot guarantee proper operation of any

transmitter/amplifier unless suitable antenna system is used! This

applies to any transmitter. Interestingly, strong RF field can make CD

players and other digital devices go bezerk. It can make them freeze or make them function erratically (if that

happens, power CD player off and back on). Most of the modern audio gear is not RF shielded – reducing costs

is unfortunately the mantra today. This is why keeping antenna away from audio gear and mains wiring is a good

idea.

Coaxial cable

Coaxial cable is an electrical cable consisting of a round, insulated conducting wire surrounded by a round,

conducting sheath, usually surrounded by a final insulating layer. The cable is designed to carry a high-

frequency or broadband signal, usually at radio frequencies. Coaxial Cabling is a two conductor closed

transmission medium that is often used for the transmission of RF energy. It yields excellent performance at high

frequencies and superior EMI control/shielding when compared to other types of copper cabling. Coaxial cabling

is commonly found in broadcast and networking systems. Most coaxial cables have a characteristic impedance of

either 50 or 75 ohms. The RF industry uses standard type-names for coaxial cables. The U.S military uses the

RG-# or RG-#/U format (probably for "radio grade, universal", but other interpretations exist).

A PIECE OF WIRE OR TV

ANTENNA IS NOT A SUITABLE

ANTENNA FOR THIS STEREO

FM TRANSMITTER!

Coaxial cable loss is measured in dB’s…decibels. 3 dB loss = 1/4 of your signal strength - either lost or gained.

Watch out for the correct impedance…RG-8 and RG-58 have 50 Ohms. RG-59 and RG-6 (Low Loss Version of

RG-59) have 75 Ohms. Most antennas and transmitters including ours are 50 ohm. Check our website for good

coax. Don't buy more than you need to make the long run to your antenna and don't make up a few "jumpers" to

go between your exciter, VSWR meter and your antenna as all you'll do is create higher SWR and more line

losses. H-155 or H500 are good choices! RG-142 with Teflon is recommended for wiring inside cabinets, for

baluns, Wilkinson couplers and everywhere where resistance to heat is required as insulation won’t melt during

soldering or operation.

Use a suitably rated coaxial cable. Regular RG-58 will become noticeably warm at >100W of power on FM

band. That is energy wasted for heating your room! BELDEN H-500 is a better choice, better yet are the

CellFlex coaxial cables (use for long cable runs since it’s a bit expensive).

So what is this swr (vswr) everyone talks about?

VSWR is a measure of how well two devices are impedance matched to each other. Typical radio equipment is

designed for 50 ohm load impedance, so we usually use 50 ohm cables and build or buy antennas that are

specified for 50 ohm. While most cables have flat impedance over frequency (they measure 50 ohm at all

frequencies you are likely to use) the same is not true of the antennas. A 1.0:1 VSWR is a perfect match. That

means the load impedance is exactly 50 ohms. A 2.0:1 VSWR is obtained when the load impedance is either 25

ohms or 100 ohms.

Because most transmitters will deliver full power with a load VSWR of up to 2.0:1, this value is usually

considered the limit for acceptable operation. Many prefer to keep their VSWR below that however, but for all

practical purposes, it is unnecessary to spend time or money trying to get much below a VSWR of 1.5:1. The

benefits will be hard to measure and even harder to notice.

On the other hand, coaxial cable losses increase rapidly, for a given frequency of operation, when the antenna

VSWR exceeds 2.0:1. This can even, in some extreme cases, result in the coaxial cable burning, even when

running 100 W. Using a higher grade of cable will definitely improve things, but even high quality coaxial cable

becomes very lossy when VSWR exceeds 3.0:1 at higher HF frequencies (or VHF and higher).

N connector

A connector is installed at the ends of coaxial cable and connects to the transmitter and antenna. N is a standard

VHF/UHF/SHF RF connector for RF applications. Try to find a good quality N connector as there are plenty

cheap plastic ones on the market. The good ones are usually easily recognized by much higher prices. N to

SO239 or BNC converters are available and will make it possible to connect PL259 (CB type or UHF) connector

or BNC connector directly. We recommend that you stick to N connector, UHF connectors are generally

regarded as of very poor quality and only suitable for CB.

Power cord

Mains power cords vary widely worldwide. It is difficult to obtain all these types locally which is why we do not

include mains power cord with our transmitters. They are widely available in computer or hardware shops as this

is the type used in PC computers and other types of electronics. Typically they cost about 1 euro/US$.

Audio source with mixer, microphone etc

You need something to drive your transmitter. This will typically be either a computer (just plug the cable into

your sound card outputs, a mixer and a variety of audio sources, such as a microphone, CD player, DAT player,

tape deck, gramophone, MP3 player etc.

USING THE CYBERMAXFM+

Basically there are three push-buttons available for the menu system, UP, DOWN and MENU. By pushing UP

or DOWN you get a shift of frequency in corresponding direction. Hold any of these keys for a few seconds and

the jumps will increase to 500 KHz. The new frequency is saved automatically. The third button (MENU) gives

you an option to set many of the DSP functions of this unit.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

Please avoid modifying settings to attain greater than recommended power output. For example, running a 300W

transmitter at the comfortable 250W ensures you will enjoy its quality for much longer than at say 350W, which

would as well be above its rated output. Also do not overmodulate your audio, which is a popular sport today

even with commercial stations. Use some common sense with compression as well.

Also please remember to turn off the transmitter when not in use!

TROUBLESHOOTING

We hope you’ll never get to this step. We all know bad things happen. But do not despair! Fuse is the first thing

to check. SWR and TEMP protection should help, too, although you should still be careful not to exceed ratings.

Next check your mains power supply and antenna, make sure they are working properly. Also make sure your

coaxial cable leading to the transmitter is not shorted or open. If you have problems that you cannot solve

yourself, please see our website for contact information and support resources in our forum. Also check

troubleshooting table on the next page and report any other problems/solutions you have encountered so we can

add them to the spreadsheet.

Troubleshooting table

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Red LED constantly on 1. High SWR. Check SWR and adjust antenna, if needed

2. PLL is not locked. Remove audio and see if this is caused by audio. If yes,

read below for more ideas.

3. Wait a few seconds. Unit turns this LED on when changing power or

frequency just for a few seconds until VCO stabilizes. This is normal behavior.

Transmitter cutting off with high

audio

Check if this problem goes away when there is no audio. If yes, look into the

MAX PRO 3+ manual and see how to disable PLL unlock. The problem is

either that your audio exceeds max. permitted deviation or the protection is

slightly too sensitive.

Audio too quiet If this is DSP unit, set left and right channel gain to a higher value.

Audio too quiet Open the top lid and open modulation trimmer on MAX PRO 3+ board a little

bit.

Audio still too quiet Look into the MAX PRO 3+ manual, a section there explains how to increase

audio level.

Output power less than expected What kind of SWR/POWER meter are you using, CB type?

Output power less than expected If unit is overheating it will start reducing output power, Make sure it is

sufficiently cooled!

Output power less than expected Units can have slightly reduced output power at the band edges around 88 and

108 MHz. You can improve performance by using RFEQ function to boost

power at the band edges.

There is HUM in audio - Move antenna as far away from the transmitter and audio gear as possible

- Use XLR audio connectors, if possible

- Make sure SWR is low

- Keep audio cables short and away from antenna and RF coaxial cable

- Form a coil from coaxial cable going to the antenna, make a few turns. This

stops RF currents that might be flowing on the outer braid of the coaxial cable.

This usually happens when you connect unbalanced cable to balanced antenna

without proper BALUN (balanced-unbalanced convertor) resulting in coaxial

cable becoming part of the antenna and radiating RF energy as well…causing

hum.

Stereo indicator is blinking This is it seems not a DSP model. Your audio contains content above 15KHz

which is interfering with stereo carrier. Use graphic qualizer to reduce audio

above 15KHz. DSP model removes this very well so it is not a problem.

MENU SYSTEM:

The UP and DOWN keys are used to change parameter value. In normal mode the LCD simply shows the

frequency and power. Menu key can be used to enter the menu mode, repeatedly pressing this key brings up the

following menus: POWER, TREBLE, BASS, COMPRESSION, THRESHOLD, ATTACK, DECAY,

INTEGRATION INTERVAL, FIRMWARE VERSION, PLL STEP, LEFT CHANNEL GAIN, RIGHT

CHANNEL GAIN, RF EQUILIZER, CONTRAST AND STEREO MODE. Pressing the UP or DOWN key

selects the desired parameter and allows you to modify its value. Another press on the MENU key and you’re

back to normal mode.

CYBER MAX FM+ automatically detects DSP processor and enables or disables appropriate control elements in

menu system. This means that while you can view the parameters and change them, they won’t actually change

the way your transmitter operates unless you are using a DSP-capable model.

Following is a description of the menu system:

PLL STEP

Transmitter frequency can normally be adjusted in smallest steps of 6.25KHz or larger steps of 12.5KHZ,

25KHz, 50KHz or 100KHz. We recommend you to select 100KHz as this lets you change frequency very fast.

However, you can enter this menu and select a PLL step of 6.25KHz for example and take advantage of these

small steps. If you need a smaller frequency step, adjust the trimmer in the PLL section of the transmitter to

slightly move frequency.

POWER

This setting allows you to set output power of CYBERMAX FM+. Select desired power with the UP/DOWN

keys and press MENU key to exit the menu system and return to normal operation. Selected power is

continuously displayed on the LCD.

TREBLE and BASS (REQUIRES DSP)

This option allows you to set the amount of TREBLE and BASS for your audio. Recommended values are

marked with (D). Only available in DSP model.

Setting the TREBLE and BASS

COMPRESSOR SETTINGS (REQUIRES DSP)

A number of MENU settings control the operation of the compressor. Lets assume that the audio signal enters

the transmitter at some low level. Compressor does nothing to the signal until at one point as the input signal

increases the signal reaches the compression threshold. Digital signal processor starts compressing the signal

beyond that point. The higher the compression ratio the higher the compression. For example, compression ratio

of 1:∞ would in effect be a limiter.

Setting the compression level

Setting the compression threshold

Setting the attack time, this is the time between the signal rise and the actual response of the compressor

Setting the decay time, this is the time the compressor needs to respond to a decrease of the signal

Setting the integration interval, this is the time the DSP extracts the samples

Integration interval determines the energy needed to trip the compressor. In laymans terms it determines how

long the audio needs to be loud for the compressor to respond by reducing the gain. This is not to be confused

with attack time. Attack time of 50ms means the compressor will respond in 50ms after the signal spike is

detected, regardless of duration of that spike, even if it is just a very short event. With longer integration interval,

on the other hand, compressor only responds if a substantial number of spikes is detected (meaning more signal

energy).

PRE-EMPHASIS

Pre-emphasis is selected with a jumper. It should be set to either 50uS (standard for EU and most of the world)

or 75uS (United states and Canada). There are two jumpers, correct position is marked on the stereo encoder

board. This is already done in the factory for you so.

RF EQUILIZER

This is a new revolutionary setting that lets you control how your transmitter rolls off at the band edges. Several

settings are available and are represented by a graphic.

Default setting does not try to correct or increase power output at band edges. Additional settings give a slight

power boost at the band edges around 88 and 108MHz or at the upper or lower band edge only, helping flatten-

out the frequency response of many RF amplifiers which tend to have lower output power and gain at the band

edges. These four settings should cover any situation you are likely to encounter, whatever your amplifier’s

attitude might be.

RF EQ selection

FIRMWARE

This option allows you to display transmitter firmware version and date.

Firmware version

LCD CONTRAST

Select for the best visibility. Contrast is slightly affected by ambient temperature and you can adapt it to your

needs here.

Changing contrast

LEFT AND RIGHT CHANNEL GAIN (REQUIRES DSP)

This option allows you to precisely adjust the input sensitivity of both audio channels. This is very usefull when

your audio source has either too high or too low output level.

Changing right input channel gain

MONO/STEREO MODE SELECTION (ONLY WITH DSP STEREO ENCODER)

You can set your stereo encoder to MONO or STEREO here.

Changing mode of operation

USING THE CYBERMAXFM+ (WIRING)

Wiring CYBERMAX FM+ is easy:

- Connect dummy load (if you have one) or antenna to the BNC antenna connector

- Connect audio source to the audio inputs

- Connect mains power

USING THE CYBERMAXFM+ (POWER-UP PROCEDURE)

The proper procedure for using the CYBERMAX FM+ is as follows:

- Wire everything as described above. If you have SWR/POWER meter, wire that one as well between

transmitter and antenna.

- Power-up the transmitter and immediately set power to zero with the up/down/menu keys, set frequency and

than set power to about 50%.

- If you have SWR/power meter check whether everything is working as expected. Check audio as well.

- Now try to increase power to 100% making sure everything is in order.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

If you uncovered an error or wish to propose an improvement to this manual, check out our forum. We have a

section dedicated to all manuals here and you can discuss each manual with other forum members:

http://www.pcs-electronics.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=33

THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING OUR CYBERMAXFM+ TRANSMITTER!

We hope you will enjoy it as much as we do and remember to tell your friends about it. Please feel free to leave

your comments at our website or post your experience in our forum.

From all of us we wish you happy broadcasting!

PCS Electronics team

www.pcs-electronics.com

APPENDIX A: IMPROVEMENT TIPS

Think about purchasing SWR meter to tune and align your antenna. A good antenna system is extremely

important and can make up for a lot of power. For a suitable SWR meter and other usefull items check under

transmitter accesories: http://www.pcs-electronics.com

If you can’t get much range with your homebrew antenna, have a look at ours, some of them are priced so low its

not really worth the trouble: http://www.pcs-electronics.com

Still not enough range? Well, how about a 1KW amplifier? http://www.pcs-electronics.com

APPENDIX B: BALANCED AUDIO AND POWER CONNECTOR

Built-in stereo DSP encoder features balanced audio inputs, just connect XLR connector to Lin or Rin. Pin 1 is

ground, the other two are Audio + and Audio -. Any hum problems usually magically disappear once the XLR

input is used instead of the basic unbalanced RCA input.

Balanced audio input – XLR input

So, do you think you can handle it? We think you sure can!

WARRANTY AND SERVICING!

Within one (1) year of receiving your order, if any product proves to be defective; please contact us via e-mail or our feedback form. Please

DO NOT ship the product back to us without contacting us first and receiving return instructions. After we receive the defective

merchandise, we will test it if need be, and we will ship back to you a non-defective replacement product. Please note that this doesn't cover

final RF transistor as it can be damaged by using defective or poorly matched antenna. An exception is as well any mishandling or abuse by

the customer. If the product is defective, you will receive a replacement. If you choose to return the defective item, rather than replace it, we

will charge a 20% restocking fee and your original shipping and handling charges will not be refunded. The return of the product is at your

expense. We believe that this is a fair policy because lower overhead results in lower prices for all of our customers.

LEGAL INFO & FINE PRINT

CYBER MAX FM transmitters typically meet or exceed all broadcasting standards, but are not certified. If you want to certify them, you

need to submit them to the appropriate authority for approval yourself. Therefore it might be illegal to operate this device in your county.

Please consult local authorities before using CYBER MAX FM transmitters!

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the law, in no event shall PCS Elektronik d.o.o. or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages

whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any

other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use the PRODUCT, even if PCS Elektronik d.o.o. has been advised of the

possibility of such damages. In any case, PCS Elektronik d.o.o.´s entire liability under any provision of this agreement shall be limited to the

greater of the amount actually paid by you for the PRODUCT or U.S. $5.00; because some states and jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion

or limitation of liability, the above limitation may not apply to you.

ALSO AVAILABLE FROM PCS ELECTRONICS

Directional antennas, mixer boards, audio processors, limiters, stereo

enhancers, stereo encoders, electronic components, transistors, 15W boosters,

150, 300W and 750W amplifiers, 100W AM transmitters, stand-alone FM

transmitters, RDS encoders and much much more…

PCS cyber max fm+ 500w User manual

Brand: PCS

Model: cyber max fm+ 500w

Category: Musical Equipment

Type: User manual

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