Broadcast Electronics

4100 North 24th Street, Quincy, Illinois 62305 USA • Phone (217) 224-9600 • Fax (217) 224-9607 • www.bdcast.com • [email protected]

STX LP Generation II
1 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW, 5 kW
FM Transmitters
Operation Manual

597-4102-200
Revision B
May 31, 2013
STX LP Generation II - 1 kW, 2 kW, 3 kW, 5 kW FM Transmitters
Operation Manual

©2013 Broadcast Electronics all rights reserved.

The information in this publication is subject to improvement and change without notice. Although
every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this manual, Broadcast Electronics
accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Broadcast Electronics reserves the right to
modify and improve the design and specifications of the equipment in this manual without notice.
Any modifications shall not adversely affect performance of the equipment so modified.

Proprietary Notice
This document contains proprietary data of Broadcast Electronics. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, translated into any other language
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, for any
purpose, without the express written permission of Broadcast Electronics.

Trademarks
Broadcast Electronics and the BE logo are registered trademarks of Broadcast Electronics.

Marti Electronics and the Marti logo are registered trademarks of Broadcast Electronics.

All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Copyright
Copyright laws protect artwork depicting circuitry in this manual.

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Broadcast Electronics.

Broadcast Electronics may make improvements and/or changes in this manual or in the product
described herein at any time.

This product could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors.

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Broadcast Electronics Product Warranty (Two-Year Limited)

BE hereby warrants all new products manufactured by BE against any defects in material or
workmanship at the time of delivery thereof, or that develop under normal use within a period of
two (2) years from the date of shipment.

BE reserves the right to repair equipment under warranty with new or refurbished equipment or
parts. BE’s sole responsibility with respect to any equipment or parts not conforming to this warranty
is to replace or repair such equipment upon the return thereof F.O.B. to BE’s factory in Quincy,
Illinois, U.S.A. In the event of replacement pursuant to the foregoing warranty, only the unexpired
portion of the warranty from the time of the original purchase will remain in effect for any such
replacement.

This warranty shall exclude the following products, component parts and/or assemblies:

(a) Transmitter power output tubes shall only carry the original manufacturers’ or
suppliers’ standard warranty in effect on their original shipment date.
(b) All computers, computer peripherals, cables, hard disk drives, etc., shall only carry
the manufacturers’ or suppliers’ standard warranty in effect on their original
shipment date.
(c) “Components”, defined as separate and individual parts (e.g. transistors, integrated
circuits, capacitors, resistors, inductors, fans, etc), resold by BE from another
manufacturer or supplier, shall only carry a 90 day warranty, effective the date of
shipment. Any such ‘Components’ being returned for warranty claim must be (1)
returned in their original packaging and (2) must be in new, unused condition. BE is
unable to process or resolve component defects or performance concerns on
components that have been soldered, installed, wired or in any way altered from
new their new condition.
(d) “Resale Equipment”, defined as equipment purchased from another manufacturer
or supplier, then resold by BE, shall only carry such manufacturer’s or supplier’s
standard warranty in effect as of the original shipment date. All warranty claims
against any and all ‘resale equipment’ sold by BE must be filed directly with the
original equipment manufacturer. BE is unable to process or resolve equipment
defects or performance concerns on products or services not manufactured by BE.

This warranty shall not extend to claims resulting from any acts of God, terrorism, war, defects or
failures caused by Purchaser or user abuse or misuse, operator error, or unauthorized attempts to
repair or alter the equipment in any way.

Under no circumstances shall BE be responsible for indirect, incidental or consequential damages,

including, but not limited to transportation costs, non-authorized repair or service costs, downtime
costs, costs for substituting equipment or loss of anticipated profits or revenue, incurred by
Purchaser, whether based in contract, tort or for negligence or breach of statutory duty or otherwise.
The terms of the foregoing warranty shall be null and void if the equipment has been altered or
repaired without specific written authorization from BE, or if not installed according to BE’s
instruction manuals, including, but not limited to, the absence of proper grounding, surge (TVSS)
protection on the AC circuit panel or proper lightning protection/grounding on all output circuits, or
if equipment is operated under environmental conditions or circumstances other than those
specifically described in BE’s product literature or instruction manual which accompany the
equipment. The warranty shall be voided if the product or subassembly is equipped with a tamper
seal and that tamper seal is broken. BE shall not be liable for any expense of any nature whatsoever
incurred by the original user without prior written consent of BE. The warranty provided herein shall
terminate at the end of the period set forth above. This warranty extends only to the original
Purchaser and is not transferable. There are no third party beneficiaries of any of the provisions of

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this warranty. If the equipment is described as “used” equipment, it is sold as is and where is and no
warranty applies unless authorized in writing. .

EXCEPT AS SET FORTH HEREIN, AS TO TITLE AND AS SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED BY LAW, THERE ARE
NO OTHER WARRANTIES, OR ANY AFFIRMATIONS OF FACT OR PROMISES BY BE, WITH REFERENCE
TO THE EQUIPMENT, OR TO MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR APPLICATION, SIGNAL
COVERAGE, INFRINGEMENT, OR OTHERWISE, WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE
EQUIPMENT ON THE FACE HEREOF.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

EQUIPMENT LOST OR DAMAGED IN TRANSIT

When delivering the equipment to you, the truck driver or carriers’ agent will present a receipt for
your signature. Do not sign it until you have:

1) Inspected the containers for visible signs of damage and 2) Counted the containers and compared
with the amount shown on the shipping papers. If a shortage or evidence of damage is noted, insist
that notation to that effect be made on the shipping papers before you sign them.

Further, after receiving the equipment, unpack it and inspect thoroughly for concealed damage. If
concealed damage is discovered, immediately notify the carrier, confirming the notification in
writing, and secure an inspection report. This item should be unpacked and inspected for damage
WITHIN 15 DAYS after receipt. Claims for loss or damage will not be honored without proper
notification of inspection by the carrier.

RF PRODUCT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, REPAIR SERVICE, PARTS -

Technical assistance is available from Broadcast Electronics by letter, prepaid telephone or E-mail.
Equipment requiring repair or overhaul should be sent by common carrier, prepaid, insured, and well
protected. If proper shipping materials are not available, contact the RF Technical Services
Department for a shipping container. Do not mail the equipment. We can assume no liability for
inbound damage, and necessary repairs become the obligation of the shipper. Prior arrangement is
necessary. Contact the RF Technical Services Department for a Return Authorization.

Emergency and warranty replacement parts may be ordered from the following address. Be sure to
include the equipment model number, serial number, part description, and part number. Non-
emergency replacement parts may be ordered directly from the Broadcast Electronics stock room at
the number shown below.

RF TECHNICAL SERVICES
Telephone: +1 (217) 224-9617
E-Mail: [email protected]
Fax: +1 (217) 224-6258

FACILITY CONTACTS
Broadcast Electronics, - Quincy Facility
4100 N. 24th St. P.O. BOX 3606
Quincy, Illinois 62305
Telephone: +1 (217) 224-9600
Fax: +1 (217) 224-6258
General E-Mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.bdcast.com

PARTS
Telephone: +1 (217) 224-9617
E-Mail: [email protected]

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RETURN, REPAIR, AND EXCHANGES

Do not return any merchandise without our written approval and Return Authorization. We will
provide special shipping instructions and a code number that will assure proper handling and
prompt issuance of credit. Please furnish complete details as to circumstances and reasons when
requesting return of merchandise. All returned merchandise must be sent freight prepaid and
properly insured by the customer.

MODIFICATIONS
Broadcast Electronics, reserves the right to modify the design and specifications of the equipment in
this manual without notice. Any modifications shall not adversely affect performance of the
equipment so modified.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

PLEASE READ AND OBSERVE ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

ALL PERSONS WHO WORK WITH OR ARE EXPOSED TO POWER TUBES, POWER
TRANSISTORS, OR EQUIPMENT WHICH UTILIZES SUCH DEVICES MUST TAKE PRECAUTIONS
TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST POSSIBLE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY. EXERCISE EXTREME
CARE AROUND SUCH PRODUCTS. UNINFORMED OR CARELESS OPERATION OF THESE
DEVICES CAN RESULT IN POOR PERFORMANCE, DAMAGE TO THE DEVICE OR PROPERTY,
SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, AND POSSIBLY DEATH.

DANGEROUS HAZARDS EXIST IN THE OPERATION OF POWER TUBES AND

POWER TRANSISTORS
The operation of power tubes and power transistors involves one or more of the following hazards,
any one of which, in the absence of safe operating practices and precautions, could result in serious
harm to personnel.

A. HIGH VOLTAGE - Normal operating voltages can be deadly. Additional information

follows.

B. RF RADIATION - Exposure to RF radiation may cause serious bodily injury possibly

resulting in Blindness or death. Cardiac pacemakers may be affected. Additional
information follows.

C. HOT SURFACES - Surfaces of air-cooled radiators and other parts of tubes can reach
temperatures of several hundred degrees centigrade and cause serious burns if touched.
Additional information follows.

D. RF BURNS - Circuit boards with RF power transistors contain high RF potentials. Do

not operate an RF power module with the cover removed.

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HIGH VOLTAGE
Many power circuits operate at voltages high enough to kill through electrocution. Personnel should
always break the primary AC Power when accessing the inside of the transmitter.

RADIO FREQUENCY RADIATION

Exposure of personnel to RF radiation should be minimized, personnel should not be permitted in the
vicinity of open energized RF generating circuits, or RF transmission systems (waveguides, cables,
connectors, etc.), or energized antennas. It is generally accepted that exposure to “high levels” of
radiation can result in severe bodily injury including blindness. Cardiac pacemakers may be affected.

The effect of prolonged exposure to “low level” RF radiation continues to be a subject of

investigation and controversy. It is generally agreed that prolonged exposure of personnel to RF
radiation should be limited to an absolute minimum. It is also generally agreed that exposure should
be reduced in working areas where personnel heat load is above normal. A 10 mW/cm2 per one
tenth hour average level has been adopted by several U.S. Government agencies including the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as the standard protection guide for
employee work environments. An even stricter standard is recommended by the American National
Standards Institute which recommends a 1.0 mW/cm2 per one tenth hour average level exposure
between 30 Hz and 300 MHz as the standard employee protection guide (ANSI C95.1-1982).

RF energy must be contained properly by shielding and transmission lines. All input and output RF
connections, such as cables, flanges and gaskets must be RF leak proof. Never operate a power tube
without a properly matched RF energy absorbing load attached. Never look into or expose any part
of the body to an antenna or open RF generating tube or circuit or RF transmission system while
energized. Monitor the tube and RF system for RF radiation leakage at regular intervals and after
servicing.

HOT SURFACES
The power components in the transmitter are cooled by forced-air and natural convection. When
handling any components of the transmitter after it has been in operation, caution must always be
taken to ensure that the component is cool enough to handle without injury.

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Table of Contents
1 Overview.............................................................................................................................. 1
2 Main Assembly Front Panel Features................................................................................... 2
2.1 FAILSAFE ............................................................................................................................. 2
2.2 AUDIO ................................................................................................................................. 2
2.3 EXC DRV .............................................................................................................................. 2
2.4 CNTL.................................................................................................................................... 3
2.5 PA ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2.6 PS ........................................................................................................................................ 3
2.7 VSWR .................................................................................................................................. 3
2.8 TRANSMITTER CONTROL CENTER ......................................................................................... 3
2.9 Contrast Control .................................................................................................................. 3
3 Add-on Assembly Front Panel Features ............................................................................... 4
3.1 DRV ..................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 PA ....................................................................................................................................... 4
3.3 PS ........................................................................................................................................ 4
3.4 VSWR .................................................................................................................................. 4
4 Combiner Assembly Front Panel Features ........................................................................... 5
4.1 RF IN ................................................................................................................................... 5
4.2 TEMP ................................................................................................................................... 5
4.3 PS ........................................................................................................................................ 5
4.4 VSWR .................................................................................................................................. 5
5 Transmitter Control Center ................................................................................................. 6
5.1  Left Button ...................................................................................................................... 6
5.2  Right Button .................................................................................................................... 6
5.3  Up Button ........................................................................................................................ 6
5.4  Down Button.................................................................................................................... 6
5.5  Return Button ................................................................................................................. 6
6 Web Page .......................................................................................................................... 11
7 SNMP ................................................................................................................................. 14
7.1 Authentication................................................................................................................... 14
7.2 Objects .............................................................................................................................. 15
8 Backup Control Modes ...................................................................................................... 19
8.1 Emergency Control Mode .................................................................................................. 19
8.2 Standby System Control and Exciter ................................................................................... 19
9 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................ 20
9.1 Faults........................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.2 Alarms ...................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
9.3 Event Log .......................................................................................................................... 20
9.4 Standby ............................................................................................................................. 20
9.5 Failsafe .............................................................................................................................. 20
9.6 Mute ................................................................................................................................. 21
9.7 Internal Exciter Diagnostics ................................................................................................ 21
9.8 Power Amplifier Diagnostics .............................................................................................. 21
9.9 Combiner Diagnostics ........................................................................................................ 22

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Figures
Figure 1 – Main Assembly Front Panel ........................................................................................... 2
Figure 2 – Add-on PA Assembly Front Panel .................................................................................. 4
Figure 3 – Combiner Assembly Front Panel.................................................................................... 5
Figure 4 – Transmitter Control Center Menus Sheet 1 ................................................................... 7
Figure 5 - Transmitter Control Center Menus Sheet 2 .................................................................... 9
Figure 6 – Web Interface Main Page ........................................................................................... 11
Figure 7 – Web Interface Authentication ..................................................................................... 12
Figure 8 – Web Interface PA Page ............................................................................................... 12
Figure 9 – Web Interface Events Page ......................................................................................... 13
Figure 10 – MIB Download ......................................................................................................... 14
Figure 11 - STX LP Gen II 1kW and 2kW Block Diagrams ............................................................. 23
Figure 12 - STX LP Gen II 3kW Block Diagram ............................................................................. 25
Figure 13 - STX LP Gen II 5kW Block Diagram ............................................................................. 27

Tables
Table 1 – SNMP Object Access .................................................................................................... 15
Table 2 – Exciter Diagnostics Details ............................................................................................ 21
Table 3 – PA Diagnostics Details .................................................................................................. 21
Table 4 – Combiner Diagnostics Details ....................................................................................... 22

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1 Overview
The STX LP FM transmitter series is designed to provide a low power cost effective solution for the
FM broadcast market. The STX LP is available in 4 models providing power levels from 250 W to 5
kW.

Every STX LP transmitter is tested at the factory for quality and reliability. Technicians will use settings
given to sales representatives at the time of purchase. In the absence of this information, the
following default settings are used:

• RF Power - OFF
• Frequency – 98.5 MHz
• Operating Mode – FM Only
• Total Output Power – Nominal by model name (1 kW Model - 1000 W, etc.)
• Emergency Output Power – 0 W
• 100% Modulation – 75 kHz
• Pre-emphasis – 75 µs
• Pilot Injection – On, 10%
• Mono/Stereo Mode - Stereo
• Audio Input – AES
• AES Injection Level – 100% at -2dBfs
• Analog L/R Injection Level – 100% with 3.5 Vpp at 400 Hz each input
• Composite Injection Level – 100% with 3.5 Vpp at 400 Hz
• SCA1 Injection – Off, 10% with 3.5 Vpp at 67 kHz
• SCA2 Injection – Off, 10% with 3.5 Vpp at 92 kHz
• RDS Injection – Off, 10% with 3.5 Vpp at 53 kHz
• Real Time Clock – Central Standard Time. Note: The internal real time clock may stop
keeping time and reset to 2000-01-01 00:00:00 if the system has no AC power for
approximately two days. This is highly likely to occur when the transmitter is shipped.
• Ethernet
o DHCP - Disabled
o I.P. – 10.2.4.110
o Subnet Mask – 255.255.0.0
o Gateway – 10.2.1.1
• Passwords
o Chief – 12345678
o User – 22222222
o Operator – 11111111

For installation instruction, please see the STX LP Generation II FM Transmitter Installation and
Maintenance Application Guide, BE part number 597-4101-200. A copy can be found in the front of
the binder containing this manual that is shipped with all transmitters. For electronic copies of this
and any other technical documentation please visit http://www.bdcast.com/information-center/ and
follow navigation on the left side of the page – authorized login is required for download of
technical documents.

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2 Main Assembly Front Panel Features

The main assembly front panel contains LED indicators for the system controller, internal
exciter, internal power amplifier, and an LCD user interface.

2 3 5 7 9 8 11

1 4 6 10 11 12 13

Figure 1 – Main Assembly Front Panel

2.1 FAILSAFE

The failsafe LED is coupled to the failsafe input on the back panel. Green indicates the
failsafe is tied to ground for normal operation. If red the failsafe is open and exciter RF
power is hardware disabled.

2.2 AUDIO

The audio LED indicates the status of the current primary audio source. If an audio peak
silence condition is detected, this LED turns red. The LED remains green until a failure is
detected. Check the exciter diagnostics for details on what alarms or faults may be active.

2.3 EXC DRV

The exciter drive LED indicates the status of any alarms or faults related to the exciter. Green
indicates that the exciter has settled into normal operating conditions. Orange indicates an
alarm condition. Red shows when the exciter has a fault condition. See Table 2 – Exciter
Diagnostics Details in section 9.7 for more information.

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Note that there is overlap between internal exciter and internal PA status for drive detection.
An exciter drive alarm indication may originate from the PA. The exciter must also establish
frequency lock as it powers up. These are intended to indicate conditions that prevent full
operation whether the conditions are expected or not. Check the exciter and PA diagnostics
for details on what alarms or faults may be active.

2.4 CNTL

The system control LED shows the status of the system controller. Green indicates normal
control operation. Red indicates a loss of communication between the front panel and the
system controller.

2.5 PA

The power amplifier LED shows status of the internal PA. Green indicates normal power
control. Orange indicates an alarm condition. Red indicates a fault and PA shutdown
condition. Check PA diagnostics for details on what alarms or faults may be active.

2.6 PS

The power supply LED shows the status of the RF power supply module. Green indicates
normal operation. Orange indicates a self-reported alarm. Red indicates a determined fault.
Check PA diagnostics for details on what alarms or faults may be active in the supply
connected to the PA.

Note that these power supplies are on the same communications node as the PA they are
connected to. A communication fault will illuminate red on both the PA and the PS LEDs.

2.7 VSWR

The voltage standing wave ratio LED shows the status of the internal PA output in terms of
measured reflected power. Green indicates normal operation into an acceptable load.
Orange indicates active foldback protection. Red indicates a fault and shutdown condition.
Check PA diagnostics for details on what alarms or faults may be active in the PA.

2.8 TRANSMITTER CONTROL CENTER

This front panel LCD interface can be used for control and monitoring of all features in the
system. Use the five buttons below the screen to navigate and make modifications. See
section 5 - Transmitter Control Center for details on how to use this interface.

2.9 Contrast Control

A potentiometer tuning tool can be used to adjust the contrast on the LCD screen if desired.
Turning the potentiometer clockwise reduces contrast, and turning it counter-clockwise
increases contrast.

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3 Add-on Assembly Front Panel Features

The add-on power amplifier assembly front panel contains LED indicators for the power
amplifier.

1 2 3 4

Figure 2 – Add-on PA Assembly Front Panel

3.1 DRV

The exciter drive LED shows the status of the RF input connected to PA RF IN. Green
indicates normal operation levels. Red shows if an improper drive power level is detected.

3.2 PA

The power amplifier LED shows the status of PA hardware foldback protection. Green
indicates normal operation. Red indicates an active hardware foldback. Check PA diagnostics
for details on what alarms or faults may be active.

3.3 PS

The power supply LED shows the status of power to the front panel. Green shows when
there is power, otherwise the LED is off. Check PA diagnostics for details on what alarms or
faults may be active in the supply connected to the PA.

3.4 VSWR

The voltage standing wave ratio LED shows the status of the PA output in terms of
measured reflected power. Green indicates normal operation into an acceptable load. Red
indicates a fault and shutdown condition. Check PA diagnostics for details on what alarms
or faults may be active in the PA.

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4 Combiner Assembly Front Panel Features

The combiner assembly front panel contains LED indicators for the splitter and combiner.

1 2 3 4

Figure 3 – Combiner Assembly Front Panel

4.1 RF IN

Splitter RF input LED. This LED indicates the general status of the RF splitter. Green indicates
normal operation. Red indicates that the splitter output is turned off. There are a number of
factors that can cause this to occur including invalid splitter input levels or detected
problems in the combining system. Refer to the muted splitter output alarm in combiner
diagnostics for details on what alarms or faults may be active causing this LED to turn red.

4.2 TEMP

Combiner temperature LED. This LED indicates the status of the internal temperature of the
combiner. Green indicates normal operation with acceptable temperatures. Red indicates a
fault due to excessively high temperatures.

4.3 PS

Power supply LED. This indicator shows the status of power to the combiner front panel.
Green shows when there is power, otherwise the LED is off. Check combiner diagnostics for
details on what alarms or faults may be active in the combiner.

4.4 VSWR

Voltage standing wave ratio LED. This shows the status of the system output in terms of
measured reflected power. Green indicates normal operation into an acceptable load. Red
indicates a fault and shutdown condition. Check combiner diagnostics for details on what
alarms or faults may be active in the combiner.

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5 Transmitter Control Center

Initial system setup after installation requires interfacing with the LCD display and buttons on the
front of the main assembly, see section 2.8. Once initial setup is complete, almost all configurations
accessible on this control center can be modified remotely via Ethernet interfaces.

5.1  Left Button

The context dependent left button performs two primary functions. When navigating
between screens it allows a return to the main screen from any other navigation screen.
When an editing screen is entered this button moves the cursor one space to the left.

5.2  Right Button

The context dependent right button performs two primary functions. When navigating
between screens it allows a return to the first screen of the submenu tree. When an editing
screen is entered this button moves the cursor one space to the right.

5.3  Up Button
The context dependent up button performs various functions. When navigating between
screens through the trunk it selects a new submenu tree. After entering a submenu screen it
either selects different branches or cycles through options. When an editing screen is
entered this button modifies the object located at the cursor.

5.4  Down Button

The context dependent down button performs various functions. When navigating between
screens through the trunk it selects a new submenu tree (in the opposite direction as the up
button). After entering a submenu screen it either selects different branches or cycles
through options. When an editing screen is entered this button modifies the object located
at the cursor.

5.5  Return Button

The context dependent down button performs two primary functions. When navigating between
screens through the trunk it enters the next level in the menu. This can lead to submenu screens,
options selection, or field editing. Once an editing function has been made this saves the field and
returns to the first screen in the submenu tree.

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Figure 4 – Transmitter Control Center Menus Sheet 1

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Figure 5 - Transmitter Control Center Menus Sheet 2

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6 Web Page
The STX LP Generation II comes standard with a built in HTTP web server monitoring and control
interface. To load this web page, simply direct a standard web browser to the IP assigned to the
Ethernet port on the system.

Figure 6 – Web Interface Main Page

The basic settings and monitoring fields in the system are shown above in Figure 6 – Web Interface.
To cycle through the active user selection click the “Current User” link in the upper left. To access PA
and Combiner monitoring information or the event log click on “PA STATUS” or “EVENT LOG” links
respectively. These can be seen in Figure 8 and Figure 9.

Posting any settings to the transmitter requires an appropriate login. The graphic button objects are
disabled for user types that do not have permission to modify transmitter settings. Once an adequate
user selection is made, the buttons can be clicked to display any additional options. When the
change is attempted a dialog box will pop up, which can be seen in Figure 9. Simply enter the active
user type and the correct 8-digit numerical password that goes with it to save the setting. Note:
password entry times out after 10 seconds and must be entered on the next new settings change
attempt. Valid login is remembered for the active session.

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Figure 7 – Web Interface Authentication

Figure 8 – Web Interface PA Page

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Figure 9 – Web Interface Events Page

To check the current web page version, simply point a web browser to [IP Address]/rev.html

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7 SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol is a member of the Internet Protocol standard
communications suite. The STX LP Generation II comes with a built-in SNMP agent (SNMP version 2c)
for handling all request types included in the protocol – GET, SET, GETNEXT, and GETBULK. The
appropriate MIB for the version of SNMP agent installed on the transmitter must be downloaded
from the transmitter itself. As with any MIB, this ASCII text file completely defines the data structure
within the agent. The MIB also provides textual descriptions for every accessible object. To download
the file access the web interface using a standard web browser. Right click on the “SNMP MIB File”
link and click “Save link as…”, refer to Figure 10. Save a local copy of the mib file wherever desired
for use in an SNMP manager application. Alternatively, click the link and navigate to the file in the
browser. Right click anywhere in the viewing space and click “Save as…” Simply remove the .txt
extension (leaving only the .mib extension) and save at the desired location.

Figure 10 – MIB Download

An SNMP manager application must be utilized in order to access the interface. Integrating a
manager into custom station automation programming provides countless possibilities. Alternatively,
various third party MIB browser GUI applications are available for free download; however Broadcast
Electronics does not endorse any specific application. Simply direct the manager to the Ethernet port
for communication across a network.

7.1 Authentication

Data is accessible by using the correct community strings for the desired login level. The
formula for these strings is a combination of the login type – chief, user, or operator –, a
delimitating ‘+’ character, and the 8 digit numerical password associated with that login
type. For example, “chief+12345678” in both the read community and write community
passes authentication and allows read and write to essentially every object in the MIB with
the appropriate max-access type. User and Operator login types provide more strict control
over what settings can be modified and commands issued in the system.

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7.2 Objects

The SNMP interface utilizes tables wherever it makes sense to communicate data in an
indexed fashion. Almost all PA data is structured as tables by using the PA number as the
index. This works by appending “.#” to the object where # is the PA number. Note that a
normal “leaf” node is accessed by appending “.0” as in …38118.2.2.2.0 for system forward
power.

Table 1 – SNMP Object Access

Object ID User Access Operator Access Chief Access

transmitterType Read Read Read/Write
serialNumber Read Read Read
activeStandby Read Read Read
primarySecondary Read Read Read
frequency Read Read Read/Write
time Read Read Read/Write
date Read Read Read/Write
macAddress Read Read Read
useDHCP Read Read Read/Write
keyTypeSNMPv3 Read Read Read/Write
requireSNMPv3 Read Read Read/Write
requireHTTPDigestAuth Read Read Read/Write
ipAddress Read Read Read
subnetMask Read Read Read
gatewayAddress Read Read Read
staticIPAddress Read Read Read/Write
staticSubnetMask Read Read Read/Write
staticGatewayAddress Read Read Read/Write
userPassword Read/Write Read/Write Read/Write
operatorPassword None Read/Write Read/Write
chiefPassword None None Read/Write
transmitterIsOn Read Read Read
systemForwardPower Read Read Read
systemReflectedPower Read Read Read
transmitterOnOff Read Read/Write Read/Write
currentPowerMode Read Read Read
autoPowerMode Read Read Read
defaultPowerMode Read Read Read/Write
setpointCurrent Read Read/Write Read/Write
setpointFM Read Read/Write Read/Write
setpointFmDigital Read Read/Write Read/Write
setpointDigital Read Read/Write Read/Write
setpointCurrentMin Read Read Read
setpointFMMin Read Read Read
setpointFmDigitalMin Read Read Read
setpointDigitalMin Read Read Read
setpointCurrentMax Read Read Read
setpointFMMax Read Read Read
setpointFmDigitalMax Read Read Read
setpointDigitalMax Read Read Read

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Object ID User Access Operator Access Chief Access

inputSelect Read Read Read/Write
peakModulationDeviation Read Read Read/Write
preemphasis Read Read Read/Write
monoStereoMode Read Read Read/Write
modulationPeakHold Read Read Read
stereoGeneratorPeakHold Read Read Read
compositeAdjust Read Read Read/Write
compositeDB Read Read Read
compositePeakHold Read Read Read
analogLAdjust Read Read Read/Write
analogLDB Read Read Read
analogLPeakHold Read Read Read
analogRAdjust Read Read Read/Write
analogRDB Read Read Read
analogRPeakHold Read Read Read
sca1OnOff Read Read Read/Write
sca1Adjust Read Read Read/Write
sca1DB Read Read Read
sca2OnOff Read Read Read/Write
sca2Adjust Read Read Read/Write
sca2DB Read Read Read
rdsOnOff Read Read Read/Write
rdsAdjust Read Read Read/Write
rdsDB Read Read Read
analogLRLevel Read Read Read/Write
aesLevel Read Read Read/Write
pilotOnOff Read Read Read/Write
pilotLevel Read Read Read/Write
clock10MhzStatus Read Read Read
clock10MhzLock Read Read Read
clock1PPS Read Read Read
afcLock Read Read Read
afcUnlock Read Read Read
modulationSilence Read Read Read
audioInputSilence Read Read Read
audioSilenceThreshold Read Read Read/Write
audioSilencePeriod Read Read Read/Write
exciterCommunications Read Read Read
paForwardPower Read Read Read
paReflectedPower Read Read Read
paPowerSetpoint Read Read Read/Write
paRfInPower Read Read Read
paAlarmStatus Read Read Read
paAlarmPowerSupplyDC Read Read Read
paAlarmFoldbackReflectedPower Read Read Read
paAlarmFoldbackTemperature Read Read Read
paAlarmFoldbackCurrent Read Read Read
paAlarmMutedInput Read Read Read
paAlarmRailed Read Read Read

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Object ID User Access Operator Access Chief Access

paFaultStatus Read Read Read
paFaultPowerSupply Read Read Read
paFaultReflectedPower Read Read Read
paFaultVSWR Read Read Read
paFaultTemperature Read Read Read
paFaultCurrentDriver Read Read Read
paFaultCurrentIPA Read Read Read
paFaultCurrentFinal1 Read Read Read
paFaultCurrentFinal2 Read Read Read
paFaultCurrentFinal3 Read Read Read
paFaultCurrentFinal4 Read Read Read
paFaultHardware Read Read Read
paFaultCommunication Read Read Read
paTemperature Read Read Read
paPsVoltage Read Read Read
paDriveCurrent Read Read Read
paIPACurrent Read Read Read
paFinal1Current Read Read Read
paFinal2Current Read Read Read
paFinal3Current Read Read Read
paFinal4Current Read Read Read
paTotalCurrent Read Read Read
combinerForwardPower Read Read Read
combinerReflectedPower Read Read Read
splitterRFInputPower Read Read Read
splitterConfigID Read Read Read
splitterBoardRev Read Read Read
splitterAlarmInputMute Read Read Read
splitterAlarmInputOverdrive Read Read Read
splitterAlarmOutputMuted Read Read Read
combinerFaultReflectedPower Read Read Read
combinerFaultVSWR Read Read Read
combinerFaultTemperature Read Read Read
combinerFaultConfig Read Read Read
combinerFaultHardware Read Read Read
combinerFaultCommunication Read Read Read
splitterCombinerPs11V Read Read Read
splitterCombinerPs5V Read Read Read
splitterCombinerPs3_3V Read Read Read
combinerFan Read Read Read
combinerTemperatureInternal Read Read Read
combinerTemperatureInlet Read Read Read
failsafe Read Read Read
muteInput Read Read Read
fmMode Read Read Read
fmDigitalMode Read Read Read
digitalMode Read Read Read
systemReflectedPowerOutput Read Read Read
paTotalCurrentOutput Read Read Read
paTemperatureOutput Read Read Read

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Object ID User Access Operator Access Chief Access

systemFaultOutput Read Read Read
vswrSystemOutput Read Read Read
transmitterOnOutput Read Read Read
transmitterOffOutput Read Read Read
muteOutput Read Read Read
afcLockOutput Read Read Read
paPsFaultOutput Read Read Read
paFaultOutput Read Read Read
paForwardPowerOutput Read Read Read
paReflectedPowerOutput Read Read Read
systemForwardPowerOutput Read Read Read
paVoltageOutput Read Read Read
controllerSoftware Read Read Read
controllerHardware Read Read Read
splitterCombinerSoftware Read Read Read
splitterCombinerHardware Read Read Read
paSoftware Read Read Read
paHardware Read Read Read
frontPanelSoftware Read Read Read
frontPanelHardware Read Read Read
systemFaultReset Read Read/Write Read/Write
failsafeStatus Read Read Read
mute Read Read Read
systemAlarm Read Read Read
systemFault Read Read Read
exciterAlarm Read Read Read
exciterFault Read Read Read
paAlarm Read Read Read
paFault Read Read Read
paPsFault Read Read Read
splitterCombinerAlarm Read Read Read
splitterCombinerFault Read Read Read
vswrFault Read Read Read
eventTimestamp Read Read Read
eventType Read Read Read
eventSource Read Read Read
eventCode Read Read Read
eventParam Read Read Read
eventLogEntryOldest Read Read Read
eventLogEntryNext Read Read Read
eventLogClear Read Read Read/Write

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8 Backup Control Modes

STX Generation II systems come equipped with two backup control methods. Emergency control
mode is integrated standard with all systems and simply allows the system to continue functioning in
the event of a system controller failure. The backup system control and exciter feature utilizes an
entire controller and exciter sub-system to also allow for full control interfacing and an identical
standby exciter.

8.1 Emergency Control Mode

In the event of a loss in communications with the system controller, all sub-systems enter
emergency control mode. Behavior when in this mode depends on user specified emergency
power levels. This must be set to the desired emergency power level in order to enable the
feature, which comes from the factory set at 0 W and is effectively disabled. The transmitter
will continue to function in emergency mode as long as the exciter maintains drive to all
power amplifiers.

8.2 Standby System Control and Exciter

For complete system control and exciter redundancy an FW LP1 exciter switcher kit can be
acquired. These kits supply all required hardware for utilization of standby systems in STX LP
Generation II systems. The exciter switcher occupies one rack unit. The standby
controller/exciter is typically contained in a second main unit. 1kW systems utilize an
additional two rack unit STXe chassis.

Detailed information including installation and operation of this optional configuration are
contained in the FW LP1 Standby Exciter Application Guide, BE part number 597-4005. A
copy is included in standard kits and/or inserted in the front of the binder containing this
manual if shipped as part of the same order. For electronic copies of this and any other
technical documentation please visit http://www.bdcast.com/information-center/ and follow
navigation on the left side of the page – authorized login is required.

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9 Troubleshooting
Some basic information and troubleshooting steps are included below. If problems persist, please
contact RF Technical Services. Contact information is located on our website at www.bdcast.com and
on page iii in the front of this manual.

A fault in any part of the system indicates a complete disruption in normal operation of at least one
part of the transmitter system. A fault might simply indicate loss of one PA or may be as serious as a
complete shutdown of the entire transmitter.

A fault reset command should always be issued through diagnostics in any user interface to correct
fault conditions. If the reset is not successful or a condition that caused a fault still remains, the fault
will re-assert.

An alarm typically indicates an abnormal condition that is expected or should resolve itself. Alarms in
unexpected situations could indicate serious conditions. Alarms that persist for long periods of time
or unexpectedly appear on a regular basis should not be ignored. To get a good feel for what alarms
are expended under which conditions, see the alarm details in the sections that follow.

9.1 Event Log

The system event log can be accessed through the web interface log page or in its raw form
through the eventLog tree in SNMP. An event is defined by its index starting with the first
saved event at index 1, a timestamp from the system’s internal real time clock, an event
identification number, and the sub-system where the event triggered. Some events also have
context-based parameters that are embedded in the description of the event.

9.2 Standby

The STX LP Generation II comes with built-in functionality for a standby controller and exciter
– see section 8.2 Standby System Control and Exciter. A system that is in standby is muted
and not actively controlling the transmitter. This mode is not intended in a setup that has a
single system controller and exciter. Standby system control and exciter setups should also
be able to have no more than one unit active at a time.

If a system is stuck in standby mode, this typically indicates a setup problem. Single system
controller and exciter setups require a stub 949-4130 that activates the transmitter. This
must be attached to the BE Interface jack, please see the appropriate section in the
installation and maintenance guide. Dual system controller and exciter setups require a
switcher that connects to both assemblies through this interface, and the switcher device
must be operated to activate one controller/exciter.

9.3 Failsafe

An asserted failsafe input on the remote station interface is required for operation of the
system. The intended usage of this input is to make a loop that passes through safety relays
in all critical transmission system components. When any part of the transmission system
becomes unsafe, the circuit should open and de-assert the failsafe on the transmitter. When
a failsafe condition is active, check all systems that are wired into the failsafe circuit.

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9.4 Mute

A mute refers to a lack of an RF source in some part of the system, and the affected part
depends on the context of the notification. Mute indications can happen at various stages
for different reasons, and details in system sections below should be considered.

Transmitter mute conditions typically refer to the FM exciter. In internal exciters this
commonly occurs when:
• There is no power to the exciter
• The transmitter is turned off
• The mute input pin on the remote station interface is asserted
• Failsafe input is not asserted
• The BE Interface active input is not asserted

9.5 Internal Exciter Diagnostics

Table 2 – Exciter Diagnostics Details

Fault/Alarm Description
AFC Unlock Alarm Automatic frequency control system does not yet have lock.
Modulation Silence This alarm activates when a silence condition is detected in
Alarm exciter modulation.
Audio Input Silence This alarm activates when a silence condition is detected at the
Alarm exciter input.
Communication Fault This fault occurs when communication between the system
controller and the internal exciter is lost.

9.6 Power Amplifier Diagnostics

Table 3 – PA Diagnostics Details

Fault/Alarm Description
RF Power Supply Fault This fault activates when a power supply failure is detected.
Reflected Power Fault This fault activates when a sudden increase in reflected power
is detected by hardware in the power amplifier. The threshold
for this fault detection is 111W, which is 2.0:1 VSWR running
at the rated power level.
VSWR Fault This fault activates when the measured VSWR is greater than
2.0:1 at any power level
Temperature Fault This fault actives when the measured internal heat sink
temperature exceeds about 95 degrees C
Current Fault There is current monitoring on the four final stage RF
amplifiers. The PA shuts down when measured current on any
of these solid state amplifiers exceeds about 20A DC.
Hardware Fault This is an internal self-report of problems in PA controller
hardware.
Communication Fault This fault occurs when communication between the system
controller and the PA is lost.
Power Supply DC Alarm This is a direct connection to a self-reported DC level issue in
the RF power supply. This asserts when the voltage is below the
minimum threshold of about 6V. This is normal behavior when

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Fault/Alarm Description
the PA is turned off for any reason.
Reflected Power During FM only operation, the PA attempts to lower its output
Foldback Alarm power when reflected power approaches dangerous levels. This
keeps the transmitter running at reduced power in order to
prevent a reflected power fault.
Temperature Foldback During FM only operation, the PA attempts to lower its output
Alarm power when the internal power sink temperature approaches
dangerous levels. This keeps the transmitter running at reduced
power in order to prevent a temperature fault.
Current Foldback Alarm During FM only operation, the PA attempts to lower its output
power when the worst case final transistor current approaches
dangerous levels. This keeps the transmitter running at reduced
power in order to prevent a current fault.
Muted Input Alarm This alarm activates as a hardware failsafe mechanism when
the measured exciter drive input is below the minimum
threshold for safe operation. The threshold is based on
operating mode: FM-only mutes below about 10 mW and
digital modes mute below about 0.5 mW.
Railed Alarm During FM only operation this indicates a condition where
automatic power control has reached its highest or lowest
possible control value.

9.7 Combiner Diagnostics

Table 4 – Combiner Diagnostics Details

Fault/Alarm Description
Reflected Power Fault This fault activates when a sudden increase in reflected power
is detected by hardware in the combiner. The threshold for this
fault detection is based on 2.0:1 VSWR running at the rated
power level.
VSWR Fault This fault activates when the measured VSWR is greater than
2.0:1 at any power level.
Temperature Fault This fault actives when the measured internal heat sink
temperature exceeds about 95 degrees C.
Config Fault This fault activates when the system setup does not match the
configuration of the combiner.
Hardware Fault This is an internal self-report of problems in combiner controller
hardware.
Communication Fault This fault occurs when communication between the system
controller and the combiner is lost.
Muted Splitter Input This alarm does not activate. RF mute protection occurs at the
Alarm PAs to ensure correct operation in both FM and digital modes.
Overdriven Splitter Input This alarm activates when the exciter drive input to the splitter
Alarm is above the maximum threshold for safe operation, about 24
dBm.
Muted Splitter Output This alarm activates when the exciter drive outputs from the
Alarm splitter are turned off by the combiner controller due to
problems in the combiner module and its sub-systems.
Reflected power fault, temperature fault, and overdriven splitter
input alarm will disable the splitter output.

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MAIN ASSEMBLY KEY

AUDIO SOURCE
SYSTEM CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS
CONTROLLER/
PA CONTROL EXCITER AUDIO CHANNEL(S)
RF PATH
AC OR DC POWER
PA ANTENNA

POWER SUPPLIES
CONTROL INTERFACES
POWER SOURCE

STX LP GENERATION II – 1kW BLOCK DIAGRAM

STX LP GENERATION II – 2kW BLOCK DIAGRAM

COMBINER ASSEMBLY
MAIN ASSEMBLY
AUDIO SOURCE
SYSTEM
CONTROLLER/
PA CONTROL EXCITER

2kW RF
COMBINER
ANTENNA
PA

POWER SUPPLIES
CONTROL INTERFACES

POWER
DISTRIBUTION

ADD-ON ASSEMBLY

PA CONTROL

CONTROLLER/
2x SPLITTER
PA

POWER SUPPLIES
POWER SOURCE

POWER SUPPLIES

Figure 11 - STX LP Gen II 1kW and 2kW Block Diagrams

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KEY
STX LP GENERATION II – 3kW BLOCK DIAGRAM
CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS
MAIN ASSEMBLY AUDIO CHANNEL(S)
AUDIO SOURCE
SYSTEM RF PATH
CONTROLLER/
PA CONTROL EXCITER AC OR DC POWER

PA

POWER SUPPLIES
CONTROL INTERFACES

POWER
COMBINER ASSEMBLY
DISTRIBUTION
ADD-ON ASSEMBLY

PA CONTROL

3kW RF
COMBINER
ANTENNA
PA

POWER SUPPLIES

POWER SOURCE

ADD-ON ASSEMBLY

PA CONTROL

CONTROLLER/
3x SPLITTER
PA

POWER SUPPLIES

POWER SUPPLIES

Figure 12 - STX LP Gen II 3kW Block Diagram

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KEY
STX LP GENERATION II – 5kW BLOCK DIAGRAM
CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS
MAIN ASSEMBLY AUDIO CHANNEL(S)
AUDIO SOURCE
SYSTEM RF PATH
CONTROLLER/
PA CONTROL EXCITER AC OR DC POWER

PA

POWER SUPPLIES
CONTROL INTERFACES

POWER ADD-ON ASSEMBLY

COMBINER ASSEMBLY
DISTRIBUTION

ADD-ON ASSEMBLY

ADD-ON ASSEMBLY 5kW RF

COMBINER
ANTENNA

PA CONTROL

PA

POWER SOURCE
POWER SUPPLIES

ADD-ON ASSEMBLY

CONTROLLER/
PA CONTROL 5x SPLITTER

PA

POWER SUPPLIES

POWER SUPPLIES

Figure 13 - STX LP Gen II 5kW Block Diagram

©2013 Broadcast Electronics