CableTronix CT-AAM16-HDIN Channel Agile Analog Modulator User Manual

CableTronix CT-AAM16-HDIN Channel Agile Analog Modulator

Product Information

Specifications

• Input: HD – 16 Input Resolution
• Output RF: F-Female @ 75ohms
• Output Frequency: 45 – 870 MHz
• Output Level Adjust Range: 0 – 20dB
• Output-band Rejection: 60dB
• Power Supply: AC 90 – 264V @ 47 – 63Hz
• Power Consumption: < 100W
• Cooling: Fan
• Dimensions: 19 x 12.9 x 1.74 inches (48.4 x 32.9 x 4.44 cm)
• Weight: 14.3 lbs. (6.5kg)
• Warranty: 2-Year Limited

Product Usage Instructions

Introduction

The CT-AAM16-HDIN is designed to provide easy installation and configuration of 16 independent channels, catering to the demand for cost-effective analog modulation solutions. It accepts signals from various sources like Set-Top Boxes and DVD players, making it ideal for video surveillance monitoring on standard TVs and TV distribution in hospitality settings.

Features

• Equipped with HD inputs for high-quality signal processing.
• SAW filtering and microprocessor control for optimal performance.
• Output frequency capability of up to 860MHz.
• User-friendly setup via the front panel or RJ45 port for remote system management.

Setup Instructions

1. Connect the HD input sources to the modulator.
2. Connect the output RF to the desired network or TV distribution system.
3. Power on the modulator using the provided AC power supply.
4. Configure the channels and settings either from the front panel or remotely via the RJ45 port.

Intended Audience

This user manual has been written to help people who must use, integrate, and to install the product. Some chapters require some prior electronics knowledge, especially in broadcast technologies and standards.

Disclaimer

No part of this document may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of CableTronix. The contents of this document are subject to revision without notice due to continued advances in methodology, design, and manufacturing. CableTronix shall have no liability for any errors or damage of any kind resulting from the use of this document.

Copy Warning

This document includes some confidential information. Its usage is limited to the owners of the product that it is relevant to. It cannot be copied, modified, or translated in another language without prior written authorization from CableTronix.

Introduction

In a landscape where NTSC video remains supported by numerous legacy TVs, the demand for cost-effective analog modulation solutions persists. The CT- AAM16-HDIN addresses this need by providing users with effort- less installation and configuration of 16 independent channels.
Equipped with HD inputs, the unit accepts signals from various sources, including Set-Top Boxes and DVD players. This versatility makes it ideal for applications such as video surveillance monitoring on standard TVs, as well as TV distribution in hospitality settings like hotels, motels, and retirement homes, among other coaxial cable systems.
Engineered with SAW filtering and microprocessor control, the unit ensures optimal performance, with an output frequency capability of up to 860MHz. Setup is user-friendly, facilitated either via the front panel or the RJ45 port for seamless connection to the management system, enabling remote system management.

Features

• 16 HD Inputs
• Converts HD video and audio signals to analog NTSC or PAL
• Rack mountable 1RU rack space
• Internal fans cooling system
• Web user interface for easy set-up and adjustment
• Closed Captioning

Specifications

System Map

WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER FROM THIS UNIT. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE, REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.

WARNING: TO PREVENT SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

Safety Instructions

1. Read all safety and operating instructions before you operate the modulator
2. Retain all safety and operating instructions for future reference
3. Heed all warnings on the modulator and in the safety and operating instructions
4. Follow all installation, operating, and use instructions.
5. Unplug the modulator from the AC power outlet before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth to clean the exterior of the modulator
6. Usage of accessories or attachments not recommended by the manufacturer may void the warranty.
7. Do not operate the modulator in areas exposed to high humidity, water, or moisture.
8. Do not place the modulator on an unstable cart, bracket, or table. The modulator may fall, causing serious personal injury and damage to the modulator. Install the modulator only in a mounting rack designed for 19” rack-mounted equipment.
9. Do not block or cover slots and openings in the modulator. These are provided for ventilation and protection from overheating. Never place the modulator near or over a radiator or heat register.
10. We strongly recommend using an outlet that contains surge suppression or ground fault protection. For added protection during a lightning storm, or when the modulator is left unattended for long periods of time, unplug it form the wall outlet or PDU and disconnect the lines between the modulator and its source. This will prevent damage caused by lightning or power line surges.
11. Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords, as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
12. Never insert objects of any kind into the modulator through openings as the objects may touch dan-gerous voltage and will void the warranty. Refer all servicing to authorized service personnel.
13. Unplug the modulator from the wall outlet or PDU and refer servicing to authorized service personnel whenever the following occurs:
14. The power supply cord or plug is damaged
15. Liquid has been spilled into or objects have fallen into modulator
16. The modulator has been exposed to rain or water
17. The modulator has been dropped or the chassis has been damaged
18. The modulator exhibits a distinct change in performance
19. When replacement parts are required, ensure that the service technician uses replacement parts specified by CableTronix. Unauthorized substitutions may damage the modulator or cause electrical shock or fire and will void the warranty.

Unpacking and Handling

A full CT-AAM16-HDIN agile analog modulator is shipped with all equipment assembled, wired, factory tested, and then packaged in an appropriate shipping container.

Mechanical Inspection

Inspect the front and rear of the equipment for shipping damage. Make sure the equipment is clean, and no wire, cable, or connectors are broken, damaged or loose.

Precautions

• Avoid heat buildup
• Ensure easy access to rack wiring
• Facilitate servicing and maintenance
• Avoid direct heating or air conditioning
• Make sure rack supports are sufficiently installed to support racks
• Beware of dripping water onto equipment from leaky roofs, waveguide roof entries, and cold-water pipe condensation

Damage in Shipment

Should any damage be discovered after unpacking the unit, immediately file a claim with the carrier. A full report of the damage shall be made, and a copy forwarded to the Seller

Installation

Please follow the instructions below to install the CT-AAM16-HDIN

1. Connect the power plug to the power jack
2. Connect the video source to the CT-AAM16-HDIN
3. Connect the CT-AAM16-HDIN to the TV
4. Power up the modulator and wait for 2 minutes to set it up

Front Panel Controls

1. NMS: Network management system port [IP:192.168.1.30; USER NAME: user; PASSWORD: user]

2. INDICATORS: Indicate power on, running and signal locked

3. LCD DISPLAY: Displays current settings. The LCD will be locked without any action taken within 1 minute. Press any keys to activate the screen.

4. CONTROL KEYS: Use UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT to move, ENTER to save and ESC to quite.
   Rear Panel View

5. HDMI INPUT PORT 1-16 : Feed the HDMI signals into the modulator

6. COLOR STANDARD: Slide the color standard between P and N. Please keep is as N, which stands for NTSC.

7. RF ADJUST: Adjust the output level at the RF OUTPUT

8. RF TEST: Output level read at this point will be attenuated -20dB from the actual RF output

9. RF OUTPUT: 16 modulated RF channels at 110dBμV output is provided at this port

10. GND: For the modulator grounding.

11. POWER CORD SOCKET AND CORD: 110V~220V power source and the switch

WARNING:
For the protection of your equipment and its proper function it is necessary to connect the CT-AAM16-HDIN to a ground connection.

Fine Tuning

All CableTronix modulators are heat cycled at the factory and final adjustments are made with the units hot. Please allow a 5 minute warmup before attempting any adjustments. You will need a signal level meter and a TV set.

1. Connect the video and audio cable from your source to its respective connector on the modulator. If you have several CT-AAM16-HDIN, please connect the RF OUTPUT to the proper combiner. Levels can be read at the test point output of the combiner output on the rear panel.
2. AUDIO and VIDEO modulation levels are set at the factory for plus or minus 25KHz deviation and 87.5% depth of modulation respectively. Although proper test equipment should be used, minor adjustment can be made utilizing a TV set. Connect the TV set to the final output test point so that its signal level input from the modulator is about +69dBµV. If the colors look bright and there is sufficient sound without audio buzz, leave the modulation adjustment alone. If there is occasional audio buzz, turn modulation control down slowly counterclockwise until the audio is clean.

The Front Panel View

Web Management

Login

The CT-AAM16-HDIN has a user-friendly interface for programming and monitoring purposes. The user can get access to the built-in web UI by using Google Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge accounts.
(recommended browsers)
The default user name and the default password are the following:

• Username: user
• Password: user

Please make sure your computer address is in the same IP segment as the modulator’s. Remind: ———————————————————————

1. Please change the user name and password if needed.
2. Username/password are case-sensitive and may contain letters or numbers.
3. Username/password must be a minimum of 1 byte and a maximum of 32 bytes in length.

System Status

This page is a read-only one which display the Serial number and software version. The information is provided as a quick way to assist with troubleshooting issue.

Basic Parameters

Output Parameters

On this page, you can set up the output frequencies.

There are two input modes for setting up the output frequency: Setting from list and Manual Input. We recommend using the Setting from list option to save time.

Setting from list: Select the channels from the drop box

In the Setting from list option, you can select the frequency in the drop box list. The used frequency will be in gray and the unused ones are in white as in Fig 1.

(Fig 1) Manual Input: Set the channels by inputting the frequencies

In the Manual Input, you can input the frequency as required.

Quick Channel Edit: Quickly generate 16 channels by plan

In the Setting from list mode

In the Manual input mode

Batch Edit: Quickly edit the attenuation, audio and video for all the channels.

NOTICE: The Bulk Edit will set all the channels with the same settings. Please process with caution with the Audio and Video settings.

Other settings in the OUTPUT SETTING

• Enable: To enable or disable the RF output. When one channel is disable, its settings will be frozen.
• Attenuation: The current channel output level adjustment. The range is 20 dB max and the step is 1dB.
• Frequency: Input the frequency or select from the list. All frequencies and channels are flexible and free from 48~860MHz.
• Audio: Adjust the sound level by the slide bar
• Video: Adjust the brightness for the picture

Network Parameters

1. DHCP:
   If you want to put the modulator on a network with DHCP, please check the DHCP box. The DHCP ensures that the modulator will receive a unique IP address from the router. To find out this IP address, please log into your router and check ‘attached de-vices’. Our unit will be listed as CT-AAM16-HDIN.

2. IP Address:
   The default IP is 192.168.1.30. And it is editable.

3. Subnet Mask:
   The default one is 255.255.255.0. And it is editable.

4. Default Gateway:
   Set the gateway address.

5. Primary DNS:
   The default one is 8.8.8.8 And it is editable.

6. Secondary DNS:
   The default one is 202.96.134.133 And it is editable.

7. MAC:
   You can use the MAC to find the modulator in the router. The MAC is labeled in the modulator case. It is not recommended to change it.

NOTICE: The modulator will reboot automatically if any changes on the network setting is applied.

System Parameters

• Upgrade system from file:
  Upgrade the modulator with the latest software.

• Restore to factory settings:
  The restore function will recover the input and output settings and the IP address to the factory mode.

• Reboot: To reboot the modulator. Export Settings:
  Back up the input and output settings to your computer.

• Import Settings:
  Recover the settings to the modulator from your computer.

Account

To verify the user name and the password, please input your current user name and password. Please notice that they are both case-sensitive.
If you forget your new user name or new password, you can use the reset button in the front panel to restore to factory settings.

Quick IP Ethernet Connection Guide

NOTICE: Make sure you log into your operation system as the ADMINISTRATOR.

Go to “ Windows Start”

Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I connect multiple HD sources to the modulator?
  A: Yes, the CT-AAM16-HDIN can accept signals from up to 16 different HD input sources simultaneously.

• Q: How do I adjust the output frequency range?
  A: The output frequency range can be adjusted within the specified limits (45 – 870 MHz) using the control interface provided on the modulator.

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