Installation and Operation Guide

&RQWLQXXPŒ+HDGHQG6\VWHP
0RGHO8SFRQYHUWHUVDQG
0RGHO%5HDU,QWHUIDFH0RGXOHV
Please read this entire guide
Veuillez lire entièrement ce guide
Bitte das gesamte Handbuch durchlesen
Sírvase leer completamente la presente guía
Si prega di leggere completamente questa guida

Important
Please read this entire guide before you install or operate this product. Give
particular attention to all safety statements.

Important
Veuillez lire entièrement ce guide avant d'installer ou d'utiliser ce produit. Prêtez
une attention particulière à toutes les règles de sécurité.

Zu beachten
Bitte lesen Sie vor Aufstellen oder Inbetriebnahme des Gerätes dieses Handbuch in
seiner Gesamtheit durch. Achten Sie dabei besonders auf die Sicherheitshinweise.

Importante
Sírvase leer la presente guía antes de instalar o emplear este producto. Preste
especial atención a todos los avisos de seguridad.

Importante
Prima di installare o usare questo prodotto si prega di leggere completamente
questa guida, facendo particolare attenzione a tutte le dichiarazioni di sicurezza.
Model 9860/9861 Upconverters and
Model 9803/9803B Rear Interface Modules
Installation and Operation Guide
Trademark Acknowledgments

Trademarks
• Continuum is a trademark of Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
• MVP is a registered trademark of General Instrument, Inc.

All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
Contents

Safety Precautions ................................................................................................................................vi

Important Rules for Safe Operation ....................................................................................................xvi
Warranty .............................................................................................................................................xxii

Chapter 1 Continuum Headend System Overview

• Overview.......................................................................................................1-1
• Introduction..................................................................................................1-2
• System Components ....................................................................................1-3
• Component Relationships ...........................................................................1-6
• Upconverter Functional Description ..........................................................1-8

Chapter 2 Installing the Rear Interface Module

• Overview.......................................................................................................2-1
• Before You Begin..........................................................................................2-2
• Installing a Rear Interface Module into the Chassis .................................2-3
• Module Connections and Wiring ...............................................................2-6
• Removing a Rear Interface Module............................................................2-9
• Maintenance ...............................................................................................2-11

Chapter 3 Installing the Upconverter

• Overview.......................................................................................................3-1
• Before You Begin..........................................................................................3-2
• Installing an Upconverter into the Chassis................................................3-3
• Removing an Upconverter ..........................................................................3-6
• Maintenance .................................................................................................3-9

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A iii

Contents, Continued

Chapter 4 Operating the Upconverter

• Overview.......................................................................................................4-1
• Upconverter Front Panel Description ........................................................4-2
• Software Menu Trees ...................................................................................4-6
• Configuring the Upconverter....................................................................4-15
• System Configuration Guidelines.............................................................4-24
• Frequency Plans .........................................................................................4-25
• Alarm Messages/Troubleshooting...........................................................4-32

Chapter 5 Hardware Troubleshooting

• Overview.......................................................................................................5-1
• General Information.....................................................................................5-2
• No RF Output Carriers ................................................................................5-3

Appendix A Technical Information

• Overview......................................................................................................A-1
• Technical Specifications ..............................................................................A-2

Appendix B Interfacing the Upconverter with External Equipment

• Overview...................................................................................................... B-1
• Scramblers.................................................................................................... B-2
• RF Combiners.............................................................................................. B-3
• Output Trunking......................................................................................... B-4

Continued on next page

iv 546497 Rev A
Contents, Continued

Appendix C Customer Information

• Overview......................................................................................................C-1
• Customer Support.......................................................................................C-2
• How to Return Products.............................................................................C-3
• Your Comments, Please .............................................................................C-5

Glossary ................................................................................................................................ Glossary-1

FCC and DOC Compliance ........................................................................................ inside back cover

546497 Rev A v
Safety Precautions

Protect yourself from electric shock and your system from damage!
• This product complies with international safety and design standards. Observe all
safety procedures that appear throughout this guide, and the safety symbols that
are affixed to this product.
• If circumstances impair the safe operation of this product, stop operation and
secure this product against further operation.

Avoid personal injury and product damage! Do not proceed beyond any
symbol until you fully understand the indicated conditions!

You will find this symbol in the literature that accompanies this
product. This symbol indicates important operating or maintenance
instructions.

You may find this symbol affixed to this product. This symbol indicates
a live terminal; the flash points to the terminal device.

You may find this symbol affixed to this product. This symbol indicates
a protective earth terminal.

You may find this symbol affixed to this product. This symbol indicates
excessive or dangerous heat.

Power
• Important! If this product is a Class I product, you must earth this product.
• This product plugs into a socket-outlet. The socket-outlet must be near this
product, and must be easily accessible.
• Connect this product only to the power source that is indicated on the back panel
of this product.
• If this product does not have a mains power switch, the power cord serves this
purpose.

Continued on next page

vi 546497 Rev A
Safety Precautions, Continued

Enclosure
• Do not allow moisture to enter this product.
• Do not open the enclosure of this product unless otherwise specified.
• Do not push objects through openings in the enclosure of this product.

Cables
• Always disconnect all power cables before you service this product.
• Always pull on the plug or the connector to disconnect a cable. Never pull on the
cable itself.
• Do not walk on or place stress on cables or plugs.

Fuse
• Always use a fuse that has the correct type and rating. The correct type and rating
is indicated on this product.
• Always disconnect all power cables before you change a fuse.

Factory service
Refer service only to service personnel who are authorized by the factory.

546497 Rev A vii

Règles de Sécurité

Protégez-vous des risques d'électrocution et protégez votre système contre les

endommagements éventuels.
• Ce produit respecte les standards internationaux de sécurité et de conception.
Veuillez observer toutes les procédures de sécurité qui apparaissent dans ce
guide, ainsi que les symboles de sécurité qui figurent sur le produit.
• Si, du fait des circonstances, ce produit cesse de fonctionner normalement, cessez
de l'utiliser et empêchez-en l'utilisation future.

Évitez le risque de blessures et de dommages aux produits! Ne procédez à

aucune tâche tant que vous n'aurez pas entièrement assimilé les conditions
indiquées par un symbole!

Ce symbole figure dans la documentation accompagnant ce produit. Il

indique d'importantes instructions de fonctionnement ou d'entretien.

Ce symbole peut être attaché à ce produit. Il indique une borne sous

tension; la direction indique la borne.

Ce symbole peut être attaché à ce produit. Il indique une borne de terre

de protection.

Ce symbole peut être attaché à ce produit. Il indique une température

excessive ou dangereuse.

Alimentation
• Important! Si ce produit fait partie de la classe I, vous devez le mettre à la terre.
• Ce produit se branche dans une prise murale. Cette dernière doit être placée à
proximité du produit et doit être facilement accessible.
• Ne branchez ce produit qu'à la source d'alimentation indiquée sur son panneau
arrière.
• Si ce produit n'a pas d'interrupteur d'alimentation générale, le cordon
d'alimentation remplit ce rôle.
suite page suivante

viii 546497 Rev A

Règles de Sécurité, Suite

Enceinte
• Ne laissez pas l'humidité pénétrer dans ce produit.
• N'ouvrez pas l'enceinte de ce produit, sauf instructions contraires.
• Ne forcez pas d'objets dans les ouvertures du boîtier.

Câbles
• Débranchez toujours tous les cordons d'alimentation avant de réparer ce produit.
• Tirez toujours sur la prise ou le connecteur pour débrancher un câble, Ne tirez
jamais directement sur le câble.
• Ne marchez pas sur les câbles ou les prises et n'y exercez aucune pression.

Fusibles
• Utilisez toujours un fusible de type et de valeur corrects, indiqués sur le produit.
• Débranchez toujours tous les cordons d'alimentation avant de changer un fusible.

Réparations effectuées à l'usine

Ne confiez les travaux de réparations qu'au personnel autorisé par l'usine.

546497 Rev A ix
Sicherheitsvorkehrungen

Schützen Sie sich gegen elektrischen Schlag, und Ihr Gerät gegen Beschädigung!
• Dieses Gerät entspricht internationalen Sicherheits-und Ausführungsnormen.
Beachten Sie alle in diesem Handbuch enthaltenen Sicherheitshinweise sowie die
am Gerät angebrachten Warnzeichen.
• Sollten örtliche Umstände den sicheren Betrieb dieses Gerätes beeinträchtigen,
schalten Sie es ab und sichern es gegen weitere Benutzung.

Vermeiden Sie Verletzungen sowie Beschädigung des Gerätes! Wenn Sie zu

einem der folgenden Warnzeichen gelangen, nicht weiterarbeiten, bis Sie seine
Bedeutung voll verstanden haben!

Dieses Symbol erscheint auf dem Gerät und/oder in der ihm

beiliegenden Literatur. Es bedeutet wichtige, zu beachtende Betriebs-
oder Wartungsanweisungen.

Wenn dieses Zeichen am Gerät angebracht ist, warnt es vor einer

spannungsführenden Stelle.

Wenn dieses Zeichen am Gerät angebracht ist, verweist es auf einen

Schutzleiteranschluß.

Wenn dieses Zeichen am Gerät angebracht ist, warnt es vor heißen

Stellen, die zu Verbrennungen führen können.

Netzspannung
• Wichtig! Wenn dieses Gerät ein Produkt der Schutzklasse I ist, muß es geerdet
werden
• Das Gerät ist an einer Steckdose anzuschließen. Diese muß sich leicht zugänglich
in unmittelbarer Nähe des Gerätes befinden.
• Die Netzversorgung muß den auf der Rückwand des Gerätes angegebenen
Werten entsprechen.
• Falls sich kein Hauptschalter am Gerät befindet, dient das Netzkabel diesem
Zweck.
Fortsetzung nächste Seite

x 546497 Rev A
Sicherheitsvorkehrungen, Fortsetzung

Gehäuse
• Das Innere des Gerätes ist vor Feuchtigkeit zu schützen.
• Das Gehäuse ist nicht zu öffnen.
• Niemals einen Gegenstand durch die Gehäuseöffnungen einführen!

Kabel
• Vor jeglicher Wartung des Gerätes sind alle Kabel zu entfernen.
• Hierzu grundsätzlich am Stecker oder Verbindungsstück und niemals am Kabel
selber ziehen.
• Nicht auf die Kabel oder Stecker treten oder diese einer Zugbelastung aussetzen.

Sicherung
• Grundsätzlich eine Sicherung der richtigen Ausführung und Leistung
verwenden. Diese sind am Gerät angegeben.
• Vor Auswechseln der Sicherung stets alle Netzkabel entfernen.

Hersteller-Wartung
Wartungsarbeiten sind nur durch vom Hersteller autorisierte Techniker
vorzunehmen.

546497 Rev A xi
Precauciones de Seguridad

¡Protéjase contra la electrocución y proteja su sistema contra los daños!

• Este producto cumple con los criterios internacionales de seguridad y diseño.
Observe todas los procedimientos de seguridad que aparecen en esta guía, y los
símbolos de seguridad adheridos a este producto.
• Si las circunstancias impiden la operación segura de este producto, suspenda la
operación y asegure este producto para que no siga funcionando.

¡Evite lastimarse y evite dañar el producto! No avance más allá de cualquier

símbolo hasta comprender completamente las condiciones indicadas!

Encontrará este símbolo en el impreso que acompaña a este producto.

Este símbolo indica instrucciones importantes de funcionamiento o
mantenimiento.

Es posible que este símbolo esté pegado al producto. Este símbolo

indica un terminal vivo, la flecha apunta hacia el aparato terminal.

Podría encontrar este símbolo pegado al producto. Este símbolo indica

un terminal de protección de tierra.

Podría encontrar este símbolo pegado al producto. Este símbolo indica

calor excesivo o peligroso.

Electricidad
• ¡Importante! Es necesario poner el producto a tierra si es un producto de Clase I.
• Este producto se conecta a un enchufe. El enchufe necesita estar cerca del
producto y ser fácilmente accesible.
• Conecte este producto únicamente a la fuente de suministro eléctrico indicada en
el panel posterior del producto.
• Si el producto no tiene interruptor para la linea principal, utilice el cordón toma
de corriente para este propósito.
Sigue en la próxima página

xii 546497 Rev A

Precauciones de Seguridad, Continuación

Cubierta
• No permita que la humedad penetre en este producto.
• No abra la cubierta del producto a menos que se indique lo contrario.
• No introduzca objetos a través de las aberturas de la cubierta del producto.

Cables
• Desconecte siempre todos los cables eléctricos antes de revisar o reparar el
producto.
• Tire siempre del enchufe o del conector para desconectar un cable. Nunca tire del
cable mismo.
• No camine ni aplique presión sobre los cables o enchufes.

Fusible
• Use siempre un fusible del tipo y clasificación correctos. El tipo y la clasificación
correctos están indicados en el producto.
• Desconecte siempre todos los cables eléctricos antes de cambiar un fusible.

Revisión y reparación de fábrica

Solo personal aprobado por la fábrica puede darle servicio al producto.

546497 Rev A xiii

Precauzioni di Sicurezza

Proteggetevi da scosse elettriche e proteggete il vostro sistema da possibili danni!

• Questo prodotto soddisfa le norme internazionali per la sicurezza ed il design.
Seguite tutte le procedure di sicurezza contenute in questa guida e i simboli di
sicurezza applicati al prodotto.
• Se circostanze avverse compromettono la sicurezza d'uso di questo prodotto,
interrompetene l'uso e assicuratevi che il prodotto non venga più utilizzato.

Evitare infortuni alla persona e danni al prodotto! Non procedere oltre a

qualunque simbolo fino a quando non si siano comprese pienamente le
condizioni indicate!

Questo simbolo, che appare nella letteratura di accompagnamento del

prodotto, indica importanti istruzioni d'uso e di manutenzione.

Sul prodotto potete vedere questo simbolo che indica un dispositivo

terminale sotto tensione; la freccia punta verso il dispositivo.

Potrete trovare il presente simbolo applicato a questo prodotto. Questo

simbolo indica un terminale protettivo di messa a terra.

Potrete trovare il presente simbolo attaccato a questo prodotto. Questo

simbolo indica un calore eccessivo o pericoloso.

Alimentazione
• Importante! Se questo prodotto è di Classe I, va messo a terra.
• Questo prodotto si inserisce in una presa di corrente. La presa di corrente deve
essere in prossimità del prodotto, e deve essere facilmente accessibile.
• Collegare questo prodotto solamente alla fonte di alimentazione indicata sul
pannello posteriore di questo prodotto.
• Se questo prodotto non è dotato di un interruttore principale, il cavo di
alimentazione funge a questo scopo.
Continua alla pagina seguente

xiv 546497 Rev A

Precauzioni di Sicurezza, Continua

Chiusura
• Proteggete da umidità questo prodotto.
• Non aprire la chiusura di questo prodotto a meno che non sia specificato
diversamente.
• Non inserire oggetti attraverso le fessure della chiusura.

Cavi
• Staccare sempre tutti i cavi di alimentazione prima di svolgere l'assistenza tecnica
al prodotto.
• Per scollegare un cavo tirate la spina o il connettore, non tirare mai il cavo stesso.
• Non calpestare o sottoporre a sollecitazioni i cavi o le prese.

Fusibile
• Utilizzare sempre un fusibile che sia di tipo e potenza nominale corretta. Il tipo e
la potenza nominale corretta sono indicati su questo prodotto.
• Staccare sempre tutti i cavi di alimentazione prima di sostituire un fusibile.

Riparazionoi di fabbrica
Per le riparazioni contattate solamente personale tecnico autoizzato dalla fabbrica.

546497 Rev A xv
Important Rules for Safe Operation

Notice for CATV installers

If you are a CATV installer, read the information in the box below.

Read and retain instructions

Carefully read all safety and operating instructions before operating this product,
and retain them for future reference.

Heed warnings
Follow all warnings and cautions in the operating instructions, as well as those that
are affixed to this product.

Follow instructions
Follow all operating instructions that accompany this product.

Cleaning
Before cleaning, unplug this product from the socket-outlet. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

Continued on next page

xvi 546497 Rev A

Important Rules for Safe Operation, Continued

Water and moisture

Do not expose this product to moisture. Do not place this product on a wet surface,
or spill liquids on or near this product.

Placement
• Place this product close enough to a mains AC socket-outlet to accommodate the
length of the product power cord.
• Make sure the mounting surface is stable and can support the size and weight of
this product.

WARNING!
AVOID PERSONAL INJURY AND DAMAGE TO THIS PRODUCT! AN UNSTABLE
SURFACE MAY CAUSE THIS PRODUCT TO FALL.

Accessories

Caution:
Maintain electrical safety! Power-operated equipment or accessories that you
connect to this product should bear the UL listing mark or CSA certification
mark on the accessory itself, and should not be modified so as to defeat the
safety features. This will help avoid any potential for electric shock or fire. If in
doubt contact qualified service personnel.

Use this product only with a cart, stand, bracket, table, or other mounting
accessories that meet Scientific-Atlanta specifications. Carefully follow all
instructions for proper mounting.

WARNING! AVOID PERSONAL INJURY AND DAMAGE TO THIS PRODUCT!

MOVE ANY APPLIANCE AND CART COMBINATION WITH CARE.
QUICK STOPS, EXCESSIVE FORCE, AND UNEVEN SURFACES MAY
CAUSE THE APPLIANCE AND CART TO OVERTURN.

546497 Rev A xvii

Important Rules for Safe Operation, Continued

Ventilation
• This product has openings for ventilation to protect it from overheating. To
ensure product reliability, do not block or cover these openings.
• Do not place entertainment equipment, lamps, books, or other objects on top of
this product.
• Do not place this product in any of the following locations.
− On a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface
− Over a radiator or heat register
− In a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or rack, unless the installation
provides proper ventilation

WARNING!
AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FIRE HAZARD! NEVER PUSH OBJECTS THROUGH THE
OPENINGS IN THIS PRODUCT. FOREIGN OBJECTS CAN TOUCH DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
POINTS OR CAUSE ELECTRICAL SHORTS THAT CAN RESULT IN ELECTRIC SHOCK OR
FIRE.

Power sources
• A label on this product indicates the correct power source for this product.
Operate this product only from a socket-outlet with the voltage and frequency
indicated on the product label.
• If you are uncertain of the type of power supply to your home or business,
consult Scientific-Atlanta or your local power company.

WARNING!
AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK AND FIRE HAZARD! DO NOT OVERLOAD SOCKET-OUTLETS
AND EXTENSION CORDS. FOR PRODUCTS THAT REQUIRE BATTERY POWER OR OTHER
SOURCES TO OPERATE, REFER TO THE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THOSE
PRODUCTS.

xviii 546497 Rev A

Important Rules for Safe Operation, Continued

Grounding
This product is equipped with one of the following types of safety plug.
• Three-prong (grounding pin) plug
• Two-prong (polarized) plug

Follow the guidelines in the table below to properly ground this product.

IF this product has a... THEN insert this plug...

3-prong plug, into a grounded mains, three-socket outlet.
Note: The middle prong on this Note: If you are unable to insert this plug
plug is a protective grounding pin. fully into the socket-outlet, try reversing the
plug. If the plug still fails to fit, contact an
electrician to replace your obsolete socket-
outlet.
2-prong plug, into a grounded mains, two-socket outlet in
Note: This plug has one wide which one socket is wider than the other.
prong and one narrow prong. It is Note: This plug fits only one way. If you are
a polarized plug. unable to insert this plug fully into the outlet,
contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete socket-outlet.

Power cord protection

Route all power supply cords so that people cannot walk on, or place objects on or
against, them. This can pinch or damage the cords. Pay particular attention to cords
at plugs, socket-outlets, and the points where the cords exit the product.

Lightning and power surges

To protect this product against damage from lightning storms and power-line
surges, do the following:
• Disconnect the power cord from the grounded mains socket-outlet and disconnect
the antenna or cable system under the following circumstances.
− During lightning storms, or
− When you are not using this product for an extended period
• Ground your antenna system to provide some protection against voltage surges
and built-up static charge.

546497 Rev A xix

Important Rules for Safe Operation, Continued

Servicing
Do not open the cover of this product and attempt service unless instructed to do so
in the operating instructions. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel only.

WARNING!
AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK! OPENING OR REMOVING THE COVER MAY EXPOSE YOU TO
DANGEROUS VOLTAGES.

Damage requiring service

For damage that requires service, unplug this product from the socket-outlet. Refer
service to qualified personnel under the following conditions.
• When there is damage to the power-supply cord or plug
• If liquid enters, or an object falls on this product
• If you expose this product to rain or water
• If this product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions
• If you drop this product or damage its cabinet
• When this product exhibits a distinct change in performance

Caution:
Avoid damage to this product! Adjust only those controls the operating
instructions describe. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage that may require extensive corrective work by a qualified technician.

Safety check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician
to perform safety checks to determine that this product is in proper operating
condition.

Continued on next page

xx 546497 Rev A
Important Rules for Safe Operation, Continued

Outdoor grounding system

If this product connects to an outdoor antenna or cable system, be sure the antenna
or cable system is grounded (earthed). This provides some protection against
voltage surges and built-up static charges.
Section 810 of the National Electric Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1990, provides
the following information:
• Grounding of the mast and supporting structure
• Grounding the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit
• Size of the grounding conductors
• Location of the antenna-discharge unit
• Connection to grounding electrodes
• Requirements for the grounding electrodes

546497 Rev A xxi

Warranty

Statement
We warrant good title to any hardware furnished under this Contract. For software,
we warrant that we have the right to grant any software license granted. We
warrant that services will be performed in a good and workmanlike manner. We
also warrant that during the Warranty Period as defined below, each Item we
deliver (other than separately licensed software and services) will be free from
material defects in workmanship and materials and under ordinary use, conform in
all material respects to its published specifications current at the time the Item was
shipped.
Items may include refurbished goods, subassemblies, or components which we
warrant as provided in this Warranty section.

Warranty Period
The Warranty Period begins on the date the Item is delivered and extends for 12
months for hardware and 90 days for software, parts and services. We will repair or
replace, at our option, any product returned to us by Customers at their expense
during the Warranty Period, which fails to satisfy this Warranty, unless the failure
was the result of shipping; improper installation, maintenance or use; abnormal
conditions of operation; attempted modification or repair by the Customer; or an act
of God. We will reperform any services which do not conform to this Warranty
provided we have received notice of non-conformance within the Warranty Period.

Limitation of liability
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES
, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY
,
, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR
INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY
. CUSTOMER’S SOLE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY IS THE REPAIR OR
NONINFRINGEMENT
REPLACEMENT, AT OUR OPTION, OF THE FAILEDITEM. WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
, TO CUSTOMERS OF THE CUSTOMER
.

Customer responsibility
Customer must pay packing, crating, and transportation costs to and from the
factory.
At Customer's request, we will make reasonable efforts to provide warranty service
at the Customer's premises, provided the Customer pays our then current rates for
field services and the associated travel and living expenses.

Continued on next page

xxii 546497 Rev A

Warranty, Continued

Claims under this warranty

In case of a claim under this warranty, Customer should do the following:

Step Action
A • Notify us by giving the Item model number, serial number and details
of the difficulty.
• On receipt of this information, you will be given service data or
shipping instructions.
B • On receipt of shipping instructions, forward the Item prepaid.
• If the Item or fault is not covered by warranty, an estimate of charges
will be furnished before work begins.

Disclaimer
EXCEPT FOR CLAIMS FOR PERSONAL INJURY CAUSED IBY
TEMS FURNISHED HEREUNDER , WE SHALL
, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
NOT BE LIABLE TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR INDIRECT
CONSEQUENTIAL , PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH
THIS TRANSACTION OR ANY ACTS OR OMISSIONS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH OR RELATING TO THE SALE
OR USE OF ANYITEMS OR SERVICES FURNISHED
, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED ON BREACH OF
WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHER LEGAL THEORY
, AND REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSES OF SUCH
ANY OTHER REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN FAILS
LOSS OR DAMAGES OR WHETHER . IN NO EVENT SHALL
OUR TOTAL LIABILITY UNDER
A CONTRACT EXCEED AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID
FOR ITEMS PURCHASEDUNDER SUCH CONTRACT
.

546497 Rev A xxiii

Model 9860/9861 Upconverters and
Model 9803/9803B Rear Interface Modules
Installation and Operation Guide

1 Continuum Headend System

Overview
 Chapter 1
Continuum Headend System Overview
Overview

Introduction
Before you begin installing and using your new system, you should review this
system overview information.

Scope of this chapter

This chapter contains a description of the Series 9800 Continuum™ Headend System
components and a functional description of the upconverter and its rear interface
module.

In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics.

Topic See Page

Introduction 1-2
System Components 1-3
Component Relationships 1-6
Upconverter Functional Description 1-8

546497 Rev A Continuum Headend System Overview 1-1

Introduction

Overview
The Continuum Headend System product family provides users with a vertically-
oriented, compact, full-featured ensemble of headend functions. Continuum
products give today’s video information providers an integrated, high performance
platform for all vital headend applications.
The Model 9860 and 9861 Upconverters have been specifically designed to provide
support for versatile system architectures and include plug-and-play and automatic
backup capabilities.
Available TV standards for the upconverter are:
• NTSC M
• PAL M
• PAL N

The Model 9860 and 9861 Upconverters process a VSB IF signal to produce an RF
signal at a selected CATV channel frequency. At its input, the upconverter accepts a
composite IF signal corresponding to NTSC M, PAL M, and PAL N video formats.

Features
The Model 9860 and 9861 Upconverters have the following features:
• Frequency agile
• Plug-and-play capability
• Status monitoring and control of all functions
• Composite IF input and output for source and hub applications
• Compact size
• Compatible with composite IF scrambling techniques
• Compatible with Scientific-Atlanta Element Manager Software
• Front panel LCD display and test point
• IF Automatic Gain Control (AGC)

1-2 Continuum Headend System Overview 546497 Rev A

System Components

Introduction
The Series 9800 Continuum Headend System consists of a controller module,
controller rear interface module, and up to eight application modules with their
matching rear interface modules. These modules are all installed into the
Continuum Headend System chassis which then mounts in a standard EIA rack.
Various configurations of components in a chassis create platforms for a variety of
headend functions such as modulation, demodulation, encoding, monitoring and
control.

System component descriptions

The following table describes the Continuum Headend System components.

Part Function
chassis The chassis is a special metal frame assembly designed to
house one controller module and up to eight application
modules and their matching rear interface modules.
The chassis:
• is 5 RU in height
• mounts in a standard EIA rack or a relay rack
• contains nine module-mounting positions called slots
• contains an inter-module bus that physically connects the
modules in the chassis
Note: Chassis slots are numbered 0 through 8 from left to
right facing the front of the chassis.
controller module The controller module is a special module that:
• must reside in slot 0 in the chassis
• provides power to the other application modules in the
chassis
• controls backup functions and communications between
the application modules in the chassis
• provides the Status Monitoring and Control (SMC)
interface to Element Management Systems

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Continuum Headend System Overview 1-3

System Components, Continued

System component descriptions (continued)

Part Function
application An application module:
module
• performs a prescribed set of independent functions such as
modulation or stereo encoding
• is inserted into a slot from the front of the chassis
• can reside in slots 1 through 8 in the chassis
rear interface A rear interface module:
module
• mates with a specific application module or controller
• prepares the slot to receive a specific application module
• provides the input and output connections to a specific
application module
• is inserted into a slot from the rear of the chassis
inter-module bus The inter-module bus:
• provides a physical connection to all rear interface modules
and, therefore, to all application modules in the chassis
• carries DC power, communications, backup, and control
signals between the controller and the application modules
in the chassis through their rear interface modules

Continued on next page

1-4 Continuum Headend System Overview 546497 Rev A

System Components, Continued

Upconverter and rear interface module models

The Series 9860 Upconverters and Series 9800 Rear Interface Modules are available
in different models depending on your output requirements.
The following table shows the available models.

RF Output Frequency Series 9860 Series 9800 Rear

Upconverter Interface Module
Agile, 50 MHz to 550 MHz Model 9860 Model 9803
Model 9803B
Agile, 550 MHz to 870 MHz Model 9861 Model 9803
Model 9803B

Note: The Model 9803 Rear Interface Module uses F connectors for the COMP IF
IN, COMP IF OUT, and RF OUTPUT connections while the Model 9803B uses BNC
connectors for these connections. Only these three connectors are used when using
the Model 9803/9803B rear interface modules with Model 9860/9861 Upconverters.

546497 Rev A Continuum Headend System Overview 1-5

Component Relationships

Introduction
The Continuum chassis houses the controller and other application modules. The
following relationships exist between the controller, application modules, and the
chassis inter-module bus:
• Rear interface modules plug into the chassis inter-module bus and to their
matching application modules.
• The controller and other application modules plug into their matching rear
interface module only, not into the inter-module bus.
• All user connections (audio, video, IF, and RF input and output) are made
through the rear interface modules. These signals are then routed directly to the
matching application modules.
• Rear interface modules are function specific and only mate with a specific
application module.
• The inter-module bus carries DC power, communications, backup, and control
signals between the controller and the application modules in the chassis.
• The inter-module bus also routes backup (audio, video, subcarrier, and IF)
signals.

Continued on next page

1-6 Continuum Headend System Overview 546497 Rev A

Component Relationships, Continued

Signal flow diagram

The following diagram is a generic signal flow diagram that applies to all types of
Continuum Headend System applications.

546497 Rev A Continuum Headend System Overview 1-7

Upconverter Functional Description

Introduction
The Series 9860 Upconverters require one application module and one rear interface
module.

Rear interface module functional description

The rear interface module is the gateway through which the composite IF signal
pass to and from the upconverter. A composite VSB IF signal is routed through the
rear interface module to the upconverter, where it is processed and sent back
through the rear interface module as an RF signal at a selected CATV channel
frequency. You can use the connectors on the rear interface module panel to access
an RF output or composite IF output signal. The separate composite IF output
signal replicates the signal present on composite IF in.
The rear interface module also routes status signals to the inter-module bus. These
signals are constantly monitored for changes by the Controller module. For more
information about the inter-module bus, refer to the Continuum Model 9800 Chassis
Information Guide, part number 546490.
All external connections are made at the rear interface module.

Upconverter module functional description

The upconverter application module processes a composite VSB IF input signal
received from the rear interface module. The module output is an RF signal at a
selected channel.
The vestigial IF section provides automatic gain control to the composite IF signal.
The RF section converts the composite IF signal into the RF signal, which is
commonly thought of as a “channel.”
This RF signal is then sent from the upconverter to the rear interface module, which,
as described above, makes the signal available for output.

Continued on next page

1-8 Continuum Headend System Overview 546497 Rev A

Upconverter Functional Description, Continued

Upconverter module functional description (continued)

The following diagram shows how the Series 9860 Upconverter processes and
routes signals.

546497 Rev A Continuum Headend System Overview 1-9

Model 9860/9861 Upconverters and
Model 9803/9803B Rear Interface Modules
Installation and Operation Guide

2 Installing the Rear Interface

Module
 Chapter 2
Installing the Rear Interface Module
Overview

Introduction
The Model 9803 and 9803B Rear Interface Modules are designed to work with the
Model 9860/9861 Upconverters. You must install the rear interface module in the
chassis before installing the upconverter.

Scope of this chapter

This chapter explains how to install the Series 9800 Rear Interface Module. After
following the module installation procedures, read Module Connections and
Wiring to learn how to configure your new rear interface module.

In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics.

Topic See Page

Before You Begin 2-2
Installing a Rear Interface Module into the Chassis 2-3
Module Connections and Wiring 2-6
Removing a Rear Interface Module 2-9
Maintenance 2-11

546497 Rev A Installing the Rear Interface Module 2-1

Before You Begin

Introduction
You must make certain preparations before installing your Series 9800 Rear
Interface Module. These items are outlined in the following “Site requirements”
section.

Site requirements
Your site must meet the following requirements before you can proceed with the
installation:
• The chassis must be installed in a standard EIA rack. For instructions, refer to the
Continuum Model 9800 Chassis Information Guide, part number 546490.
• The Model 9810 Controller and Model 9801 Controller Rear Interface Module
must be installed in the chassis. For instructions, refer to the Model 9810/9813
Controllers and Model 9801/9802 Rear Interface Modules Installation and Operation
Guide, part number 546491.
• Approved power sources: 90 V AC to 264 V AC (continuous) and/or 48 V DC
nominal to 60 V DC maximum. SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) only.
• Racking and environment temperature: Temperature inside rack must be
maintained between 0°C and +50°C (32°F and 122°F).

Rear interface module models

Two rear interface modules are available for the Model 9860/9861 Upconverters.
Either rear interface module can be used with either upconverter. The only
difference between the two rear interface modules is their connector types.
The Model 9803 Rear Interface Module uses F connectors for the COMP IF IN,
COMP IF OUT, and RF OUTPUT connections while the Model 9803B uses BNC
connectors for these connections.

2-2 Installing the Rear Interface Module 546497 Rev A

Installing a Rear Interface Module into the Chassis

Introduction
You must install the Series 9800 Rear Interface Module(s) before installing any Series
9860 Upconverter(s) in the chassis. The Continuum Headend System equipment is
a plug-and-play design, which allows you to change out application modules
without removing power from the chassis.

Installing the module in the chassis

Follow these steps to install the rear interface module in the chassis.

Step Action
1 Align the guide rails on the top and bottom of the rear interface module
with the guide slots in the chassis.
Note: The upconverter’s rear interface module must not be installed in
the slot reserved for the controller’s rear interface module, which must
occupy the right-most slot in the chassis when viewed from the back of
the chassis.
2 Slowly insert the rear interface module into the chassis until some initial
resistance is felt, about 1/4 inch before the front panel of the rear
interface module touches the back of the chassis.

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Installing the Rear Interface Module 2-3

Installing a Rear Interface Module into the Chassis, Continued

Installing the module in the chassis (continued)

Step Action
3 Carefully insert the rear interface module the remaining distance into
the chassis by pressing in on the module with your thumbs near the two
captive screws.

Caution:
Do not use excessive force when inserting the rear interface module
the remaining distance into the chassis. The self-aligning
connectors on the rear interface module and the inter-module bus
can be damaged if you use too much force. If the module does not
install easily, remove it, inspect the connectors for damage, and start
over at step 1.

Attention:
Ne forcez pas outre mesure lors de l’insertion du module d’interface
arrière dans le châssis. Les connecteurs à alignement automatique
du module d’interface arrière et la barre de connexion pourraient
être endommagés si vous utilisez une force excessive. Si le module
ne se met pas facilement en place, retirez-le, inspectez les
connecteurs pour vérifier qu’ils ne sont pas abîmés, puis
recommencez à partir de l’étape 1.

Vorsicht:
Beim endgültigen Einrasten des hinteren Schnittstellenmoduls in
den Einbaurahmen keine Gewalt anwenden. Bei Gewaltanwendung
können die selbstjustierenden Steckverbindungen am hinteren
Schnittstellenmodul sowie der Kreuzverbindungsbus beschädigt
werden. Falls sich das Modul nicht ohne Schwierigkeiten einrasten
läßt, entfernen, die Steckverbindungen auf eventuelle Schäden
überprüfen und mit Schritt 1 von vorn beginnen.

(Step 3 continued on next page.)

Continued on next page

2-4 Installing the Rear Interface Module 546497 Rev A

Installing a Rear Interface Module into the Chassis, Continued

Installing the module in the chassis (continued)

Step Action
3
cont’d
Precaución:
No use fuerza excesiva al insertar el módulo de interfase trasero en
la distancia restante dentro del chasis. Los conectores
autoalineadores del módulo de interfase trasero y el bus de
conexión cruzada pueden dañarse si se utiliza demasiada fuerza. Si
el módulo no se instala fácilmente, quítelo, revise los conectores por
daño y vuelva a comenzar con el paso 1.

Result: The module connector is seated in the connector on the bus.

4 Insert and tighten the two captive screws.

Result: The rear interface module is installed.

546497 Rev A Installing the Rear Interface Module 2-5

Module Connections and Wiring

Introduction
This diagram shows the Model 9803 Rear Interface Module panel.

Continued on next page

2-6 Installing the Rear Interface Module 546497 Rev A

Module Connections and Wiring, Continued

Rear interface module connections

Read the following table for descriptions of the rear interface connections.

Note: Several of the connectors on the rear interface module are not used with the
upconverter application module. Only the COMP IF OUT, COMP IF IN, and
OUTPUT connectors are used with the Model 9860/9861 Upconverters.

Connector Type Function

SUBCARRIER IN BNC connector (female) Receives audio subcarrier
4.5 MHz audio subcarrier input
Note: Not used on Model
9860/9861 Upconverters
VIDEO IN BNC connector (female) Receives baseband video
input
Note: Not used on Model
9860/9861 Upconverters
COMP IF OUT F connector Composite IF signal
(Model 9803) available for routing to
BNC connector (female) another module (not a
(Model 9803B) loop)

COMP IF IN F connector Input connector for

(Model 9803) external composite IF
BNC connector (female) source (not a loop)
(Model 9803B)
AUDIO IF OUT F connectors Supplies a separate audio
AUDIO IF IN (Model 9803) and video IF loop for
BNC connectors (female) connection to a scrambler
VIDEO IF OUT
(Model 9803B) Note: Not used on Model
VIDEO IF IN 9860/9861 Upconverters
OUTPUT F connector Provides modulated RF
(Model 9803) output. For instructions
BNC connector (female) about adjusting the RF
(Model 9803B) level, see chapter 4

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Installing the Rear Interface Module 2-7

Module Connections and Wiring, Continued

Rear interface module connections (continued)

Connector Type Function

BB AUD+ Terminal Block Receives baseband audio
BB AUD- input
Note: Not used on Model
9860/9861 Upconverters
GND Terminal Block Receives audio-cable
shield connection
Note: Not used on Model
9860/9861 Upconverters
EAS SEL Terminal Block Control signal to select
EAS (Emergency Alert
System) inputs. Connect
to ground to select EAS
input.
Note: Not used on Model
9860/9861 Upconverters
EAS+ Terminal Block Receives EAS audio input
EAS- (This input provides
audio override only.)
Note: Not used on Model
9860/9861 Upconverters
GND Terminal Block Receives EAS audio-cable
shielded connection
Note: Not used on Model
9860/9861 Upconverters
IF SEL Terminal Block Control signal to select
Comp IF In (Connect to
ground to select external
Comp IF In.)
Note: Not used on Model
9860/9861 Upconverters

2-8 Installing the Rear Interface Module 546497 Rev A

Removing a Rear Interface Module

Introduction
On occasion, you may need to remove or replace a rear interface module. You can
remove and replace a defective unit without affecting other channels, since you
don’t have to remove power from the chassis to change out a unit.

Removing a module from the chassis

Follow these steps to remove the upconverter’s rear interface module.

Step Action
1 Disconnect all cables from the rear interface module.
2 Loosen the two captive screws.
3 Carefully pull the rear interface module straight out from the chassis
about one inch until the connector with the inter-module bus is
separated.

Caution:
Be prepared to support the module in case the connector separates
suddenly. Do not use any bending or wiggling motions, as the self-
aligning connectors on the rear interface module or the inter-module
bus can be damaged by such force. Pull straight out with the
captive screw housings.

Attention:
Soyez prêt à soutenir le module au cas où le connecteur se séparerait
brusquement. N’employez pas de mouvement latèral ni de
mouvement d’oscillation. Les connecteurs à alignement automatique
du module d’interface arrière ou la barre de connexion pourraient
être endommagés par un mouvement de ce type. Tirez tout droit
avec les logements des vis captives.

(Step 3 continued on next page.)

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Installing the Rear Interface Module 2-9

Removing a Rear Interface Module, Continued

Removing a module from the chassis (continued)

Step Action
3
cont’d
Vorsicht:
Sie sollten bereit sein, das Modul für den Fall, daß sich die
Steckverbindung plötzlich löst, von unter her zu stützen. Beim
Entfernen des Moduls darauf achten, daß es unverkantet und ohne
Wackelbewegungen herausgezogen wird, da ansonsten die
selbstjustierenden Steckverbindungen am hinteren
Schnittstellenmodul sowie der Kreuzverbindungsbus beschädigt
werden können. Das Modul zusammen mit den unverlierbaren
Schraubenfassungen unverkantet herausziehen.

Precaución:
Esté preparado para soportar el módulo por si el conector se separa
repentinamente. No realice ningún movimiento de flexión ni
meneo. Los conectores autoalineadores del módulo de interfase
trasero o el bus de conexión cruzada pueden ser dañados por tal
movimiento. Tire directamente hacia afuera por los alojamientos
con tornillos imperdibles.

Result: The module-to-bus connector is separated and the module can

be removed.
4 Carefully pull the module the rest of the way out of the chassis.
Result: The rear interface module is removed.

2-10 Installing the Rear Interface Module 546497 Rev A

Maintenance

Introduction
The Series 9800 Rear Interface Module is designed for years of reliable service.
Features such as gold-plated contacts minimize maintenance requirements.

Maintenance Procedures
Cleaning the contacts or any other parts of the module is not required.
You should keep your site clean and moisture-free. The presence of moisture
and/or large amounts of dust can shorten the life of electronic equipment.
Inspect your cables periodically. Make sure the connections are secure and the
cables are free of twists and crimps.

546497 Rev A Installing the Rear Interface Module 2-11

Model 9860/9861 Upconverters and
Model 9803/9803B Rear Interface Modules
Installation and Operation Guide

3 Installing the Upconverter

 Chapter 3
Installing the Upconverter
Overview

Introduction
The Model 9860/9861 Upconverters work with Model 9803 and Model 9803B Rear
Interface Modules to convert unprocessed audio and video signals into composite IF
and RF signals. You must install the upconverter application module after you have
installed the upconverter’s rear interface module.

Scope of this chapter

This chapter explains how to install a Series 9860 Upconverter. After completing the
upconverter installation procedures, read chapter 4, Operating the Upconverter, to
learn how to use the upconverter software.

In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics.
Topic See Page
Before You Begin 3-2
Installing an Upconverter into the Chassis 3-3
Removing an Upconverter 3-6
Maintenance 3-9

546497 Rev A Installing the Upconverter 3-1

Before You Begin

Introduction
You must make certain preparations before installing your Series 9860 Upconverter.
These items are outlined in the following “Site requirements” section.

Site requirements
Your site must meet the following requirements before you can proceed with the
installation:
• The chassis must be installed in a standard EIA rack. For instructions, refer to the
Continuum Model 9800 Chassis Information Guide, part number 546490.
• The Model 9810 Controller and Model 9801 Controller Rear Interface Module
must be installed in the chassis. For instructions, refer to the Model 9810/9813
Controllers and Model 9801/9802 Rear Interface Modules Installation and Operation
Guide, part number 546491.
• The correct Series 9800 Rear Interface Module for the upconverter must be
installed in the chassis. For instructions, refer to chapter 2, Installing the Rear
Interface Module.
• Approved power sources: 90 V AC to 264 V AC (continuous) and/or 48 V DC
nominal to 60 V DC maximum. SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) only.
• Racking and environment temperature: Temperature inside rack must be
maintained between 0°C and +50°C (32°F and 122°F).

3-2 Installing the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Installing an Upconverter into the Chassis

Introduction
Install the Series 9860 Upconverter after you have installed the Series 9800 Rear
Interface Module. The Continuum Headend System equipment is a plug-and-play
design which allows you to change out application modules without removing
power from the chassis.

Installing the upconverter in the chassis

Follow these steps to install the upconverter in the chassis.

Step Action
1 Make sure that the site requirements are met as outlined in Before You
Begin in this chapter. (This includes chassis installation, controller and
controller rear interface module installation, and upconverter rear
interface module installation.)
2 Align the guide rails on the top and bottom of the upconverter with the
guide slots in the chassis.
Note: Hold the upconverter with both hands. Support the upconverter
by placing one hand underneath the upconverter. Use your other hand
to guide the upconverter into the chassis.
Hint: Start by placing the bottom guide rail into the bottom guide slot
in the chassis. Then tilt the top of the upconverter forward placing the
top guide rail into the top guide slot in the chassis.
3 Slowly insert the upconverter into the chassis until some initial
resistance is felt, about 1/4 inch before the front panel of the
upconverter touches the front of the chassis.
(See diagram on next page.)

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Installing the Upconverter 3-3

Installing an Upconverter into the Chassis, Continued

Installing the upconverter in the chassis (continued)

Step Action
3
cont’d

4 Carefully insert the upconverter the remaining distance into the chassis
by pressing in with your thumbs on the two small handles on the front
of the upconverter next to the captive screws.

Caution:
Do not use excessive force when inserting the module the remaining
distance into the chassis. The pins on the connectors on the back of
the module may be bent or damaged if you use too much force. If
the module does not install easily, remove it, inspect the connectors
for damage, and start over at step 1.

Attention:
Ne forcez pas outre mesure lors de l’insertion du module dans le
châssis. Vous risqueriez de tordre ou d’abîmer les broches des
connecteurs qui se trouvent à l’arrière du module si vous utilisez
une force excessive. Si le module ne se met pas facilement en place,
retirez-le, inspectez les connecteurs pour vérifier qu’ils ne sont pas
abîmés, puis recommencez à partir de l’étape 1.

(Step 4 continued on next page.)

Continued on next page

3-4 Installing the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Installing an Upconverter into the Chassis, Continued

Installing the upconverter in the chassis (continued)

Step Action
4
cont’d
Vorsicht:
Beim endgültigen Einrasten des Moduls in den Einbaurahmen
keine Gewalt anwenden. Bei Gewaltanwendung können die Stifte
an den Steckverbindungen auf der Rückseite des Moduls verbogen
oder auf sonstige Weise beschädigt werden. Falls sich der Modul
nicht ohne Schwierigkeiten einrasten läßt, entfernen, die
Steckverbindungen auf eventuelle Schäden überprüfen und mit
Schritt 1 von vorn beginnen.

Precaución:
No use fuerza excesiva al insertar el módulo en la distancia restante
dentro del chasis. Los pines de los conectores en la parte trasera del
módulo pueden doblarse o dañarse si se utiliza demasiada fuerza. Si
el módulo no se instala fácilmente, quítelo, revise los conectores por
daño y vuelva a comenzar con el paso 1.

Result: The upconverter connectors are seated with the mating

connectors on the rear interface module.
5 Insert and tighten the two captive screws.

Result: The upconverter is installed.

546497 Rev A Installing the Upconverter 3-5

Removing an Upconverter

Introduction
Sometimes you may need to remove or replace a upconverter. In the case of a
upconverter failure, you can remove and replace the defective unit without
removing power from the chassis.

Removing an upconverter from the chassis

Follow these steps to remove a upconverter from the chassis.

Step Action
1 Loosen the two captive screws.
2 Carefully pull the upconverter straight out from the chassis about one
inch until the connectors with the rear interface module are separated.
Hint: For more control, place your index fingers under the two small
handles on the front of the upconverter next to the captive screws. Then
push against an adjacent section of the chassis with your thumbs.

Caution:
Do not use any side-to-side or wiggling motions when pulling the
module out of the chassis. The connectors could be damaged by
such motions.

Attention:
N’utilisez pas de mouvement latéral ni de mouvement d’oscillation
pour sortir le module du châssis. Les connecteurs pourraient être
endommagés par des mouvements de ce type.

Vorsicht:
Beim Entfernen des Moduls aus dem Einbaurahmen darauf achten,
daß der Modul unverkantet und ohne Wackelbewegungen
herausgezogen wird, da ansonsten die Steckverbindungen
beschädigt werden können.

(Step 2 continued on next page.)

Continued on next page

3-6 Installing the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Removing an Upconverter, Continued

Removing an upconverter from the chassis (continued)

Step Action
2
cont’d
Precaución:
No realice ningún movimiento lateral ni de meneo al sacar el
módulo del chasis. Los conectores podrían ser dañados por tales
movimientos.

Result: The upconverter to rear interface unit connectors are separated

and the upconverter can be removed.
3 Place one hand underneath the upconverter for support. With your
other hand, carefully pull the upconverter the rest of the way out of the
chassis.

WARNING!
AVOID PERSONAL INJURY AND DAMAGE TO THIS PRODUCT! BE
PREPARED TO SUPPORT THE MODULE FROM UNDERNEATH WITH
YOUR HAND AS IT EXITS THE CHASSIS. DO NOT PULL THE
MODULE TOO QUICKLY, IT MAY SLIP FROM YOUR HANDS AND
FALL TO THE FLOOR. THE MODULE COULD BE DAMAGED AND
YOU COULD BE INJURED AS A RESULT.

(Step 3 continued on next page.)

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Installing the Upconverter 3-7

Removing an Upconverter, Continued

Removing an upconverter from the chassis (continued)

Step Action
3
cont’d
AVERTISSEMENT!
EVITEZ DE VOUS BLESSER ET D’ENDOMMAGER CE
PRODUIT ! SOYEZ PRET A SOUTENIR LE MODULE PAR EN
DESSOUS AVEC VOS MAINS LORSQU’IL SORT DU CHASSIS.
NE TIREZ PAS TROP RAPIDEMENT SUR LE MODULE: IL
POURRAIT VOUS ECHAPPER DES MAINS ET TOMBER AU
SOL. LE MODULE POURRAIT ETRE ENDOMMAGE ET VOUS
POURRIEZ VOUS BLESSER.

WARNHINWEIS!
UM KÖRPERVERLETZUNGEN UND EINE BESCHÄDIGUNG
DIESES PRODUKTS ZU VERMEIDEN, SOLLTEN SIE BEIM
ENTFERNEN DES MODULS AUS DEM EINBAURAHMEN
BEREIT SEIN, IHN MIT IHREN HÄNDEN AUF DER
UNTERSEITE ZU STÜTZEN. DEN MODUL LANGSAM UND
VORSICHTIG HERAUSZIEHEN, UM ZU VERMEIDEN, DASS ER
IHREN HÄNDEN ENTSCHLÜPFT UND AUF DEN BODEN
FÄLLT, WAS ZU EINER BESCHÄDIGUNG DES MODULS UND
ZU KÖRPERVERLETZUNGEN FÜHREN KANN.

ADVERTENCIA!
¡EVITE LESIONES PERSONALES Y DAÑO A ESTE PRODUCTO!
ESTÉ PREPARADO PARA SOPORTAR EL MÓDULO DESDE
ABAJO CON LAS MANOS CUANDO SALE DEL CHASIS. NO
TIRE DEL MÓDULO DEMASIADO RÁPIDAMENTE YA QUE
PUEDE RESBALÁRSELE DE LAS MANOS Y CAER AL PISO.
COMO RESULTADO EL MÓDULO PODRÍA DAÑARSE Y USTED
PODRÍA LESIONARSE.

Result: The upconverter is removed from the chassis.

3-8 Installing the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Maintenance

Introduction
Your new Continuum Headend System is designed for years of reliable service.
You should perform routine maintenance to ensure the highest performance of your
equipment.

Cooling Fan
The upconverter contains one cooling fan for maintaining proper operating
temperatures.
Upconverter maintenance considerations include the following:
• Because the fan constantly draws air through the upconverter’s front panel vents,
it is important to keep those vents clear of dust or any other obstructions.
• Use a vacuum cleaner to remove all dust from the front panel vents. You should
clean the vents once every 90 days under normal operating conditions.
• The upconverter’s internal temperature can be monitored from the STATUS menu
on the upconverter’s LCD display.
• An indirect indication of a possible fan failure would be an over-temperature
alarm message on the STATUS menu of the upconverter’s LCD display.

For information about over temperature alarm conditions, refer to Model 9810/9813
Controllers and Model 9801/9802 Rear Interface Modules Installation and Operation Guide,
part number 546491.

546497 Rev A Installing the Upconverter 3-9

Model 9860/9861 Upconverters and
Model 9803/9803B Rear Interface Modules
Installation and Operation Guide

4 Operating the Upconverter

 Chapter 4
Operating the Upconverter
Overview

Introduction
The Series 9860 Upconverters feature easy-to-use software that is operated with a
12-key numeric keypad and an LCD display.

Scope of this chapter

This chapter explains how to use the upconverter software. A description of the
upconverter front panel keypad and LCD is included. Detailed procedures are
included on how to use the software menu trees to configure the upconverter. A list
of common alarm messages and their possible causes and solutions is also provided.

In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics.
Topic See Page
Upconverter Front Panel Description 4-2
Software Menu Trees 4-6
Configuring the Upconverter 4-15
System Configuration Guidelines 4-24
Frequency Plans 4-25
Alarm Messages/Troubleshooting 4-32

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-1

Upconverter Front Panel Description

Introduction
When the unit is in the static display mode (not in a setup or status mode), the front
panel LCD displays:
• The current channel/channel ID (or DT for direct tune)
• The frequency of the video carrier, including offsets.

The front panel also displays module-appropriate information such as:

• The measured RF output level
• The measured IF output level

Actual information displayed will depend on the configuration of the upconverter.

The LCD screen can also display two indicators:
• SHIFT (numeric entry mode)
• LLO (local lock out)

Continued on next page

4-2 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Upconverter Front Panel Description, Continued

Series 9860 Upconverter front panel

The following diagram shows the upconverter front panel.

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-3

Upconverter Front Panel Description, Continued

Front panel components

The upconverter front panel contains the following components:

Part Function
Alarm and Offline Inform the operator if an alarm condition exists or if the
LED indicators upconverter is off line (not in service).
LCD (Liquid Crystal Displays the upconverter’s menus and status information.
Display) screen
12-key numeric Used to navigate the upconverter’s menus and configure
keypad the upconverter.
Test point connector Used to monitor a -20 dB sample of the RF or composite IF
output, depending on upconverter configuration.

Note: The test point termination is 75 Ω characteristic impedance. If you want to

use 50 Ω characteristic impedance test equipment, you must use the appropriate
minimum loss pad for your test equipment.

LCD screen
The front panel LCD screen is the operator’s visual link to the upconverter’s
software. The following diagram shows the upconverter front panel LCD screen,
with some sample text, in static display mode.

Continued on next page

4-4 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Upconverter Front Panel Description, Continued

LCD screen display items

The following table describes each item displayed on the sample LCD screen.

Item Description
SHIFT Indicator Displays when the operator presses the SHIFT key to enter
Numeric Entry mode
LLO Indicator Displays when the upconverter front panel is placed in Local
Lock Out (LLO) mode by the Series 9810 Controller. In LLO
mode, the menus can be navigated to view the current
configuration, but no changes can be made.
78 Channel ID
547.250 MHz Channel output frequency
IF Level IF output level
38.0 dBmV
Est RF Lvl Estimated RF output level
60.0 dBmV

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-5

Software Menu Trees

Menu tree block diagram

The following diagram summarizes the three main branches of the upconverter
software menus.

STAT RF/IF OPT A/V

(not used)**

Status 1: Estimated RF Operating

Level* Mode
Current alarm messages
RF Level
Composite IF Level RF Output LCD
Channel* Contrast*

RF Output User Label

Status 2:
Mode Display
IF Source
IF AGC Mode Frequency Plan User Label
Backup Priority String

Frequency Backup
Status 3:
Offsets Priority*
Ext IF Select Status
Current internal temp. IF Gain Control Config
Maximum internal temp. Source
+8.5 V supply voltage
32-bit Serial ID
IF MGC Reset
Attenuation* Defaults

Status 4:
Model Number
Software Revision
Frequency Format & Plan
Baseband PWB ID
Vestigial IF PWB ID
Output Converter PWB ID
Interface Module ID

* Numeric Entry Mode

available on this menu
item. Press SHIFT key.

** A/V menu not used

on upconverter.

Continued on next page

4-6 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Software Menu Trees, Continued

STAT (Status Menu Tree)

The Status menu displays the current operational status of the upconverter. This
may or may not reflect all user configurations. You cannot make any configuration
changes with this menu. Press the PREV and NEXT keys to scroll through the
grouped menu items.

Menu Item Range/Choices Displays

Status 1 Text, levels • Current alarm messages
• RF level (dBmV)
• Composite IF Level (dBmV)
Status 2 Text, levels • IF Source (N/A)
• IF AGC Mode (AGC, MGC)
• Backup Priority (NONE, 1 to 8)
Status 3 Text, levels • Ext IF Select Status (N/A)
• Current internal temperature (°C)
• Maximum internal temperature (°C)
• +8.5 V supply voltage (volts)
• 32-bit Serial ID
Status 4 Text, PWB ID • Model Number (9860, 9861)
• Software Revision
• Frequency Format & Plan
• Baseband PWB ID (NONE)
• Vestigial IF PWB ID (NONE, NTSC,
No SAW)
• Output Converter PWB ID (NONE,
50 - 550)
• Interface Module ID (NONE, SGL,
DBL)

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-7

Software Menu Trees, Continued

RF/IF (RF and IF Setup Menu Tree)

Use this menu to make configuration changes to the upconverter RF and IF sections.

Menu Item Range/Choices Description

Estimated RF Level 48.0 dBmV to Sets the expected RF Output level (video
62.0 dBmV carrier) with a 38 dBmV Composite IF
input. This value will be corrected to ±1.5
dB over temperature and frequency.
Default: 60.0 dBmV
RF Output 1 to 99 Selects the channel or channel ID for the
Channel (Depends on channelized plans or the desired frequency
(Frequency) format and (in 12.5 kHz steps) for the direct-tune plan.
plan) Default: Channel 2 (55.25 MHz)
RF Output Mode ON Mutes the RF-output carrier. If ON, the RF
MUTE carrier is present. If MUTE, the carrier is
attenuated by >65 dB.
Default: ON
Frequency Plan STD Selects one of three channelized plans or a
HRC direct-tune plan in which you can directly
enter the frequency of the output-video
IRC carrier in 12.5 kHz steps.
Direct Tune Default: STD
Frequency Offsets AUTO For channelized plans only: selects the
NONE amount of offset (in 12.5-kHz steps) from
nominal video carrier frequency.
0, ±12.5 kHz to
±50 kHz Default: AUTO

Continued on next page

4-8 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Software Menu Trees, Continued

RF/IF (RF and IF Setup Menu Tree) (continued)

Menu Item Range/Choices Description

IF Gain Control AGC Selects IF gain control mode. In AGC
MGC mode, the composite IF level is adjusted
with a discrete-time (MCU) leveling loop.
This mode would normally be selected
when using an external composite IF
source.
In MGC mode, the IF gain is manually set
via the IF MGC Attenuation menu. This
mode must be selected if the baseband
video source is scrambled.
Default: AGC
IF MGC 0.0 dB to Sets the amount of attenuation (dB) of the
Attenuation 14.0 dB Composite IF signal when in IF MGC
mode. Current IF level displays in
parentheses.
This menu is only available if IF MGC gain
control mode is selected.
Default: 4.7 dB (Should be set for +38
dBmV Composite IF output for optimum
signal quality.)

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-9

Software Menu Trees, Continued

OPT (Options and Miscellaneous Setup Menu Tree)

Use this menu to set the operating mode and other user configuration options.

Menu Item Range/Choices Description

Operating Mode NORMAL If NORMAL, the unit is fully
OFFLINE functional.

BKUP TEST If OFFLINE, the unit mutes the RF

output and enters a low-power
standby state and notifies the
controller that it is not available.
BKUP TEST is similar to OFFLINE,
except it sends a simulated failure to
the controller. Use BKUP TEST to
test your backup system.
Default: OFFLINE
LCD Contrast 0% to 100% Adjusts the LCD contrast for
optimum viewing in 5% steps.
100% is maximum contrast.
Default: 50%
User Label Display OFF Turns on and off the display of a
ON custom user label in place of the
channel number.
Default: OFF

Continued on next page

4-10 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Software Menu Trees, Continued

OPT (Options and Miscellaneous Setup Menu Tree) (continued)

Menu Item Range/Choices Description

User Label String Up to 4-character If User Label Display is set to ON,
alphanumeric label this label displays on the
(valid characters are upconverter front panel LCD, in
A - Z, 0 - 9, space, place of the channel number, when
and various in static display mode.
punctuation marks) If frequency plan is STD, HRC, or
IRC, the channel number displays
under the user label in place of the
frequency. If the plan is Direct
Tune, the frequency displays as
usual.
If the channel or frequency is
changed (but not plan or offsets) the
user label is turned off and the
channel number displays.
The text is centered, with leading
and trailing spaces ignored.
Default: USER

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-11

Software Menu Trees, Continued

OPT (Options and Miscellaneous Setup Menu Tree) (continued)

Menu Item Range/Choices Description

Backup Priority NONE, 1 to 8 Sets the backup priority for the unit.
The controller uses this to resolve
competing requests for backup. For
example, in case of multiple-module
failure, the modules with the highest
priority are backed up first. The
highest priority is 1. The lowest
priority is 8. If you assign a priority
of NONE to a module, it is not
backed up if it fails.
There are no restrictions on
assigning backup priorities. If
multiple modules in the same
chassis have the same priority, the
module that fails first gets backed
up first, etc.
Default: NONE
Config Source SLOT Sets the configuration source for the
LOCAL upconverter.
If SLOT, the upconverter assumes
the configuration settings for the
chassis slot it is installed in, as
stored in the controller’s state map.
If LOCAL, the upconverter attempts
to retain its own local settings and
request that the controller’s state
map be updated accordingly for that
slot.
Default: SLOT

Continued on next page

4-12 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Software Menu Trees, Continued

OPT (Options and Miscellaneous Setup Menu Tree) (continued)

Menu Item Range/Choices Description

Reset Defaults NO Allows the operator to reset most
YES (but not all) user configuration
parameters of the upconverter to
their factory default settings.
Note: These items are NOT reset:
• RF Output Channel (RF/IF
Menu)
• Frequency Plan (RF/IF Menu)
• Frequency Offsets (RF/IF Menu)
• Operating Mode (OPT Menu)
To reset the upconverter, set to YES,
and immediately press the ENTR
key. This item always resets itself to
NO immediately after a reset or any
manual configuration change.
Default: NO

Caution:
The reset function changes many settings. Therefore, extreme caution should be
used. It is not recommended that the reset function be used while the unit is in
service.

Attention:
La fonction de réinitialisation change de nombreux réglages. Par conséquent, il
faut faire extrêmement attention. Il n’est pas recommandé que la fonction de
réinitialisation soit utilisée lorsque l’appareil est en service.

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-13

Software Menu Trees, Continued

OPT (Options and Miscellaneous Setup Menu Tree) (continued)

Vorsicht:
Bei Anwendung der Rückstellfunktion werden viele Einstellungen geändert.
Deshalb ist äußerste Vorsicht angezeigt. Es wird unbedingt davon abgeraten, die
Rückstellfunktion zu verwenden, während das Gerät in Betrieb steht.

Precaución:
La función de reinicialización cambia muchos ajustes. Por lo tanto, se deberá
ejercer extrema precaución. No se recomienda utilizar la función de
reinicialización mientras la unidad está en servicio.

4-14 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Configuring the Upconverter

Introduction
The upconverter software is divided into the following three menu trees:
• Status (accessed with the STAT key)
• RF and IF Setup (accessed with the RF/IF key)
• Options Setup (accessed with the OPT key).

The upconverter is in the static display mode by default, until you press one of the
three menu-access keys.
In static display mode, the current channel ID (or DT for direct tune) and the video-
carrier frequency (including offsets) are displayed on the LCD.

Using the menus

You must perform the following tasks to configure the upconverter:
• Selecting a menu tree
• Selecting a menu item
• Setting the value of a menu item
• Saving or discarding your configuration changes

The following sections describe how to perform each of these tasks.

Selecting a menu tree

Follow this step to access the upconverter menu trees.

Step Action
1 Press and hold one of the three menu keys on the 12-key keypad (STAT,
RF/IF, or OPT) for approximately one second.
Result: The system displays the first page or item of the selected menu.

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-15

Configuring the Upconverter, Continued

Selecting a menu item

Follow these steps to select a specific menu item in a menu tree.

Step Action
1 Select the menu tree that contains the menu item you want to set. (See
“Selecting a menu tree” earlier in this section.)
2 Press the PREV or NEXT keys to scroll through the list of menu items in
the current menu tree. Stop when the desired menu item displays.
Result: The system displays the desired menu item. The item’s value is
now available for editing.

Note: Some menu items will not always be available, depending on the state of
menu items elsewhere in the menu tree.

Setting the value of a menu item

Follow these steps to set the value of the selected menu item.

Step Action
1 Select the menu tree that contains the menu item you want to set. (See
“Selecting a menu tree.”)
2 Select the menu item for which you want to set the value. (See
“Selecting a menu item.”)
3 Use the table below to determine your next step.

IF the value to set is... THEN...

a number go to step 4.
NOT a number press the Up Arrow or Down Arrow
key to select the desired setting
for the item.
Then go to step 5.

Continued on next page

4-16 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Configuring the Upconverter, Continued

Setting the value of a menu item (continued)

Step Action
4 If the value to set is a number, use the table below to determine how to
set the numeric value for the item.

IF you want to... THEN...

use the Up Arrow or Down Arrow press the Right Arrow key to
keys to increase or decrease the select the units by which the
existing numeric value value will be adjusted.
Then use the Up Arrow and Down
Arrow keys to change the set
value to the desired number.
manually enter the desired press the SHIFT key to enter the
value using the number keys Numeric Entry mode.
on the 12-key keypad Then enter the desired numeric
value using the 0 through 9
keys on the keypad.
Press the ENTR key to accept the
entered value and return to the
Menu mode.
Note: Use the Left Arrow key to
backspace over and correct any
entry errors. Backspacing past
the first digit exits the Numeric
Entry mode.

Result: The desired value for the menu item is entered and ready to be
saved as part of the upconverter’s updated configuration.
5 Press the PREV or NEXT keys to select additional menu items in the
current menu tree. Then set the menu item values as described above.
6 To access and set menu item values in a menu tree other than the
current menu tree, press the desired menu key (STAT, RF/IF, or OPT).
Then select and set the menu item values as described above.

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-17

Configuring the Upconverter, Continued

Saving or discarding your configuration changes

Follow this step to save or discard your configuration changes.

Step Action
1 When you are finished making all the desired menu item settings, use
the table below to determine your next step.

IF you want to... THEN...

save your new settings press the ENTR key.
Result: The new menu item
settings are saved to nonvolatile
memory and the module
operating condition is updated.
ignore your new settings and press the CAN key.
keep the previous settings Result: The changes are
discarded and the previous
settings are maintained.

Note: It is good practice to always save your configuration changes

immediately after making them.

Settings that take effect immediately

You must press the ENTR key to save your changes. However, not all functions
require the ENTR key to be pressed before the changes takes effect. Specifically, any
menu item related to an input or output level will be processed as soon as you make
the change, such as the following items:
• Estimated RF Level
• IF AGC/MGC Select
• IF MGC Atten

Continued on next page

4-18 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Configuring the Upconverter, Continued

Settings that take effect immediately (continued)

• LCD Contrast

Note: If the CAN key is pressed instead of the ENTR key, any and all changes will
be undone and returned to their previously stored value.

Using the custom user label option

Follow these steps to replace the channel number display with a custom label.

Step Action
1 Select the OPT menu tree.
2 Select the User Label Display menu item.
3 Set the value of the User Label Display menu item to ON.
4 Select the User Label String menu item.
5 Replace the default USER label with up to four alphanumeric characters,
which will be your custom user label for the presently set RF output
channel.
Note: Use the Right Arrow key to select a digit, then use the Up Arrow and
Down Arrow keys to select a character. Valid characters are A - Z, 0 - 9,
space, and various punctuation marks. The text is centered, with
leading and trailing spaces ignored.
(Step 5 is continued on next page.)

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-19

Configuring the Upconverter, Continued

Using the custom user label option (continued)

Step Action
5 Result: The label you entered displays on the upconverter front panel
cont’d LCD screen, in place of the channel number, when the upconverter is in
static display mode.

IF the frequency plan is… THEN…

STD, HRC, or IRC the channel number displays
under the custom user label in
place of the frequency.
Direct Tune the video carrier frequency
displays as usual.

6 Save your configuration changes.

Note: If the channel or frequency is changed (but not plan or offsets)
the custom user label is turned off and the channel number displays.

Continued on next page

4-20 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Configuring the Upconverter, Continued

Using HRC plan with a 6.0003 MHz external reference

When using the HRC frequency plan with a 6.0003 MHz external reference or with
the Model 9810-HS (high stability reference) Controller, the following configuration
settings must be made for the upconverter to display the correct frequency:
• Frequency Plan = HRC
• Frequency Offsets = AUTO

(These items are both in the upconverter’s RF/IF menu tree.)

The following table summarizes the results of Frequency Offsets settings when
using the HRC frequency plan.

IF Frequency THEN the upconverter...

Offsets is...
set to AUTO assumes a 6.0003 MHz reference is supplied and adds an
appropriate number of 300 Hz offsets to the display, for
example, 54.002 MHz.
Note: Not all significant digits are displayed, since the
upconverter only displays to 1 kHz resolution.
NOT set to AUTO assumes a 6.0000 MHz reference is supplied and displays the
fequency accordingly, for example, 54.000 MHz (instead of
54.002 MHz).

Important: If using channels 98 or 99 (A2 or A1), users in the United States must:
• Use a 6.0000 MHz reference (Model 9810 Controller)
• Set Frequency Offsets to +25 kHz

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-21

Configuring the Upconverter, Continued

Resetting factory defaults

The Reset Defaults menu item in the OPT menu tree allows the operator to reset
most (but not all) user configuration parameters of the upconverter to their factory
default settings.
Follow these steps to reset the upconverter to its factory default configuration.

Step Action
1 Select the OPT menu tree.
2 Select the Reset Defaults menu item.
3 Set the value of the Reset Defaults menu item to YES.
4 Immediately press the ENTR key on the upconverter front panel key
pad.
Result: The upconverter is reset to its factory default configuration
settings. The following menu items are NOT reset:
• RF Output Channel
• Frequency Plan
• Frequency Offsets
• Operating Mode
Notes:
• If any other key is pressed before the ENTR key, this item is reset to
NO and the defaults will not be reset.
• The Reset Defaults menu item resets itself to NO immediately after a
reset or any manual configuration change.

Caution:
The reset function changes many settings. Therefore, extreme caution should be
used. It is not recommended that the reset function be used while the unit is in
service.

Attention:
La fonction de réinitialisation change de nombreux réglages. Par conséquent, il
faut faire extrêmement attention. Il n’est pas recommandé que la fonction de
réinitialisation soit utilisée lorsque l’appareil est en service.

Continued on next page

4-22 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Configuring the Upconverter, Continued

Resetting factory defaults (continued)

Vorsicht:
Bei Anwendung der Rückstellfunktion werden viele Einstellungen geändert.
Deshalb ist äußerste Vorsicht angezeigt. Es wird unbedingt davon abgeraten, die
Rückstellfunktion zu verwenden, während das Gerät in Betrieb steht.

Precaución:
La función de reinicialización cambia muchos ajustes. Por lo tanto, se deberá
ejercer extrema precaución. No se recomienda utilizar la función de
reinicialización mientras la unidad está en servicio.

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-23

System Configuration Guidelines

Introduction
Before installing a upconverter into a chassis, some thought must be given to what
actually happens, from an operational standpoint, once a upconverter is installed.
Typically, the installer’s focus is on the application module itself, not on the chassis
or the system.
However, the emphasis should be on configuring a slot in a chassis, not configuring
the individual upconverter. The slot has a personality even if it is not populated
with an application module. From a plug-and-play perspective, this is how the
system should be configured and used.

Chassis operation principles

The Continuum Headend System design embodies the following fundamental
principles of operation:
• The Series 9810 Controller stores the configuration data for all slots/modules in
the chassis in a “state map” in its nonvolatile memory.
• The Series 9810 Controller will always prompt the operator to resolve differences
between configured slots and installed applications modules that are detected
during controller power-up.
• Any application module in an unconfigured slot should not output a signal until
the operator instructs it to do so, for example, set the operational mode to normal.
• Once a slot is configured, the operator should not be required to do anything
other than physically replace a failed application module. All configuration of the
replacement module should be automatic.

Required installation condition

The required condition for installing application modules is for the Series 9810
Controller to be installed and powered up BEFORE any application modules are
installed into the chassis.
Refer to Model 9810/9813 Controllers and Model 9801/9802 Rear Interface Modules
Installation and Operation Guide, part number 546491, for information on installing
and configuring the controller.
Note: In this operating environment the system configuration is much easier to
control. If the Series 9810 Controller is absent from the chassis when modules are
added or replaced, the system configuration is not as easy to administer.

4-24 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Frequency Plans

Introduction
For NTSC M (U.S.), PAL M, or PAL N formats, Series 9860 Upconverters can be
used in the following cable systems:
• Standard (STD)
• Harmonic Related Coherent (HRC)
• Incremental Related Coherent (IRC)

For use in Standard or IRC cable systems, a Model 9810 Controller must be used.
For an HRC cable system, a Model 9810-HS Controller must be used to ensure
specified frequency accuracy. You can select Standard, IRC, or HRC frequency
plans and offsets from the front panel.
Note: To set the proper frequency for NTSC Canada or NTSC Korea, select
Frequency Plan = STD and Frequency Offsets = NONE in the RF/IF menu tree.

Model 9860 Upconverter channel output frequencies

The following table lists the Model 9860 Upconverter channel index versus output
frequencies for the CCIR-M NTSC (U.S.), CCIR-M PAL, and CCIR-N PAL formats.
Note: This table assumes a 45.750 MHz IF input. Internal IMB-SPI BUS information
is not available externally.

SMC/EIA Channel STD HRC IRC Scientific Internal

Channel ID output output output - IMB-SPI
Index (Displayed frequency frequency frequency Atlanta BUS
Text) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) Channel Index
Number
1 ' 01 ' N/A 72.0036 73.2625 A8 1
2 ' 02 ' 55.2500 54.0027 55.2625 2 2
3 ' 03 ' 61.2500 60.0030 61.2625 3 3
4 ' 04 ' 67.2500 66.0033 67.2625 4 4
5 ' 05 ' 77.2500 78.0039 79.2625 5 5
6 ' 06 ' 83.2500 84.0042 85.2625 6 6
7 ' 07 ' 175.2500 174.0087 175.2625 7 7
8 ' 08 ' 181.2500 180.0090 181.2625 8 8
9 ' 09 ' 187.2500 186.0093 187.2625 9 9
10 ' 10 ' 193.2500 192.0096 193.2625 10 10

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-25

Frequency Plans, Continued

Model 9860 Upconverter channel output frequencies (continued)

SMC/EIA Channel STD HRC IRC Scientific Internal

Channel ID output output output - IMB-SPI
Index (Displayed frequency frequency frequency Atlanta BUS
Text) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) Channel Index
Number
11 ' 11 ' 199.2500 198.0099 199.2625 11 11
12 ' 12 ' 205.2500 204.0102 205.2625 12 12
13 ' 13 ' 211.2500 210.0105 211.2625 13 13
14 ' 14 ' 121.2625 120.0060 121.2625 A 14
15 ' 15 ' 127.2625 126.0063 127.2625 B 15
16 ' 16 ' 133.2625 132.0066 133.2625 C 16
17 ' 17 ' 139.2500 138.0069 139.2625 D 17
18 ' 18 ' 145.2500 144.0072 145.2625 E 18
19 ' 19 ' 151.2500 150.0075 151.2625 F 19
20 ' 20 ' 157.2500 156.0078 157.2625 G 20
21 ' 21 ' 163.2500 162.0081 163.2625 H 21
22 ' 22 ' 169.2500 168.0084 169.2625 I 22
23 ' 23 ' 217.2500 216.0108 217.2625 J 23
24 ' 24 ' 223.2500 222.0111 223.2625 K 24
25 ' 25 ' 229.2625 228.0114 229.2625 L 25
26 ' 26 ' 235.2625 234.0117 235.2625 M 26
27 ' 27 ' 241.2625 240.0120 241.2625 N 27
28 ' 28 ' 247.2625 246.0123 247.2625 O 28
29 ' 29 ' 253.2625 252.0126 253.2625 P 29
30 ' 30 ' 259.2625 258.0129 259.2625 Q 30
31 ' 31 ' 265.2625 264.0132 265.2625 R 31
32 ' 32 ' 271.2625 270.0135 271.2625 S 32
33 ' 33 ' 277.2625 276.0138 277.2625 T 33
34 ' 34 ' 283.2625 282.0141 283.2625 U 34

Continued on next page

4-26 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Frequency Plans, Continued

Model 9860 Upconverter channel output frequencies (continued)

SMC/EIA Channel STD HRC IRC Scientific Internal

Channel ID output output output - IMB-SPI
Index (Displayed frequency frequency frequency Atlanta BUS
Text) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) Channel Index
Number
35 ' 35 ' 289.2625 288.0144 289.2625 V 35
36 ' 36 ' 295.2625 294.0147 295.2625 W 36
37 ' 37 ' 301.2625 300.0150 301.2625 AA 37
38 ' 38 ' 307.2625 306.0153 307.2625 BB 38
39 ' 39 ' 313.2625 312.0156 313.2625 CC 39
40 ' 40 ' 319.2625 318.0159 319.2625 DD 40
41 ' 41 ' 325.2625 324.0162 325.2625 EE 41
42 ' 42 ' 331.2750 330.0165 331.2750 FF 42
43 ' 43 ' 337.2625 336.0168 337.2625 GG 43
44 ' 44 ' 343.2625 342.0171 343.2625 HH 44
45 ' 45 ' 349.2625 348.0174 349.2625 II 45
46 ' 46 ' 355.2625 354.0177 355.2625 JJ 46
47 ' 47 ' 361.2625 360.0180 361.2625 KK 47
48 ' 48 ' 367.2625 366.0183 367.2625 LL 48
49 ' 49 ' 373.2625 372.0186 373.2625 MM 49
50 ' 50 ' 379.2625 378.0189 379.2625 NN 50
51 ' 51 ' 385.2625 384.0192 385.2625 OO 51
52 ' 52 ' 391.2625 390.0195 391.2625 PP 52
53 ' 53 ' 397.2625 396.0198 397.2625 QQ 53
54 ' 54 ' 403.2500 402.0201 403.2625 RR 54
55 ' 55 ' 409.2500 408.0204 409.2625 SS 55
56 ' 56 ' 415.2500 414.0207 415.2625 TT 56
57 ' 57 ' 421.2500 420.0210 421.2625 UU 57
58 ' 58 ' 427.2500 426.0213 427.2625 VV 58

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-27

Frequency Plans, Continued

Model 9860 Upconverter channel output frequencies (continued)

SMC/EIA Channel STD HRC IRC Scientific Internal

Channel ID output output output - IMB-SPI
Index (Displayed frequency frequency frequency Atlanta BUS
Text) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) Channel Index
Number
59 ' 59 ' 433.2500 432.0216 433.2625 WW 59
60 ' 60 ' 439.2500 438.0219 439.2625 XX 60
61 ' 61 ' 445.2500 444.0222 445.2625 YY 61
62 ' 62 ' 451.2500 450.0225 451.2625 ZZ 62
63 ' 63 ' 457.2500 456.0228 457.2625 AAA 63
64 ' 64 ' 463.2500 462.0231 463.2625 BBB 64
65 ' 65 ' 469.2500 468.0234 469.2625 CCC 65
66 ' 66 ' 475.2500 474.0237 475.2625 DDD 66
67 ' 67 ' 481.2500 480.0240 481.2625 EEE 67
68 ' 68 ' 487.2500 486.0243 487.2625 FFF 68
69 ' 69 ' 493.2500 492.0246 493.2625 GGG 69
70 ' 70 ' 499.2500 498.0249 499.2625 HHH 70
71 ' 71 ' 505.2500 504.0252 505.2625 III 71
72 ' 72 ' 511.2500 510.0255 511.2625 JJJ 72
73 ' 73 ' 517.2500 516.0258 517.2625 KKK 73
74 ' 74 ' 523.2500 522.0261 523.2625 LLL 74
75 ' 75 ' 529.2500 528.0264 529.2625 MMM 75
76 ' 76 ' 535.2500 534.0267 535.2625 NNN 76
77 ' 77 ' 541.2500 540.0270 541.2625 OOO 77
78 ' 78 ' 547.2500 546.0273 547.2625 PPP 78
95 ' 95 ' 91.2500 90.0045 91.2625 A5 79
96 ' 96 ' 97.2500 96.0048 97.2625 A4 80
97 ' 97 ' 103.2500 102.0051 103.2625 A3 81
98 ' 98 ' 109.2750 109.2750 A2 82
99 ' 99 ' 115.2750 115.2750 A1 83

Continued on next page

4-28 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Frequency Plans, Continued

Model 9861 Upconverter channel output frequencies

The following table lists the Model 9861 Upconverter channel index versus output
frequencies for the CCIR-M NTSC (U.S.), CCIR-M PAL, and CCIR-N PAL formats.
Note: This table assumes a 45.750 MHz IF input. Internal IMB-SPI BUS information
is not available externally.

SMC/EIA Channel STD HRC IRC Internal

Channel ID output output output IMB-SPI
Index (Displayed frequency frequency frequency BUS
Text) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) Index
79 ' 79 ' 553.2500 552.0276 553.2625 1
80 ' 80 ' 559.2500 558.0279 559.2625 2
81 ' 81 ' 565.2500 564.0282 565.2625 3
82 ' 82 ' 571.2500 570.0285 571.2625 4
83 ' 83 ' 577.2500 576.0288 577.2625 5
84 ' 84 ' 583.2500 582.0291 583.2625 6
85 ' 85 ' 589.2500 588.0294 589.2625 7
86 ' 86 ' 595.2500 594.0297 595.2625 8
87 ' 87 ' 601.2500 600.0300 601.2625 9
88 ' 88 ' 607.2500 606.0303 607.2625 10
89 ' 89 ' 613.2500 612.0306 613.2625 11
90 ' 90 ' 619.2500 618.0309 619.2625 12
91 ' 91 ' 625.2500 624.0312 625.2625 13
92 ' 92 ' 631.2500 630.0315 631.2625 14
93 ' 93 ' 637.2500 636.0318 637.2625 15
94 ' 94 ' 643.2500 642.0321 643.2625 16
100 ' 100 ' 649.2500 648.0324 649.2625 17
101 ' 101 ' 655.2500 654.0327 655.2625 18
102 ' 102 ' 661.2500 660.0330 661.2625 19
103 ' 103 ' 667.2500 666.0333 667.2625 20
104 ' 104 ' 673.2500 672.0336 673.2625 21

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-29

Frequency Plans, Continued

Model 9861 Upconverter channel output frequencies (continued)

SMC/EIA Channel STD HRC IRC Internal

Channel ID output output output IMB-SPI
Index (Displayed frequency frequency frequency BUS
Text) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) Index
105 ' 105 ' 679.2500 678.0339 679.2625 22
106 ' 106 ' 685.2500 684.0342 685.2625 23
107 ' 107 ' 691.2500 690.0345 691.2625 24
108 ' 108 ' 697.2500 696.0348 697.2625 25
109 ' 109 ' 703.2500 702.0351 703.2625 26
110 ' 110 ' 709.2500 708.0354 709.2625 27
111 ' 111 ' 715.2500 714.0357 715.2625 28
112 ' 112 ' 721.2500 720.0360 721.2625 29
113 ' 113 ' 727.2500 726.0363 727.2625 30
114 ' 114 ' 733.2500 732.0366 733.2625 31
115 ' 115 ' 739.2500 738.0369 739.2625 32
116 ' 116 ' 745.2500 744.0372 745.2625 33
117 ' 117 ' 751.2500 750.0375 751.2625 34
118 ' 118 ' 757.2500 756.0378 757.2625 35
119 ' 119 ' 763.2500 762.0381 763.2625 36
120 ' 120 ' 769.2500 768.0384 769.2625 37
121 ' 121 ' 775.2500 774.0387 775.2625 38
122 ' 122 ' 781.2500 780.0390 781.2625 39
123 ' 123 ' 787.2500 786.0393 787.2625 40
124 ' 124 ' 793.2500 792.0396 793.2625 41
125 ' 125 ' 799.2500 798.0399 799.2625 42
126 ' 126 ' 805.2500 804.0402 805.2625 43
127 ' 127 ' 811.2500 810.0405 811.2625 44
128 ' 128 ' 817.2500 816.0408 817.2625 45

Continued on next page

4-30 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Frequency Plans, Continued

Model 9861 Upconverter channel output frequencies (continued)

SMC/EIA Channel STD HRC IRC Internal

Channel ID output output output IMB-SPI
Index (Displayed frequency frequency frequency BUS
Text) (MHz) (MHz) (MHz) Index
129 ' 129 ' 823.2500 822.0411 823.2625 46
130 ' 130 ' 829.2500 828.0414 829.2625 47
131 ' 131 ' 835.2500 834.0417 835.2625 48
132 ' 132 ' 841.2500 840.0420 841.2625 49
133 ' 133 ' 847.2500 846.0423 847.2625 50
134 ' 134 ' 853.2500 852.0426 853.2625 51
135 ' 135 ' 859.2500 858.0429 859.2625 52
136 ' 136 ' 865.2500 864.0432 865.2625 53

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-31

Alarm Messages/Troubleshooting

Introduction
The software contains alarm messages which are displayed in the STATUS menu
when problems occur or when conflicts among modules are detected in a chassis.

Alarm messages
Refer to the following table for alarm messages, their possible causes, and suggested
solutions to the problems.

Message Possible Cause Check and Correct

PWRSUP ERR The backplane +48 V Check the backup +48 V supply source.
(Internal 8.5 V bus is not present or If good, check the next possible cause.
supply voltage below required
has dropped minimum.
below the rated
minimum.)
The upconverter Check the controller power supply.
internal power supply If both good, contact Scientific-Atlanta
has failed. Technical Assistance Center for
additional information.
NO VSB PWB The cable connecting Contact Scientific-Atlanta Technical
(The the Vestigial IF PWB Assistance Center.
upconverter to the microcontroller
does not detect is not properly
the presence of connected.
the Vestigial IF
PWB.)
The Vestigial IF PWB Contact Scientific-Atlanta Technical
is not installed. Assistance Center.

Continued on next page

4-32 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Alarm Messages/Troubleshooting, Continued

Alarm messages (continued)

Message Possible Cause Check and Correct

NO REF LO PWB The cable connecting Contact Scientific-Atlanta Technical
(The the Reference Assistance Center.
upconverter Oscillator PWB to the
does not detect microcontroller is not
the presence of properly connected.
the internal
Reference
Oscillator PWB.)
The Reference Contact Scientific-Atlanta Technical
Oscillator PWB is not Assistance Center.
installed.
REF UNLOCK The internal reference Check status of reference oscillator on
(The internal cleanup loop has not the controller’s front panel STATUS
backplane locked to a reference menu for proper operation.
reference signal from the If good, check the next possible cause.
cleanup loop backplane.
If the problem persists, contact
synthesizer is Scientific-Atlanta Technical Assistance
not locked.) Center.
An appropriate Check to see if an appropriate external
external reference is reference is present.
not present. If the problem persists, contact
Scientific-Atlanta Technical Assistance
Center.
SYNTH UNLK An internal Contact Scientific-Atlanta Technical
(One of the synthesizer (other than Assistance Center.
synthesizers for the reference cleanup
the internal loop) is not operating
oscillators is not correctly.
phase locked.)

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-33

Alarm Messages/Troubleshooting, Continued

Alarm messages (continued)

Message Possible Cause Check and Correct

TEMP ≥ 85 °C Chassis ventilation Check or improve cooling system
(The module system failure or components to reduce the ambient
internal inefficiency. temperature in and around the chassis.
temperature If the problem persists, contact
exceeds 85°C.) Scientific-Atlanta Technical Assistance
Center.
Possible module Verify that the module cooling fan is
cooling fan failure. running. If not, contact Scientific-
Atlanta Technical Assistance Center.
IMB FAIL The communications Verify that the controller is present and
(Inter-module link between the operating correctly.
bus communica- upconverter and the If the problem persists, contact
tion has failed.) controller has failed. Scientific-Atlanta Technical Assistance
Most likely this is Center.
because the controller
is not present.
IF LEVEL LO Video IF Loop-though Check video IF Loop cabling.
(The Composite cable is bad or If good, check the next possible cause.
IF level is below missing. If problem persists, contact Scientific-
specified Atlanta Technical Assistance Center.
minimum level.)
External IF processor Check external IF processing
(scrambler) is not equipment.
providing output. If problem persists, contact Scientific-
Atlanta Technical Assistance Center.

Continued on next page

4-34 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Alarm Messages/Troubleshooting, Continued

Alarm messages (continued)

Message Possible Cause Check and Correct

RF LEVEL LO The Composite IF level Ensure that output is not shorted to
(The RF Output is OK, but the ground.
level is below measured RF Output Contact Scientific-Atlanta Technical
specified level is below specified Assistance Center.
minimum level.) minimum output
level.
OC NVM ERR Internal hardware Contact Scientific-Atlanta Technical
(The nonvolatile failure has occurred. Assistance Center.
memory on the
output
converter is not
present, or has
failed.)
NO RF CAL Factory calibration Contact Scientific-Atlanta Technical
(The output data is invalid or Assistance Center.
converter corrupted.
nonvolatile
memory does
not contain
valid RF
calibration
data.)

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-35

Alarm Messages/Troubleshooting, Continued

Alarm conditions detected by the upconverter

The following alarm conditions are considered catastrophic and will turn the
upconverter’s alarm light on and cause the upconverter to mute its output and
request a backup by the controller:
• +8.5 V supply rail below 6.5 V
• Vestigial IF VSB PWB missing
• Reference LO cleanup loop PWB missing
• Internal temperature > 85°C
• RF output low (OC failure) - RF output level < 41 dBmV while composite IF level
>32 dBmV and RF output not muting or squelched
• OC upconverter LO synthesizer unlocked
• OC downconverter LO synthesizer unlocked
• Reference LO synthesizer lock detect not functioning
• Upconverter LO synthesizer lock detect not functioning
• Downconverter LO synthesizer lock detect not functioning

Alarms that indicate a hardware failure

Most alarm conditions are continuously monitored and self healing. When the fault
causing an alarm is fixed, the alarm turns off and the unit continues to operate as
normal. However, the following alarm conditions are ONLY tested at power up
and are NOT self healing. Once these alarm conditions are set, they are not cleared
until the power is cycled to the unit.
• Reference LO synthesizer lock detect not functioning
• Upconverter LO synthesizer lock detect not functioning
• Downconverter LO synthesizer lock detect not functioning
• OC NVM missing or bad (for OC calibration data)

Note: If any of these alarms are observed, contact Scientific-Atlanta Technical

Assistance Center.

Continued on next page

4-36 Operating the Upconverter 546497 Rev A

Alarm Messages/Troubleshooting, Continued

Other alarm conditions detected by the upconverter

The following alarm conditions are either minor or cannot be resolved by backing
up the upconverter. (These will not initiate a backup.)
• Reference LO synthesizer unlocked
• Composite IF carrier level less than 32 dBmV
• RF calibration data invalid
• Inter-module backplane bus communications error

546497 Rev A Operating the Upconverter 4-37

Model 9860/9861 Upconverters and
Model 9803/9803B Rear Interface Modules
Installation and Operation Guide

5 Hardware Troubleshooting
 Chapter 5
Hardware Troubleshooting
Overview

Introduction
You can solve most problems that occur with the Series 9860 Upconverters by
observing and resolving alarm messages displayed on the front panel LCD or by
following these troubleshooting procedures.

Scope of this chapter

This chapter helps you identify if there is a failure in the upconverter that requires
factory service, or if the problem is a setup issue that can be remedied by making
proper configuration settings.

In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics.
Topic See Page
General Information 5-2
No RF Output Carriers 5-3

546497 Rev A Hardware Troubleshooting 5-1

General Information

Introduction
The Series 9800 Continuum Headend System consists of a controller module,
controller rear interface module, upconverter module, upconverter rear interface
module, other application modules, and a passive inter-module bus. Up to eight
application modules can be installed in a chassis with one controller.
The front panel key pads and LCDs on the controller and upconverter are used to
configure the product for the particular application or installation.

Component interconnections
A brief explanation of the interaction between these modules will help with the
troubleshooting of this product.
The controller module provides the following signals to the upconverters in the
chassis via the inter-module bus:
• DC power
• A reference signal (usually 6 MHz) from an internal oscillator inside the controller
or an externally supplied reference input to the controller rear interface module
• Data communications channel
• Relay control lines for backup

The upconverter rear interface module connects the upconverter to both the external
plant and the inter-module bus. In addition, the upconverter rear interface module
contains the relays that select the source signal inputs to a upconverter. These are
referred to as external or backup sources.
The upconverters contain all the necessary circuits to accept IF inputs to generate
frequency agile RF video and audio carriers. The upconverters can operate with the
controller module removed under the following conditions:
• There was a controller present when the upconverter was initially installed.
• A backup DC power source is connected to the controller rear interface module.
• A minor alarm will be present on the upconverter. This indicates the use of an
internal (reduced frequency accuracy) crystal as a reference oscillator.

Required equipment
A spectrum analyzer is required for some of these troubleshooting procedures.

5-2 Hardware Troubleshooting 546497 Rev A

No RF Output Carriers

Introduction
No RF output carriers can be caused by the following conditions:
• Improper front panel configuration settings
• Faulty connection between upconverter and rear interface modules
• Missing IF connection
• A defective upconverter module

Failed RF output carrier procedure

Use this table to troubleshoot the upconverter if there are no RF output carriers.
Note that the controller must have been present when the upconverter was
installed.

Step Action
1 Make sure the RF output is not MUTED. Check the following
configuration settings in the upconverter’s software menu trees:
• RF Output Mode (RF/IF menu): set to ON
• Operating Mode (OPT menu): set to NORMAL
2 Check the estimated RF level in the RF/IF menu screen 1. It should be
set to +60 dBmV output level.
3 Connect a spectrum analyzer to the output of the upconverter and
verify that there are no RF carriers at the channel frequency of the
upconverter.
4 Verify that an external composite IF source is connected to the COMP IF
IN connector on the upconverter’s rear interface module.

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Hardware Troubleshooting 5-3

No RF Output Carriers, Continued

Failed RF output carrier procedure (continued)

Step Action
5 If RF is still not present, remove the upconverter module from the
chassis and use a flashlight to verify that the connectors between the
upconverter and rear interface module do not have any damaged or
“pushed-in” coaxial connections.

IF... THEN...
a connector has a damaged or contact Scientific-Atlanta
“pushed-in” coaxial connection Technical Assistance Center to
return the unit for repair.
all the connectors on the re-insert the upconverter, wait
upconverter and rear interface for it to initialize, and measure
module are good the RF signal again looking for
the upconverter channel
frequency.
Go to step 6.

6 If there are still no RF carriers present, the problem is either in the

upconverter or its rear interface module. Use the substitution method to
identify the defective module and contact Scientific-Atlanta Technical
Assistance Center.

5-4 Hardware Troubleshooting 546497 Rev A

Model 9860/9861 Upconverters and
Model 9803/9803B Rear Interface Modules
Installation and Operation Guide

Appendices
• Appendix A - Technical Information
• Appendix B - Interfacing the Upconverter with External Equipment
• Appendix C - Customer Information
 Appendix A
Technical Information
Overview

Introduction
Before you begin installing and using your new system, you should review the
upconverter technical information in this appendix.

Scope of this appendix

This appendix contains the technical specifications for the Model 9860/9861
Upconverters.

In this appendix
This appendix contains the following topics.

Topic See Page

Technical Specifications A-2

546497 Rev A Technical Information A-1

Technical Specifications

Composite IF input
The Series 9860 Upconverters meet the following IF input specifications.

Item Specification
Video IF input Standard, IRC: 45.75 MHz
frequency HRC: 45.7522875 MHz
Audio IF input Standard, IRC: 41.25 MHz
frequency HRC: 41.2520625 MHz
Input impedance 75 Ω, unbalanced
Input return loss ≥ 16 dB from 41 MHz to 47 MHz
Input level +34 dBmV min. to +42 dBmV max. (to maintain nominal
output level in AGC mode)

Composite IF output
The Series 9860 Upconverters meet the following IF output specifications.

Item Specification
Output impedance 75 Ω, unbalanced
Output return loss ≥ 17 dB from 41 MHz to 47 MHz
Composite IF output AGC Mode: +38 dBmV ± 0.7 dB (Internal or external IF
level input at Tambient = 25°C)

MGC Mode:
Internal IF Range: +31 dBmV to +39 dBmV
External IF Range: +37 dBmV to +45 dBmV
(External IF input at +42 dBmV)

Continued on next page

A-2 Technical Information 546497 Rev A

Technical Specifications, Continued

Composite IF output (continued)

Item Specification
Spurious outputs ≤ -71 dB
Relative to video carrier from 1 MHz to 100 MHz with:
Composite IF output @ +38 dBmV (A/V ratio ≥ 15 dB)
IF output level ≤ ±1.0 dB (IF output @ +38 dBmV)
display error
Output level stability ≤ ±1.0 dB (relative to output at Tambient = 25°C over
specified temperature range)

RF output
The Series 9860 Upconverters meet the following RF output specifications.

Item Specification
Output frequency Model 9860: Agile, 50 MHz to 550 MHz
range Model 9861: Agile, 550 MHz to 870 MHz
(Video carrier frequency)
Frequency plans Standard, IRC, Direct Tune - with Model 9810 Controller
HRC - with Model 9810-HS Controller or 6.0003 MHz
external reference
Frequency offsets 0, ±12 kHz, ±25 kHz, ±37.5 kHz, and ±50 kHz
(may be selected automatically or manually)
Output impedance 75 Ω, unbalanced
Output return loss Model 9860: ≥ 13 dB
Model 9861: ≥ 11 dB
(From 1.25 MHz below to 4.75 MHz above video carrier of
selected channel)

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Technical Information A-3

Technical Specifications, Continued

RF output (continued)

Item Specification
Video RF carrier ≥ +60 dBmV maximum
output level
≤ +50 dBmV minimum
RF output level Estimated RF level (adjust): ≤ ± 1.5 dB at +60 dBmV
display error
Estimated RF level (adjust): ≤ ± 2.5 dB from +50 dBmV to
+60 dBmV
Output level stability ≤ ±1.0 dB relative to +60 dBmV over specified temperature
range
C/N ratio in band ≥ 74 dB
(measured in a 4 MHz bandwidth at +60 dBmV output)
Headend combined +60 dBmV: ≥ 65 dB
C/N ratio
+50 dBmV: ≥ 65 dB
(83 channels, 4 MHz bandwidth)
Carrier phase noise @ 20 kHz offset: ≤ −100 dBc
(measured in a 1 Hz bandwidth)
Model 9860: 50 MHz to 550 MHz
Output Frequency, Standard, IRC (with Model 9810 Controller)
Channels 2 - 78
Accuracy: ≤ ± 2 kHz at 25°C
Stability: ≤ ± 5 kHz over specified temperature
range for one year
HRC (with Model 9810-HS Controller or 6.0003 MHz
external reference)
Accuracy + Stability: ≤ ± 100 Hz over specified
temperature range for one year

Continued on next page

A-4 Technical Information 546497 Rev A

Technical Specifications, Continued

RF output (continued)

Item Specification
Model 9861: 550 MHz to 870 MHz
Output Frequency, Standard, IRC (with Model 9810 Controller)
Channels 79 - 136
Accuracy: ≤ ± 2 kHz at 25°C
Stability: ≤ ± 8 kHz over specified temperature
range for one year
HRC (with Model 9810-HS Controller or 6.0003 MHz
external reference)
Accuracy + Stability: ≤ ± 150 Hz over specified
temperature range for one year
Spurious outputs Model 9860: ≤ −63 dB
Model 9861: ≤ −62 dB
(relative to video carrier from 1 MHz to 1000 MHz with
video carrier at +60 dBmV and audio carrier at +45 dBmV)
RF mute isolation > 65 dB over output level range
Front panel test -20 dB ±1 dB relative to RF output
point

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Technical Information A-5

Technical Specifications, Continued

General specifications
The Series 9860 Upconverters meet the following general specifications.

Item Specification
Upconverter Individual cast housings
modules
Dimensions EIA standard 19-inch rack: 8.75 in. H x 19 in. W x 21 in. D
(22.225 cm H x 48.26 cm W x 53.34 cm D)
Power dissipation 40 W maximum
Operating 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F) rack ambient
temperature range
Specified Same as operating range except where noted
temperature range

Continued on next page

A-6 Technical Information 546497 Rev A

Technical Specifications, Continued

Levels monitored
In a fully loaded upconverter, the following levels are monitored:
• Composite Video IF level at Composite IF output (dBmV)
• RF output (dBmV)
• Internal temperature (ºC)
• +8.5 V supply rail (volts)

Logic states monitored

The following logic states are monitored by the upconverter:
• Reference LO synthesizer lock
• OC upconverter LO synthesizer lock
• OC downconverter LO synthesizer lock

PWBs detected and identified

The following printed wiring boards (PWBs) are detected and identified by the
upconverter:
• Vestigial IF
• Output converter
• Rear interface module (RIM)

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Technical Information A-7

Technical Specifications, Continued

States or alarm conditions monitored or detected

The following states or alarm conditions are monitored or detected by the
upconverter:
• Vestigial IF PWB is missing
• Reference LO cleanup loop PWB missing (usually part of OC PWB)
• IMB communications error (no Inter-Module Bus activity from the controller)
• OC NVM (nonvolatile memory) missing or bad
• RF output calibration invalid (stored in OC NVM)
• Reference LO synthesizer lock detect not functioning
• Upconverter LO synthesizer lock detect not functioning
• Downconverter LO synthesizer lock detect not functioning

A-8 Technical Information 546497 Rev A

 Appendix B
Interfacing the Upconverter with External Equipment
Overview

Introduction
On some occasions, you may need to use external Scientific-Atlanta or non-
Scientific-Atlanta equipment with your upconverter. You can do this by following
the guidelines provided in this appendix in addition to the instructions provided
with your non-Scientific-Atlanta equipment.

Scope of this appendix

This appendix includes solutions for common configuration questions that arise
when using the upconverter with other Scientific-Atlanta equipment and some
popular non-Scientific-Atlanta equipment.

In this appendix
This appendix contains the following topics.
Topic See Page
Scramblers B-2
RF Combiners B-3
Output Trunking B-4

546497 Rev A Interfacing the Upconverter with External Equipment B-1

Scramblers

General Instrument MVP

The General Instrument, Inc. MVP® can be used for signal scrambling with a Model
9860/9861 Upconverter. This diagram shows a typical configuration.

Continued on next page

B-2 Interfacing the Upconverter with External Equipment 546497 Rev A

RF Combiners

Model 6816 RF Combiner

The Model 6816 RF Combiner can be used with a Series 9860 Upconverter. The
following diagram shows a typical configuration.

546497 Rev A Interfacing the Upconverter with External Equipment B-3

Output Trunking

Application
The following diagram shows how to apply output trunking, a configuration in
which RF output is on one channel and IF output is routed to a Model 9860 (IF-to-
RF) Upconverter for a second RF output.

Continued on next page

B-4 Interfacing the Upconverter with External Equipment 546497 Rev A

Output Trunking, Continued

Application (continued)
The baseband-to-IF modulator converts video and audio signals into a composite IF
signal. Use this modulator for an economical means to transmit composite IF
signals to a remote hub site. The following diagram shows how to configure your
system to transmit composite IF signals to a remote hub site.

Note: This example shows a Model 9820 Modulator being used as a baseband-to-IF
modulator with a Model 9860 (IF-to-RF) Upconverter.

546497 Rev A Interfacing the Upconverter with External Equipment B-5

 Appendix C
Customer Information
Overview

Introduction
This appendix contains useful information about product support, how to return
damaged products, and a user-comment section.

In this appendix
This appendix contains the following topics.
Topic See Page
Customer Support C-2
How to Return Products C-3
Your Comments, Please C-5

546497 Rev A Customer Information C-1

Customer Support

List of telephone numbers

If you have questions about this product, telephone one of the following numbers.
The Americas
United States Scientific-Atlanta Customer • From within North America
Assistance Center, Atlanta, 1-800-722-2009 (toll-free)
Georgia • From outside North
America +1-770-903-5400
(direct)
United Kingdom and Europe
United Kings Langley Technical • +44-1-923-266133
Kingdom Assistance Centre • +44-1-923-271420 (Technical
Assistance Centre for
Europe)

C-2 Customer Information 546497 Rev A

How to Return Products

Procedure
To return any Scientific-Atlanta product for repair or replacement, follow the steps
in the table below. You must have an RMA number to receive credit or to send a
product in for repair.
Step Action
1 Telephone or fax Scientific-Atlanta and request a return material
authorization (RMA) number.

From within the US From outside the US

• Tel: 1-800-722-2009 • To the United States
• Fax: 770-903-5888 Tel: +1-770-903-5300
Fax: +1-770-903-5888

• To the United Kingdom

Tel: +44-1-923-271460

2 Tag or identify the defective product and write a detailed description of

the circumstances.

Include the following information on the tag.

• RMA number
• Sales order
• Purchase order (if available)
• Date the product was received
3 Pack the product in its original container and protective packing
material.
Note: If the original container and packing material are no longer
available, pack the product in a sturdy, corrugated box and cushion it
with packing material.

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Customer Information C-3

How to Return Products, Continued

Procedure (continued)
Step Action
4 Write the following information on the outside of the container.
• Your name
• Complete address
• Telephone number
• RMA number
• Problem description

Note: Absence of the RMA number may delay processing your product
for repair. Include the RMA number in all correspondence.
5 Ship the product, prepaid and insured, via United Parcel Service (UPS),
your postal service, or other freight carrier to the following address:

Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
RMA Number ____________
Product Services
4311 Communications Drive
Norcross, Georgia 30093
USA

Note: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. does not accept freight collect. Be sure to

prepay all shipments.

C-4 Customer Information 546497 Rev A

Your Comments, Please

Model 9860/9861 Upconverters and Model 9803/9803B Rear Interface Modules

Installation and Operation Guide, 546497 Rev A

Introduction
Please take a few minutes to fill out and mail this questionnaire. Your comments
will help us improve our publications.

Comments
Please complete the table below.
What do you think about Check the box that best If you checked fair or poor,
this publication's... describes your opinion please explain
accuracy? p Excellent p Fair
Note: If you find an error, p Very good p Poor
please indicate page no., p Good
graphic, or table.
organization and format? p Excellent p Fair
p Very good p Poor
p Good
ease of understanding? p Excellent p Fair
p Very good p Poor
p Good
features, such as graphics p Excellent p Fair
and tables? p Very good p Poor
p Good
usefulness? p Excellent p Fair
p Very good p Poor
p Good

Tell us who you are

_______________________________________________________________
Name, title, department, and company

_______________________________________________________________
Complete address (include country)

546497 Rev A Customer Information C-5

C-6 Customer Information 546497 Rev A
 Glossary

Application module
An application module is a Continuum Headend System component that performs
a prescribed set of independent functions such as modulation or stereo encoding.
An application module is inserted into a slot from the front of the chassis and can
reside in slots 1 through 8 in the chassis.
Attenuation
The difference between transmitted and received signal strength due to loss through
equipment, lines, or other transmission medium. Usually expressed in decibels.
Automatic backup
The Continuum Headend System feature that allows the Model 981X Controller to
sense a malfunction in any application module in one chassis, and re-route the
input/output signals to a designated back-up application module in the same
chassis.
Bandwidth
A measure of the information-carrying capacity of a communications channel, for
example the range of usable frequencies that can be carried by a CATV system. The
bandwidth corresponds to the difference between the lowest and highest frequency
that can be carried by the channel.
Baseband
The original band of frequencies occupied by the signal in a carrier before it
modulates the carrier frequency to form the transmitted signal.
Broadband
A CATV system capable of delivering multiple channels or services (voice, video, or
data) to its subscribers.
Broadcast Television Standards Committee
An EIA committee created to develop a standard for Multi-channel Television
Sound (MTS) broadcasting. The standard adopted was developed by Zenith
Electronics Corporation (transmission parameters) and dbx, Inc. (noise reduction
system).
BTSC
See “Broadcast Television Standards Committee.”

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Glossary-1

Cable television system
A broadband communications system capable of delivering multiple channels of
programming from a centralized set of antennas, generally by coaxial cable, to a
community. Many systems now integrate microwave and satellite links into their
design.
Carrier
An electromagnetic wave whose amplitude, frequency, or phase can be modulated
to transmit information such as a television signal.
CATV
See “Cable Television System.”
Chassis
A metal frame assembly designed to house Continuum Headend System
components. The chassis is 5 RU in height and contains nine module-mounting
positions called slots that are numbered 0 through 8 from left to right facing the
front of the chassis. One controller module and up to eight application modules and
their matching rear interface modules can be mounted in a chassis. The standard
chassis mounts in a standard EIA rack, while the mid-mount chassis mounts in a
relay rack.
Chrominance
The color information only (independent of luminance information) of a signal,
including hue and saturation levels of the colors in the picture.
Composite video signal
For color this consists of blanking, field, and line synchronizing signals, color
synchronizing signals, plus chrominance and luminance picture information.
Controller module
The controller module is a special Continuum Headend System component that
provides power to the application modules in the chassis, controls backup functions
and communications between the application modules in the chassis, and provides
the Status Monitoring and Control (SMC) interface to Element Management
Systems. The controller module must reside in slot 0 in the chassis.
Deviation
The peak difference between the instantaneous frequency of the modulated wave
and the carrier frequency, in an FM system.

Continued on next page

2-Glossary 546497 Rev A

Distribution system
The part of a CATV system consisting of the transmission medium (coaxial cables,
fiber optic cables, etc.) used to carry signals from the headend system to subscriber
terminals.
EIA
See “Electronic Industries Association.”
Electronic Industries Association
A United States association that provides standards for use between manufacturers
and purchasers of electronic products.
Gain
A measure of the increase in signal level, relative to a reference, in an amplifier.
Usually expressed in decibels.
Headend system
The part of a CATV system consisting of antennas, video receivers, signal
processors, demodulators, stereo encoders, scramblers, modulators, and other
equipment that receives incoming signals, and then processes and combines them
for transmission to subscribers.
IF
See “Intermediate Frequency.”
Intermediate frequency
The common frequency which is mixed with the frequency of a local oscillator to
produce the outgoing radio frequency (RF) signal.
Inter-module bus
A printed circuit board located across the bottom back portion of a Continuum
Headend System chassis. This bus provides a physical connection to all rear
interface modules and, therefore, to all application modules in the chassis.
The inter-module bus carries DC power, communications, backup, and control
signals between the controller and the application modules in the chassis through
their respective rear interface modules.
Luminance
The amount of light intensity in a television picture, perceived by the eye as
brightness.

Continued on next page

546497 Rev A Glossary-3

Mid-mount chassis
A special version of a Continuum Headend System chassis (see “Chassis”) designed
to mount in a relay rack.
Modulator module
An application module that is used to place a baseband signal on a television RF
carrier or channel.
National Television Standards Committee
A committee that determines video signal standards for television displays in the
United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan, as well as other Latin American and
Asian countries. The NTSC standard calls for fixed-resolution, interlaced displays
that are updated 30 times per second with a resolution of 525 lines.
NTSC
See “National Television Standards Committee.”
Plug-and-play
The Continuum Headend System feature that allows instant replacement and
configuration of a faulty controller or application module without user set-up or
power interruption.
Radio frequency
An electromagnetic signal, above the audio and below the infrared frequencies, used
in radio transmission systems.
Rear interface module
A rear interface module is a Continuum Headend System component that is
inserted into a slot from the rear of the chassis and mates with a specific application
module. A rear interface module prepares the slot to receive, configures the slot for,
and provides the input and output connections to a specific application module.
Relay rack
A free-standing, open-air metal rack for mounting electrical equipment. Typically
this type of rack is not enclosed.
RF
See “Radio Frequency.”
SAP
See “Second Audio Program.”

Continued on next page

4-Glossary 546497 Rev A

Satellite receiver
A microwave receiver capable of receiving satellite transmitted signals,
downconverting and demodulating those signals, and providing baseband audio
and video output.
Second Audio Program
In a BTSC-encoded television sound carrier, a separate monaural audio subcarrier
that accompanies the main audio channel. Typically used to transmit audio in a
different language.
Signal processor
A headend system device that downconverts an incoming signal to an intermediate
frequency for filtering, signal level control, and other processing, and then
reconverts that signal to a desired output frequency.
Slot
One of nine module-mounting positions in a Continuum Headend System chassis.
The slots are numbered 0 through 8 from left to right facing the front of the chassis.
A controller module must always occupy slot 0. Other application modules, such as
modulators and stereo encoders are mounted in the remaining slots.
Standard EIA rack
A metal rack for mounting electrical equipment that meets EIA standards. This
type of rack is typically enclosed on both sides by sheet metal panels and on the
back by a hinged sheet metal door that provides access to cabling and wiring.
Subcarrier
A carrier used to modulate another carrier wave.
Upconverter module
An application module that processes a composite IF input signal and provides an
RF output signal at a user-selected CATV channel frequency.

546497 Rev A Glossary-5

Compliance
Conformité

FCC compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when operating this equipment in a
commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if the
user does not install and use this equipment according to the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.

Caution:
Any changes or modification to this equipment not expressly approved by
Scientific-Atlanta could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Industry Canada
Industrie Canadienne
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences due
Règlement sur le matérial brouilleur du Canada.
white text to force page to print

United States: 4261 Communications Drive, P. O. Box 6850, Norcross, GA 30091-

6850;
Tel: 770-903-5000; TWX: 810-799-4912; Telex: 0542898
Europe: Home Park Estate, Kings Langley, Herts WD4 8LZ, England;
Tel: +44-1-923-266133; Fax: +44-1-923-269018
Asia-Pacific: Scientific-Atlanta (HK), Ltd., Suite 56-57,
5/F New Henry House, 10 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong;
Tel: 852-2522-5059; Fax: 852-2522-5624
© 1997 Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA
Part Number 546497 Rev A September 1997