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BPF-( ) Single Channel Bandpass Filter $91

CA-30RK550 $169 , CA-45RK550 $175  & CA30/550 $137  are high quality push-pull amplifiers

CA-30/1000 $245 , CA-30RK1000 $259 are high quality push-pull amplifiers

CEF/550 Single Channel Elimination Filters High or Mid Band $259, Low Band $200

FMS ($132) /LBS ($105) /HBS ($105) or MBS ($105)  single channel amplifiers have been designed to cover all VHF, Mid band, and FM band frequencies

M860 Modulator is a microprocessor controlled CATV modulator 54-450 MHz $489, 450-806 $529

M860s is a microprocessor controlled, rebroadcast quality, phase locked loop synthesized, single channel CATV television modulator with integrated BTSC stereo

PFAM550ms  $953 is a microprocessor controlled, rebroadcast quality, phase locked loop synthesized, frequency agile CATV television modulator with integrated BTSC stereo

PFAD-900cs  $198 is a high quality cable television audio/video demodulator

PFAD-900css $305 is a CATV quality cable television video/audio demodulator

PFAP550m $762 is a frequency agile, microprocessor controlled, heterodyne signal processor

PLM55  $152 is a phase locked loop, single channel television modulator

SP860 $532 is a Heterodyne Signal Processor

$953

Features

• Double heterodyne conversion • 60 dBmVminimum @ 54-550 MHz • Double I.F. loop; separate audio and video. • Composite I.F. loop (45.75 MHz) • Automatic band splitting filters for superior carrier to noise ratio• Integrated BTSC stereo • SAW filtered • RF mute • Supports HRC, IRC, frequency offsets • Front panel -30dB test point • Five-year limited warranty

Description

The Pico Macom model PFAM550ms is a microprocessor controlled, rebroadcast quality, phase locked loop synthesized, frequency agile CATV television modulator with integrated BTSC stereo. The double conversion and superior SAW filtering provides adjacent channel compatibility and spurious free output. The PFAM 550ms provides 60 dB minimum output level from 54 to 550MHz including HRC and IRC offset frequencies. The channelization configuration can be changed by the up/down buttons located on the front panel. The modulator is shipped with all internal adjustments preset and FCC Docket 21006 offsets are standard. The unit conforms to FCC Docket 21006 for frequency accuracy.

$762

Description

The PFAP550m is a frequency agile, microprocessor controlled, heterodyne signal processor which uses the latest low noise, PLL, SAW filter and AGC techniques to provide superior quality and performance at an attractive low price. The PFAP550m has been specifically designed to produce the highest quality pictures at extremely low inputs while maintaining stable output levels with its sync tip AGC circuit. High input capability and SAW filtering provide the unit with the ability to process a single cable channel even in the presence of adjacent channel. High frequency and extremely high accuracy Phase Locked Loop oscillators allow the unit to meet the frequency offset and stability requirements of FCC Docket 21006, even under worst case conversions to hyperband output channels.

Features

• Microprocessor controlled • High output: 60 dBmV, 55dBmV minimum • SAW filtered • Spurious outputs down 60 dB • Adjacent channel rejection of 60 dB • Superior low noise circuitry • Can be used as a modulator in standby mode • Standby carrier generator • Five year limited warranty • Sync tip AGC for precise signal regulation • BTSC stereo signal compatible • 45.75 MHz IF loop-thru • Output capability to 550 MHz • Input capability to 806 MHz • Complies with FCC Docket 21006 requirements for CATV systems

$152

Features

• 55 dBmV minimum @ 54-300 MHz • Automatic selection of carrier level in increments of 12dB, 14dB, 16dB and 18dB below video carrier • Output filter tunable within band • Excellent selectivity • Front panel -30dB test point • Rear panel convenience outlet • Five year limited warranty

Description

The PLM55 is a phase locked loop, single channel television modulator giving superb performance at an economical price. The PLM provides 55dBmV minimum output level from 54 to 300MHz. The modulator is shipped with all internal adjustments preset and FCC Docket 21006 offsets are standard. The PLM55 is tunable within band eliminating the requirement to stock every channel. The unit conforms to FCC Docket 21006 for frequency accuracy.

PLM860SAW-(*) $219 806 MHz Channelized-Agile PLL SAW-Filtered A/V Modulator

The PLM860SAW modulator features a digital phase-locked loop (PLL) and saw filter for superior adjacent channel performance and drift-free channel stability. This professional grade modulator maintains a full 55dBmV output on channels 23 to 135 while accommodating HRC and IRC offset frequencies (216-860 MHz). The PLM860SAW is a very cost effective method to expand an existing cable system beyond 300MHz. The PLM860SAW was designed to extend channel capacity of systems using PCM55, PLM55, or PCM55SAW modulators. Its SAW filter provides superior sideband filtering, adjacent channel compatibility, and spurious free output. High quality modulation and RF level control potentiometers assure years of reliable operation. Easy lab retuning enables inventory savings and less down time. The PLM860SAW is shipped with all internal adjustments preset. FCC Docket 21006 offsets are standard. Pico Macom backs up this product with its industry leading 5-year limited warranty.

$91

Features

• Available in channels 2-13 and channels A-I, J-W • Sharp skirt selectivity • Hi-Q, front adjustable traps for optimal field attenuation of adjacent carriers • New rugged individual packaging • Five year warranty • Externally adjustable for special response requirements • Adjustable for world wide channel bandwidths and frequencies

Description

The Tru-Spec Model BPF-( ) Single Channel Bandpass Filter has been designed to provide an additional level of bandpass selectivity to single channel amplifiers when used in adjacent channel configurations. The high outof-band signal rejection provided by our BPF bandpass filter eliminates cross modulation and overload distortion caused by strong adjacent carriers entering an amplifier. Unwanted images caused by dual amplifier processing of the same signal is also eliminated. Four front panel adjustable Hi-Q traps allow field adjustment of adjacent carriers. The BPF also is useful in eliminating unwanted conversion products resulting from strong local signals entering XUV and VVX channel converters.

CEF/550 Single Channel Elimination Filters High or Mid Band , Low Band DISCONTINUED

Features

• Cleanly rejects entire channel • Passes adjacent channels • Passband 550 MHz • Eliminates single channels in Low, Mid and High bands • May be cascaded for mulitple channel elimination • Five year limited warranty

Description

The CEF/550 Single Channel Elimination Filters are designed to suppress a single 6 MHz wide television channel while passing all other channels with minimal insertion loss. The rejection trap depth of 50 dB (minimum) is provided between the video and audio carriers with minimal effect on the adjacent channel carriers. The filter provides a clean 6 MHz wide channel for insertion of a locally originated or converted signal.

Description

The CA-30RK550 $169 , CA-45RK550 $175  & CA30/550 $137  are high quality push-pull amplifiers producing signals with extremely low distortion and harmonic content. The I.C. hybrid amplifier module in the CA-45RK550 is preceded with a single transistor stage to achieve a total gain of 45 dB. The design is capable of 54 channel operation over the 54-550 MHz range. The rack mounted amplifiers make excellent headend launch amplifiers and are frequently used in conjunction with the PHC-12U headend combiner. The rack mount amps are also useful for amplifying the cable input prior to the CEF channel elimination filter. The  A-30/550 enclosure uses a black anodized aluminum extrusion to assure reliable heat sinking and corrosion resistance.

Description

The CA-30/1000 $245, CA-30RK1000 $259 are high quality push-pull amplifiers producing signals with extremely low distortion and harmonic content. The design is capable of 158 channel operation over the 54-1000 MHz range. The rack mounted amplifiers make excellent headend launch amplifiers and are frequently used in conjunction with the PHC-12G headend combiner. The rack mount amps are also useful for amplifying the cable input prior to the CEF channel elimination filter.

PIDA Series Broadband Bi-directional Push-Pull Distribution Amplifiers

PIDA-550 550 MHz Amplifier $329

PIDA-750 750 MHz Amplifier Discontinued

PIDA-1000 1000 MHz Amplifier $529

The Pico Macom PIDA series two-way broadband distribution amplifiers are high quality dual push-pull amplifiers producing forward and reverse signals with extremely low distortion and high output levels. These amplifiers are designed for bi-directional cable distribution systems used in institutional and MDU environments, which employ reverse path signals such as cable modems, remote status monitoring, and remote TV origination. The PIDA also makes an excellent headend launch amplifier and is frequently used in conjunction with Pico Macom’s passive headend combiners (PHC12G or PHC24G) to overcome losses associated with signal combining in broadband CATV systems. Furthermore, the PIDA can be used in cable systems whose input source is a franchise cable drop or the output of a SMATV headend. In such applications, the PIDA would be used with Pico Macom’s CEF channel elimination filter for “mix-and-match” channel selection or for local insertion. The PIDA enclosure is made of high-grade aluminum to ensure reliable heat dissipation and corrosion resistance. Pico Macom backs up this product with its industry leading 5-year limited warranty.

FMS ($132) /LBS ($105) /HBS ($105) or MBS ($105)  

Features

• Internal bandpass filtering • Five-year limited warranty • 13/4" low profile rack mounting • Available in Low, Mid, FM, High, Super and UHF bands • Lightning and line voltage surge protection  • High output • Wide dynamic range • AGC controlled • Adjustable sound trap • Input and output test points • AC convenience outlet • U.L. listed

Description

The single channel amplifiers have been designed to cover all VHF, Mid band, and FM band frequencies. Automatic gain control is provided to set the output power independent of the input level. This "gain in reserve" feature allows for consistent headend performance. These low noise, high gain amplifiers will provide excellent signal quality with low distortion for trouble-free operation over wide ambient temperature ranges. Externally adjustable input and output filter controls allow easy re-tuning (with proper equipment) of any amplifier (within band type) for special alignment applications, or repair replacement. A precision voltage regulator eliminates performance changes due to loading or power line fluctuations.

M860 Modulator is a microprocessor controlled CATV modulator 54-450 MHz $489, 450-806 $529

Features

• 60 dBmV minimum output from 54 to 806 MHz • SAW filtered for superior adjacent channel performance • Supports HRC, IRC frequency offsets • Composite I.F. loop (45.75 MHz) • Factory aligned to FCC Docket 21006 for frequency offsets and stability • Encoder compatibiltiy, using and external I.F. loop through, to accomodate pay-per-view or scrambled signals • Front panel -30 dB test point • Rear panel convenience outlet • Five-year limited warranty

Description

The Pico Macom model M860 Modulator is a microprocessor controlled CATV modulator specifically designed for adjacent channel headend use. It provides high stability and superior picture and sound quality and assures reliable operation even in the most crowded systems. The high frequency and extremely high accuracy Phase Locked Loop oscillator allows the unit to meet the frequency offset and stability requirements of FCC Docket 21006, even at Ultra and UHF band output channels. Superior out-of-band carrier to noise is achieved by output amplifier bandpass filtering in addition to I.F. SAW filtering.

$859

Features

• 60 dBmVminimum @ 54-806 MHz • Composite I.F. loop (45.75 MHz) • Microprocessor controlled • Integrated BTSC stereo • SAW filtered• Supports HRC, IRC, frequency offsets • Front panel -30dB test point • Rear panel convenience outlet • Five-year limited warranty

Description

The Pico Macom model M860s is a microprocessor controlled, rebroadcast quality, phase locked loop synthesized, single channel CATV television modulator with integrated BTSC stereo. The M860s provides 60 dBmV minimum output level from 54 to 806 MHz including HRC and IRC offset frequencies. The channelization configuration can be changed by the up/down buttons located on the front panel. The modulator is shipped with all internal adjustments preset and FCC Docket 21006 offsets are standard. The unit conforms to FCC Docket 21006 for frequency accuracy. Superior out-of-band carrier to noise is achieved by output bandpass filtering in addition to I.F. SAW filtering

$198

Features

• Microprocessor controlled phase locked loop oscillator for precise channel selection • SAW filter for superior vestigial sideband response • Keyed AGC system for excellent picture stability • Envelope detection ensures exceptional differential gain and phase • Quadrature single tuned audio detection • 4.5 MHz and MPX subcarrier output for BTSC application • 45.75 MHz I.F. monitor • Separate video and audio outputs • Composite (MPX) stereo output for BTSC application • Five year-limited warranty

Description

The PFAD-900cs is a high quality cable television audio/video demodulator utilizing microprocessor controlled tuning. The unit demodulates VHF, UHF and cable channels from 54 MHz to 806 MHz. IRC and HRC offsets can be activated by push button switches located in the front panel. The PFAD-900cs incorporates a phase locked loop synthesized L.O. in conjunction with a non-volatile mircoprocessor for precise frequency selection. The unit accepts any NTSC television signal in the 54 MHz to 806 MHz frequency range and converts it to baseband video and audio. Three additional outputs are provided by the PFAD-900cs; an I.F. output to monitor the status of the tuner and also for use with other up converters, a 4.5 MHz subcarrier and a broadband multiplex output for BTSC stereo application.

$305

Features

• Microprocessor controlled phase locked loop oscillator for precise channel selection • SAW filter for superior vestigial sideband response • Keyed AGC system for excellent picture stability • Sub-band / CATV demodulator • Envelope detection ensures exceptional differential gain and phase • Quadrature single tuned audio detection • 4.5 MHz sub-carrier and MPX composite outputs for BTSC application • 45.75MHz I.F. monitor • Separate video and audio outputs • Composite (MPX) stereo output • Five-year limited warranty

Description

The Pico Macom model PFAD-900css is a CATV quality cable television video/audio demodulator utilizing microprocessor controlled tuning. The unit demodulates VHF, UHF and cable channels from 5.75 MHz to 806 MHz. IRC and HRC offsets can be activated by push button switches located in the front panel. The PFAD-900css incorporates a phase locked loop synthesized L.O. in conjunction with a non-volatile mircoprocessor for precise frequency selection. The unit accepts any NTSC television signal in the 5.75 MHz to 806 MHz frequency range and converts it to baseband video and audio. Three additional outputs are provided by the PFAD-900css; an I.F. output to monitor the status of the tuner and also for use with other up converters, a 4.5 MHz subcarrier and a broadband multiplex output for BTSC stereo application.

$532

Description

The PICO MACOM model SP860 is a Heterodyne Signal Processor which uses the latest low noise, PLL, SAW filter and AGC techniques to provide  superior quality and performance at an attractive low price. The SP860 has been specifically designed to produce the highest quality pictures at extremely low inputs while maintaining stable output levels with its sync tip AGC circuit. High input capability and SAW filtering provide the unit with the ability to process a single cable channel even in the presence of adjacent channel. High frequency and extremely high accuracy Phase Locked Loop oscillators allow the unit to meet the frequency offset and stability requirements of FCC Docket 21006, even under worst case conversions to hyperband output channels. Modular construction allows the unit to be reconfigured to any combination of input and output channels by qualified service centers. Superior out-of-band carrier to noise is achieved by output amplifier bandpass filtering in addition to IF SAW filtering.

Features

• High output: 60 dBmV• SAW filtered• Spurious outputs down 60 dB• Adjacent channel rejection of 60 dB• Superior low noise circuitry• Sync tip AGC for precise signal regulation• BTSC stereo signal compatible• 45.75 MHz IF loop-thru• Output capability to 806 MHz• Complies with FCC Docket 21006 requirements for CATV systems• Five year limited warranty

DSP806 $949 Digital Signal Processors  806 MHz Agile PLL SAW-Filtered Digital-Analog Channel Processor

The Pico Macom DSP806 is a frequency agile, microprocessor-controlled, professional re-broadcast grade double-heterodyne channel processor that converts one 6MHz Digital (ATSC, 8VSB, 64QAM) or Analog (NTSC) channel to a different frequency without need to demodulate and re-modulate the signal. Front panel push-button controls enable simple input and output channel selection. The unit uses state-of-the-art high stability phase-locked-loop circuitry for optimum data handling and channel relocation. The DSP806 provides a rear panel external IF loop allowing this unit to be used as a digital up-converter or down-converter in CMTS systems. The Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) IF filtering provides highly selective frequency cut off at band edges for superior adjacent channel performance even in the most crowded systems. The DSP806 unique broad input AGC design delivers consistently high quality picture even at extremely low input levels. The microprocessor’s non-volatile memory preserves input and output channel identification guaranteeing proper reset when power is restored. The DSP806 high frequency and extremely high accuracy phase-locked loop oscillators enable the unit to meet the frequency offset and stability requirements of FCC Docket 21006. Pico Macom backs up this product with its industry leading 5-year limited warranty.

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Below is off Pico web page. their are other Tech Tips

More Power, Better Pictures

Welcome to Tech Talk, Pico Macom's series of technical notes, featuring useful information and equipment tips. This installment of Tech Talk discusses Pico Macom’s line of quality amplifiers and accessories.

Choosing an amplifier

It is very common to hear, “I need a little bit more signal.” This time in Tech Talk we will discuss the selection and application of amplifiers. There are different types of amplifiers with features suited to various applications:

Headend amplifiers are rack-mount amplifiers that are used primarily to overcome the losses associated with the channel combining system and to provide a high level “launch” of signal from the headend.

Distribution amplifiers are strand or wall-mount amplifiers that are used to overcome the cable, splitter and tap losses associated with distributing signal to multiple dwellings.

Drop amplifiers are usually fixed-value amplifiers that are used to overcome the losses associated with splitting and distributing signal within a single residence.

When selecting the amplifier, knowledge of the signal frequencies, architecture, and spacing is required to ensure that all signals pass through and increase in level with the least amount of induced noise and distortion.

Forward Bandwidth

To know the forward bandwidth, you need to know the lowest and highest channels. In the U.S., the lowest channel carried is typically channel 2, and most amplifiers will accommodate the low frequency of 54 MHz. The highest frequency is not as easily determined. Most cable television companies have placed digital signals above the highest analog channel. These signals cannot be seen without proper test equipment. If you are creating your own analog channel lineup with a headend, the highest channel is usually 78 with a frequency of 550 MHz (CA-30/550). If amplifying a CATV channel lineup, it is best to assume the highest frequency as 1 GHz (CA-30/1000).

Reverse Bandwidth

The upstream bandwidth is used for signals that return to the headend. These signals can be from channels (such as local government or security) or services (such as cable modem or telephone). The bandwidth required usually starts at 5 MHz and extends to 36 or 42 MHz (PIDA-1000). Due to the low frequencies there is little attenuation through the cable, so the reverse path does not require as much amplification as the forward path.

Amplifier Gain

The gain of an amplifier is rated in dB. This is the amount of change that is available to the signal applied to the input. If a signal of 12dBmV were applied to the input, the resulting output of a 30dB amplifier would be 42dBmV. The exception to the rule is when the maximum input of the amplifier has been exceeded. This will cause compression of the signal and, regardless of how much you increase the input, there will be no more output level achieved.

Amplifier Placement

Where to place amplifiers is a complicated question. The goal is unity gain. Ideally, every amplifier will have the same input and output level. However, due to convenience, this is rarely possible. Achieving unity gain is done in two ways:

The first is by running the amplifiers with a tilted output (higher frequencies at a higher output level than lower frequencies).

The second is by using extra cable, signal attenuators (FAM-*) and equalizers (TSEQ-2150-*) to compensate for the effects of short or over-spacing of amplifiers.

By design, on a tilted distribution system the amplifier should be placed at the point where the highest and lowest frequencies are at the same amplitude level. Then an attenuator may be placed if needed to reduce the overall level to the required input level. If the spacing is shorter, additional cable can be inserted in line to simulate the proper spacing. If the spacing is greater, a signal equalizer will reduce the lower frequency levels more than the higher frequencies, compensating for the cable loss and “balancing” the input levels. With the same input levels at each amplifier, the output levels can be set consistent throughout the system.

Channel Insertion!

Welcome to Tech Talk, Pico Macom's series of technical notes, featuring useful information and equipment tips. This installment of Tech Talk discusses Pico Macom’s line of channel elimination filters.

The crowded channel line-up

Inserting a security or DVD channel shouldn’t be difficult. To maximize the viewing experience, it’s easy to insert the desired channel into the existing line-up for whole-house distribution. This provides the flexibility of viewing the inserted channel from any room in the entire house. One note: The TV set and/or set-top box must be capable to tune to the selected channel.

In the past, when you wanted to add a surveillance channel to an existing cable television line-up, you might have heard the phrase, “Just put it above the highest channel,” and that worked. These days, most cable companies are using the channel spectrum below the lowest channel for signal return, the typically analog spectrum for channels 2~78 including the FM radio band, and the spectrum above it for digital signals.

This can be very misleading. Unless you are looking at the signal with a spectrum analyzer, it can be difficult to tell whether or not there is a signal. On a TV set it will just look like snow, and on a signal level meter it will look like an elevated level of noise. How can we be sure to have a clean location to insert our locally generated channel? If we insert a channel onto another channel, we will get distortion and snowy pictures.

The answer is to first filter out the channel spectrum where we want to insert. By doing this, even if there currently isn’t a channel that would interfere, our inserted channel is safe. If channel line-up changes or additions occur at the cable company, it will not affect our channel.

Simple Installation

Diagram A

Whole-house insertion (Diagram A) is easily accomplished. It isn’t so much the type of filter as much as the placement in the signal path. Place the filter and the inserted channel as close to the first point of contact to the house before any splitting. This ensures that the signal will go to all TV locations in the home.

Diagram B

In a “nanny-cam” surveillance application, the inserted signal may only be desired at specific locations and not every connected TV. This requires a slight variation of the whole-house insertion (Diagram B). The signal where it connects to the house is split using a TSB-2GFR two-way splitter. This creates two separate paths. Connect the filter and inserted channel only on one of the outputs. Then the uninserted line-up is distributed to all TV locations except in the locations where the inserted channel is desired.

There are two filter types used for channel insertion:

Low Pass Filters (LPF-Series)—These filters are designed to pass all channels below a designated frequency and filter out the channels above. These are ideal if you are only receiving the analog CATV channels and want to “just put it above the highest channel.”

Channel Elimination Filters (CEF-Series)—These filters are designed to remove a single channel without having a significant effect on the adjacent channels. An example of this would be if you wanted to filter out channel 3. These are ideal, since they are capable of passing the digital and return signals through and only affecting the specified channel.

The key to distortion-free channel insertion is to use a filter to clear out anything that can interfere with the inserted channel.

Use a quality Pico Macom modulator.

Match the signal level of the inserted channel to the level of the existing adjacent channels.

Our sales and engineering team at Pico Macom can assist you with selection of the best option of filter and modulator to ensure maximum compatibility. Please give us a call at 800-421-6511 and let us guide you through the selection purchase and connection process.

Click here to download the CEF Series Manual.