C Band BUC Manual
Transcription
C Band BUC Manual
Technologies, Inc. C-band Block Up Converter Installation and Operation Manual © 2010 UPCOM TECHNOLOGIES INC. All Rights Reserved. All Information contained in this Manual is the property of UPCOM TECHNOLOGIES INC. The Manual in whole or in part, may not be duplicated or reproduced without the written permission of UPCOM TECHNOLOGIES INC. The Manual is intended to be used as a guide only and may be revised, modified or altered at any time by UPCOM TECHNOLOGIES INC. UPCOM shall not be liable to users of the Manual nor to any other person, firm, company or other body for any loss, direct, indirect or consequential, in contract or in tort or for any negligent mis-statement or omission contained herein, by reason of, arising from or in relation to any such user, other person, company or body relying or acting upon or purporting to rely or act upon any matter contained in this Manual. Upcom Technologies Inc. San, Jose CA www.upcom.com TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1-1 1.1 General Description 1-1 1.2 Frequency Band Options 1-2 1.3 Supply Voltage Options 1-2 1.4 Compatibility 1-2 1.5 BUC X SSPA Booster 1-3 CHAPTER 2 SPECIFICATIONS 2.1 Specifications of C-band Blocked Up- Converter 2.1.1 Electrical 2.1.2 Power Supply 2.1.3 LED Indicator 2.1.4 Mechanical 2.1.5 Environment 2-1 2-1 2-1 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-4 CHAPTER 3 INSTALLATION 3-1 3.1 General 3-1 3.2 Transportation 3-2 3.3 Unpacking 3-3 3.4 Repacking 3-4 3.5 Preparation 3-5 3.6 Site Considerations 3-6 3.7 Mounting 3-7 3.8 Connections 3.11.1 Grounding 3-8 3.9 Sealing 3-9 CHAPTER 4 (OPTIONAL) MONITOR & CONTROL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (OPTIONAL FEATURES) 4.1 General 4-1 4-1 Monitor and Control (M&C) Connection CHAPTER 5 5-1 5.1 Installation 5.1.1 Contents 5.1.2 Interconnection 5.1.3 Important Installation Issues 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-1 5.2 5.3 M&C Software L BAND FEED TO RCU 5-2 5-3 CHAPTER 6 THEORY OF OPERATION 6.1 6-1 6-1 6.2 Demultiplexer (DEMUX) 6-2 6.3 Upconverter (U/C) 6-3 6.4 Synthesized Local Oscillator (LO) 6-4 6.5 Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) 6-5 6.6 Monitor & Control (M&C) - Optional 6-6 6.7 Power Supply (PS) 6-7 CHAPTER 7 MAINTENANCE 7-1 7.1 General 7-1 7.2 Maintenance Procedure 7.2.1 Gain Testing 7.2.2 Water Leakage Protection 7-2 7-2 7-2 7.3 Final Check 7-3 CHAPTER 8 WARRANTY 8-1 8.1 Limited Warranty 8-1 8.2 RMA 8-2 8.3 Other Repairs 8-3 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION The C-band BLOCK UP CONVERTER (C-BUC) is a high performance, cost-effective RF transmitter designed for satellite communication with high speed transmission capability suitable for both television and high speed data communication. It is suitable for Single Carrier Per Channel (SCPC), Multi-Carrier Per Channel (MCPC), Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) applications. Baseband signals are modulated onto L-band frequency and multiplexed with 10 MHz reference and DC supply on the center conductor of the IF cable. It is then up converted and amplified in the C-BUC for transmission to the satellite via an antenna dish. The C-band Block Up Converter (C-BUC) serves to up convert the L-band transmit signal to the C-band transmit frequency range and to to amplify it by an integrated SSPA. Power levels range from 1 mW to 500 W output. It is designed with low power consumption, well suited for systems and applications where power is of prime concern. With low pulse mode phase perturbation, it is extremely useful for systems that require burst mode applications. The transmit output waveguide is WR137 with groove and O-ring is provided. A yellow transparent tape is laminated onto the waveguide; together with the O-ring and proper installation, this prevents water ingress through the waveguide. DO NOT REMOVE THE YELLOW TRANSPARENT TAPE FROM THE TRANSMIT WAVEGUIDE OUTPUT FLANGE ! 1.2 FREQUENCY BAND OPTIONS The BUC transmits with the following frequencies options: INTELSAT C-band Output transmit: 5.850 to 6.425 GHz Local oscillator: 4.900 GHz Input transmit: 950 to 1525 MHz INSAT C-band Output transmit: 6.725 to 7.025 GHz Local oscillator: 5.625 GHz Input transmit: 1100 to 1400 MHz Full C-band Output transmit: 5.850 to 6.725 GHz Local oscillator: 4.900 GHz Input transmit: 950 to 1825 MHz 1.3 SUPPLY VOLTAGE OPTIONS The BUC 1 mW driver derives its voltage supply through the centre conductor of input connector. Wide input supply voltage range from +18 to +60 VDC For high power BUC with Booster, the booster’s supply voltage should be: 220 VAC @ 50 / 60 Hz: Voltage range is 180 to 260 VAC 1.4 COMPATIBILITY BUC X SSPA BOOSTER The UPCOM C Band SSPAs must be used with the low power BUC driver of 1 mW maximum power supplied with the equipment. The use of drivers with output power higher than 1 mW may damage the SSPA booster and void the equipment warranty. CHAPTER 2 SPECIFICATIONS 2.1 SPECIFICATIONS OF C-BAND BUC The C-BUC is a single stage up conversion from L-band to C-band frequencies using a 10 MHz external referenced phase locked oscillator. The spectrum is non-inverted with phase noise surpassing Intelsat standards and low DC power consumption. 2.1.1 Electrical Parameter Unit Min Typ Max Option 0 – Intelsat MHz 950 1525 Option 1 – Insat MHz 975 1275 Option 5 – Full C MHz 950 1825 Input Frequency Input Level to P1dB dBm -20 Input VSWR 2.0 : 1 Input Impedance 50 Ω Output Frequency Option 0 – Intelsat GHz 5.850 6.425 Option 1 – Insat GHz 6.725 7.025 Option 5 – Full C GHz 5.850 6.725 Output VSWR 2.0 : 1 Local Oscillator Frequency No frequency inversion Option 0 – Intelsat GHz 4.900 Option 1 – Insat GHz 5.625 Option 5 – Full C GHz 4.900 Frequency MHz 10 Power Level dBm External Reference -5 +5 Phase Noise at frequency offset 10 Hz dBc/Hz -120 100 Hz dBc/Hz -140 1 kHz dBc/Hz -150 10 kHz dBc/Hz -155 100 kHz dBc/Hz -160 Parameter Unit Min Typ Max Gain Flatness Over Full Bandwidth For 1mW model (at 25°C) dB 2 For 20W to 500W (at 25°C) dB 7 Gain Stability Over Operating Temperature (-40°C to 60°C) For 1mW to 10W dB 5 For 20W to 500W dB 6 For 1mW dBc -35 For 10W to 50W dBc -27 For 80W and above dBc -25 Spurious – In-band @ P1dB dBc -55 For 1mW dBm -70 For all other models dBm -23 100 Hz dBc/Hz -63 1 kHz dBc/Hz -73 10 kHz dBc/Hz -83 100 kHz dBc/Hz -93 Full pulse (> 5 ms) degree 4 For the starting 30 µs degree 3 p-p Intermodulation Distortion (2 carriers 1 MHz apart, 6 dB backoff each from P1dB) Spurious – Out-of-band (per 4 kHz) Phase Noise at frequency offset Pulse Mode Phase Perturbation 2.1.2 Power Supply Parameter Unit Min Typ Max VDC 19 24 36 VAC 180 230 260 C-BUC Power Supply Supply Voltage 1 C-BAND Booster Power Supply 230 VAC @ 50 / 60 Hz Power Consumption Unit Typical 100W VA 300 200W VA 1000 300W VA 1200 400W VA 2000 500W VA 2400 2.1.3 LED Status Indicator Parameter LED Indicator Alarm Status RED Alarm ON GREEN Normal LO unlocked, transmit auto switch off Functional 2.1.4 Mechanical Parameter Unit Min Input Interface Typ Max N-type female Output Interface WR-137G with O-ring External Dimensions 1mW mm 210(L) × 157(W) × 65(H) 20W mm 430(L) × 278(W) × 260(H) 50W mm 430(L) x 278(W) x 275(H) 80W to 500W mm Consult factory Parameter Unit Min Typ Max Weight 1mW kg 2.7 20W to 50W kg 16.0 80W to 500W kg Consult factory Finish Creamy white, matt surface Mounting Holes 2.1.5 Environmental Parameter Unit Min Typ Operating Temperature °C -40 55 Storage Temperature °C -55 85 Relative Humidity, Condensing % 0 100 Altitude Up to 15,000 ft Solar 360 BTU/sq. ft/hr @ 50°C Salt Operating Shock Operating Drop Operating Vibration Max No corrosion, salt as found in coastal areas 10g, 10 msec, each axis 4 inch, bottom face Random vibration, 5 – 500 Hz, 10 min/axis, 0.5g (r.m.s.) Parameter Survival Vibration, Unpackaged Unit Min Typ Max Random vibration 10 min/axis, 5 – 350 Hz at 0.011 g2/Hz, 350 – 500 Hz at 0.00555 g2/Hz Resonant search 5 – 500 Hz, swept sine, 1 octave/min sweep rate, 0.5g Resonant dwell 0.75g, 5 min each resonance, 4 resonances per axis 2.2 OUTLINE DRAWINGS Figure 2-1: Outline Drawing of C-band Block Up Converter (C-BUC) 1mW Figure 2-4: Outline Drawing of C-band Block Up Converter (C-BUC) 20W to 60W Figure 2-5: Outline Drawing of 20 and 60W C-band Boosters Figure 2-6: Outline Drawing of 80W to 500W C-band Boosters CHAPTER 3 INSTALLATION 3.1 GENERAL This chapter provides all the necessary information and step-by-step instructions for the successful installation of the C-BUC BUC Outdoor Unit. ! WARNING Always handle the ODU with care. Do not let the ODU drop or knock against things as excessive shock may cause damage to the units. UPCOM TECHNOLOGIES INC. will not warranty any defects due to excessive shock or vibration. 3.2 TRANSPORTATION When transporting the ODU, surround the unit with shock absorbing material to provide a firm cushion and prevent movement inside the container. This is to prevent excessive shock to the unit as it may cause damage. 3.3 UNPACKING Prior to unpacking, inspect the exterior of the container for any damage suffered during shipment. If any damage is present, contact the carrier that delivered the system and submit a damage report. Failure to do so could complicate or invalidate a claim. Carefully unpack and remove all items from the shipping container, and inspect the items further for any sign of damage. Be careful not to damage any components when opening the shipping container. Save all packing materials until the inspections are completed. Compare the contents of the shipping container to the packing slip to ensure the items received match those listed. If any loss or damage is discovered, contact UPCOM or the local UPCOM representative before proceeding with the installation. 3.4 REPACKING Use the original packing containers if possible. Place the unit in a clean and open work area. Cover all connectors with a plastic cap designed for this purpose (adhesive tape is not recommended as it quickly deteriorates, leaving a residue on the connector). Wrap the unit in a bubble plastic bag. Surround the unit in a shock absorbing material to provide a firm cushion and prevent movement inside the container. Use a proper shipment container. Seal the container and mark exterior clearly “FRAGILE Electronic equipment.” 3.5 PREPARATION It is strongly recommended that sufficient tools be available for the installation. The following Table 5-2 lists some of the typical tools required for the installation. Description Qty Complete Set of Socket wrench 1 Screw driver (Philips) 1 Cutter 1 Multi-meter 1 Table 3-2: Typical Tools Required For Installation 3.6 SITE CONSIDERATIONS According to the instructions supplied by the antenna manufacturer, locate and install the antenna in an area that is free from RF interference from motors and electronic equipment. A clear line of sight from the antenna to the satellite is essential. To ensure safety and protection of personnel and equipment, lightning arresters should also be used at the site. Size 3/0 or 4/0 stranded copper wire should be used to bond the C-BUC, LNB and Booster to the antenna frame and to the lightning protection ground rod. The grounding resistance of the antenna should not be more than 10 Ω. 3.7 MOUNTING The antenna must have sufficient support to minimize sway in strong winds with the ODU mounted. When mounting the ODU, allow enough space to adjust azimuth and elevation of the antenna and to handle the cables. The mounting position must also allow air movement across the heatsink fins of the ODU. Note: The length of the interconnecting cables must be taken into consideration in determining the mounting location of the various units. 3.8 CONNECTIONS 3.8.1 Grounding Electrical bonding (grounding) of the C-BUC is recommended to prevent possible damage from lightning and/or other induced electrical surges. To ensure safety and protection of personnel and equipment, lightning arresters should also be used at the site. Size 3/0 or 4/0 stranded copper wire should be used to bond power supplies of the ODU equipment to the antenna frame and to lightning protection ground rod. 3.9 SEALING To complete an installation, seal up all the connectors and waveguide joints of the system using self-amalgamating tape. It is recommended that all “sealing job” be done after the system has been verified to be operational. The following points should be taken care of: 1. Make sure that all the connectors are hand-tightened before sealing. 2. The sealing must cover from the housing of the C-BUC until after the heatshrink sleeve. Refer the Figure 3-6 for the sealing. 3. All the unused connectors must be covered with a cap and sealed. 4. Make sure all waveguide joints are properly sealed with an appropriate gasket. Figure 3-6: Sealing the Connectors CHAPTER 4 MONITOR & CONTROL GENERAL The C-BUC with M&C port can be easily configured to have its operating status monitored via a PC using the user-friendly Monitor and Control (M&C) software. MONITOR & CONTROL (M&C) CONNECTION The C-band BUC support both RS232 and RS485 serial port communication. The C-BUC can auto-select RS232 or RS485 mode based on your connection. The following describes the CBUC pin configuration for M&C connector. Pin # M&C Connector at C-BUC Pin A Reserved Pin B Ground Pin C Reserved Pin D Tx link status (Normally close on Tx Form “C” Relay) Pin E Rx232 / RS485 Pin F Tx232 / RS485 Pin G Reserved Pin H Com of Form “C” Relay Table 4-1: M&C Circular Connector Pin Configuration for C-BUC CHAPTER 5 REDUNDANT BUC SYSTEM INSTALLATION PROCEDURES 5.1 INSTALLATION 5.1.1 CONTENTS The Redundant System consists of the following major items: C Band Booster SSPA – 2 units 1 mW L Band to C Band Up converter – 2 units Remote Control Unit – RCU Waveguide Switch C Band C Band High Power Load Flexible Twistable Waveguide – 2 pieces Interconnect Cables – As per parts list attached AC Power Protection Adapter – SSPAs – 2 units AC Power Protection Adapter – RCU – 2 units UPCOM M&C Software – 1 CD USB to RS-485 Cable Adapter 5.1.2 INTERCONNECTION The modules of the redundant system shall be interconnected with the cables provided with the units. The Interconnection diagram shows the cables to be used and the corresponding part numbers for each position 5.1.3 IMPORTANT INSTALLATION ISSUES Do not remove the amber plastic seal/sticker from the SSPAs output flanges. Removal of the amber plastic seal/sticker from the SSPA flanges will void the warranty – KEEP AMBER SEALS AT SSPA! Remove the amber plastic seal/sticker from the waveguide switch flanges. If the amber plastic seal/stickers from the waveguide switch flanges are NOT removed it will void the warranty. Using the switch with the seals may cause the seals to melt down and damage the switch – REMOVE AMBER SEALS FROM WAVEGUIDE SWITCH! The installation kit contains the necessary screws for each flange. In special do not use long screws at the waveguide switch flanges. Use the shorter screws provided with the units. Forcing a long screw into the waveguide switch will damage the switch moving parts. All AC Power Adapters require nominal 220 VAC ( 180 to 260 VAC ) Do not bend the flexible waveguides Install the sealing gaskets at all the waveguide flanges, with silicone paste; lack of proper sealing may cause damages to the units not covered by warranty. Each SSPA has two sets of fans, one on the top and one at the bottom of the unit ; the fan sets are shipped disconnected for better protection during transportation; CONNECT BOTH FAN SETS BEFORE TURNING ON THE UNIT. Do not turn on SSPAs power without proper termination of the output flanges with a load or to the antenna. Transmission without proper waveguide termination may damage the unit and may be harmful to people around the units. The RCU-T Unit provides 10MHz Reference and 24 VDC to the BUCs . The IF input to the RCU should be L Band Only. Do not use any other type or model of BUC as driver; higher power BUCs may overdrive the SSPAs and damage the unit. 5.2 M&C SOFTWARE Install the UC300 M&C Software on a PC Connect the USB-R-485 Adapter cable to the PC and to the RCU M&C Cable Go to Set Up Menu Go to Configuration Select Communications PC Com Port 3 RS485 9600 bps Select Device Driver Axxxx Booster AAAxxxxxxxM RCU External – TX Redundancy 5.3 L BAND FEED TO RCU Attention: The RCU-T Unit provides 10MHz reference and 24 VDC to the BUC. The IF input to the RCU should be L Band only. ITEM NO. PART N0. DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 4A 5 1001520980 2502040137 2502040135 6 2502040562 7 8 4 2502040561 5903290003 9A 4203490099G AC POWER CABLE TPB 220VAC RG8 RF CABLE HELIAX RF CABLE Not Applicable FLEXIBLE WAVEGUIDE M&C CABLE FOR TX WG SW M&C CABLE FROM DRIVER TO BST M&C CABLE FROM BST TO RCU TX WG SW (WR 137) Not Applicable TX WG TERMINATION (WR137, 500W 10 11 2502040699 6103480008 4203490057 2502040155 RCU M&C TO PC CONVERTER RS485/USB LENGTH (M) 3 3 1 QTY 4 2 2 1 3 2 1 2 2 2 X 2 1 X 1 X X 1 1 CHAPTER 6 THEORY OF OPERATION 6.1 The main function of the is to up-convert the L-band input signals from the indoor modulator to an RF signal ranging from 5.850 to 7.025 GHz (depending on the frequency bands) for transmission via the antenna. The outdoor equipment comprises a Block Up-Converter (BUC).The BUC consists of: • • • • • • Demultiplexer Up-converter Synthesized local oscillator Solid-state power amplifier - SSPA Monitor and Control module Power supply The outdoor equipment block diagram is shown in Figure 5-1. Figure 5-1: BUC Block Diagram 6.2 DEMULTIPLXER The DEMUX module splits the external reference 10 MHz, L-band and DC supply voltage from the incoming coaxial cable to the BUC. 6.3 UP-CONVERTER The U/C module is an up-conversion unit. The C-BUC receives the L-band transmit signal from an indoor modem and after passing through a high pass filter (to reject interference and harmonics), up-converts the signal with a LO signal resulting in the desired RF transmit frequency in C-band. The RF signal is then amplified by the solid-state power amplifier as a final step before transmission. 6.4 SYNTHESIZED LOCAL OSCILLATOR (LO) The LO signals for the U/C is derived from a frequency synthesizer. The synthesizer is externally referenced to a 10 MHz sinewave oscillator. 6.5 SOLID-STATE POWER AMPLIFIER (SSPA) Signals from U/C will be amplified to a suitable power level to reach the satellite. The required transmit power depends on the BUC network system design and the derivation of the suitable transmit power will not be discussed here. The SSPA provides signal amplification as the final stage before transmission to the satellite via the antenna. The SSPA receives C-band transmit signal from the U/C. This transmit signal is amplified in the RF section for final transmission. The RF section consists of multiple gain stages that are based on a high performance microwave power GaAs FET designed to provide high gain, high power and low distortion for satellite communication application. All the power GaAs FETs are housed in different partitions for EMI isolation. These partitions will eliminate any interference from the DC section and other gain stages. The input and output of the SSPA are protected from any mismatch with internal isolators. However, it is a good practice to terminate the RF output during testing. 6.6 MONITOR & CONTROL (M&C) - OPTIONAL An user friendly Monitor and Control software is provided to enable the user to monitor and control the C-BUC. The M&C is designed with user friendly GUI (Graphical User Interface) so as to enable the user to quickly set-up and operate the system. The M&C module is designed as the central processing hub of the C-BUC. It is developed on an embedded microcontroller to achieve the monitor and control functions. It monitors transmit alarm, LO alarm and SSPA on/off status. It can also be used to control SSPA on/off. All the configuration parameters are maintained in non-volatile EEPROM, which provides for total recovery after a power-down situation. The C-BUC may be connected directly to RS-232 or RS485 cable using double shielded twisted pair wire. The distance between the transceiver and the computer interface terminal can be up to 30 metres for the RS232 interface. 6.7 POWER SUPPLY The power supply is designed to convert the incoming DC power to a suitable DC voltage level required for the various modules of the ODU system. It is designed with a power shut down circuitry to switch off the SSPA when LO unlocks. This is to prevent any corrupted signals from transmitting out of the malfunctioned system. CHAPTER 7 MAINTENANCE 7.1 GENERAL This chapter describes how to perform periodic maintenance on the C-BUC. It is recommended to carry out the maintenance service at least twice a year to ensure the performance of the system. It is recommended to maintain a SET-UP RECORD that contains the modem and C-BUC configurations, power levels of the carriers at various points of the link and the system power level diagram when the system was set up. Make sure that this record is updated every time when any changes are made. Make sure that the system can be interrupted for approximately two hours before starting the maintenance. It is advised to understand the procedure and prepare necessary equipment before starting the service. 7.2 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE 7.2.1 Gain Testing The following procedure is to be carried out to check the uplink gain. At indoor, Step 1 Check if the transmit configuration of the modem and C-BUC configuration comply with the SET-UP RECORD. Contact the responsible personnel in case of any discrepancies. Step 2 Turn on the pure carrier of the modem and measure the power level using a spectrum analyzer. Step 3 Measure the indoor AC power supply. If the AC power supply varies beyond the limits highlighted in Table 6-1, then an Automatic Voltage Regulator between the AC power supply and the equipment is required. Tolerance 230 VAC 60 Hz Line to Neutral 230 VAC ± 15% Line to Ground 230 VAC ± 15% Neutral to Ground < 5 VAC Table 6-1: AC Power Supply Tolerances At outdoor, Step 5 Ensure that all the IF and RF cables are labeled. Step 6 Make sure that all the cables are in good condition using the mega ohm meter. Ensure that the cables are removed at both ends before the measurements are taken. Check visually if the connectors are not damaged. Cable connection and disconnection should be done properly to avoid damage to the cables or connectors that may cause intermittent problems in the future. ! CAUTION Step 7 Measure the ground resistance of the antenna with a mega ohm meter. The reading should not be more than 10 Ω. Step 8 Connect back the transmit cable to the modem and measure the power level of the pure carrier to the C-BUC input. Calculate the transmit IFL loss and check if it is close to that at the SET-UP RECORD. Power off the C-BUC and connect a waveguide coupler with measurement port of 30 db attenuation and a dummy load of 500 watts at the RF OUT of the C-BUC. ! CAUTION Step 9 Turn on the C-BUC and connect the IF IN cable to the C-BUC. Record the RF OUT power level and calculate the uplink gain. Check if it complies with the SETUP RECORD and C-BUC gain setting. Step 10 Measure the level at the modem IF output and calculate the receive IFL loss. Check the value with that at the SET-UP RECORD. 7.2.2 Water Leakage Protection All the connectors at the outdoor should be properly sealed against water leakage using selfamalgamating tapes. The following is the procedure for the maintenance. Step 1 Make sure all the connectors are hand-tightened before sealing. Step 2 Check and ensure that all the connectors and waveguide joints of the system are properly sealed using self-amalgamating tape. Re-do the sealing if the existing sealing is not good Step 3 The sealing must cover from the housing of the C-BUC until after the heatshrink sleeve at the cables. Step 4 All the unused connectors must be covered with caps and sealed. 7.3 FINAL CHECK ! Make sure everything including the equipment settings is normalized after the maintenance. Make sure that the SET-UP RECORD is updated for any changes made to the configuration. CAUTION CHAPTER 8 WARRANTY 8.1 LIMITED WARRANTY Should this product fail due to defects in materials or workmanship, UPCOM will, at its sole option, repair or replace it with new or rebuilt parts, free of charge, for ONE year from the date of its shipment from the UPCOM factory. This warranty does not cover damage which occurs in shipment or failures caused by products not supplied by UPCOM or its authorized contractors or agents, or any failure caused by operation of the product outside of its published electrical or environmental specifications, or any causes other than ordinary use. 8.2 RMA In order to exercise your rights under the warranty, you must first contact UPCOM to obtain an RMA (Return Material Authorization) number. The RMA tag will have to be filled in and attached to the unit before the unit is shipped to UPCOM . If it is necessary to return the product for repair, you are responsible for paying the cost of shipping it to UPCOM factory. UPCOM will pay the cost of shipping the product to you when the repairs are completed. 8.3 OTHER REPAIRS Non-warranty and out-of-warranty repair service is available from UPCOM for a nominal charge. The repair service can be obtained by contacting UPCOM to request for an RMA number, as described above. You are responsible for paying the cost of shipping the unit both to and from UPCOM factory for these repairs.