CYBER MAX FM+ 40W/100W/150W/300W/500W

PCS Electronics
www.pcs-electronics.com
CYBER MAX FM+ 40W/100W/150W/300W/500W (v11/2007)
Innovative high performance FM stereo and RDS broadcasting exciter available in a wide range of
configurations at an unbeatable price/performance ratio. Designed with SWR and TEMP protection and
guaranteed to offer excellent performance, spectral cleanliness and ruggedness, as well as fairly simple
handling. High quality components and manufacturing ensure 24/7 operation for years.
Technical specifications:
- RF Output Power: 0 to 500 Watts (40W/100W/150W/300W/500W)
- Output connector: N
- Output Impedance: 50 Ohms
- Audio input impedance: 10K balanced, 10K unbalanced
- Frequency Range: 87.500-108.000MHz (Japanese or other band on request)
- PLL steps: 6.25 KHz (12.5/50/100KHz)
- Frequency stability: +/- 100Hz
- Audio Frequency Response: 35Hz – 75 Khz @ -3dB
- Stereo separation: > 50dB, depending on model, DSP version performs best
- Audio low pass filter: Yes, all models (best in DSP models), with 19KHz notch
- Limiter: Yes, all models (best in DSP models)
- Pre-emphasis: Yes, precision 50uS, 75uS or none for all models
- DSP processor: Yes, in models denoted with DSP
- RF output ruggedness: SWR protection, TEMP protection
- Spurious/Harmonic rejection: Harmonics: >-60dB, Spurious: -90dB
- Power Supply: Mains, 110V-240V AC/ 50-60Hz
- Ultra Stable, Ultra Clean Output
- SWR protection: foldback, unit reduces power as the SWR raises
- TEMP protection: foldback, unit reduces power as the temperature raises
This manual covers following products:
CYBERMAX FM+ 40W, CYBERMAX FM+ 100W, CYBERMAX FM+ 150W, CYBERMAX FM+ 300W, and CYBERMAX FM+
500W (coming soon)
Why is this FM transmitter so great?
- True wideband no-tune operation (no tuning required to make it work, just set the frequency and antenna)
- Built-in SWR and TEMP protection for peace of mind
- High power (up to 300W, ask for 500W model coming soon)
- Digital output power adjustment (with up/down keys)
- DSP model offers extremely sharp audio filters and complete control over audio parameters via LCD menu
system
- It can be powered by a solar array (ask for this, we offer panels and charge managers)
- Now with new stereo encoder, new RDS encoder and completely new firmware (new functions)
FRONT AND BACK PANEL, NEW MODEL
The front panel (left to right)
- 3 menu keys, up, down and menu, for navigating the menu system and changing various settings, including
frequency
- LCD display, shows various settings and makes it possible to change them.
- RED led diode shows error conditions (High SWR, PLL unlock or high TEMP). This LED also lights shortly
after changing the frequency or just after the power up, but than turns and remains off during normal operation.
- GREEN led diode shows power-on.
- Large fan grill covering ventilation opening.
The back panel (left to right)
A: Antenna output connector (N male type). NEVER operate this transmitter without a matched antenna.
B: Ventilation openings, covered with fan grill
C: Mains fuse, switch, LC filter and mains socket assembly. Always replace fuse with same type!
D: Balanced XLR audio inputs, connect to mixer, computer, CD player or other audio source.
E: Unbalanced stereo audio inputs (RCA jacks). Connect to mixer, computer, CD player...
F: RS232 connector for RDS encoder (only RDS capable models)
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FRONT AND BACK PANEL, OLD MODEL
CYBER MAX FM 150W: Controls on the front panel
1. UP key, used for navigating the menu system
2. DOWN key, used for navigating the menu system
3. MENU key, used for navigating the menu system
4. LCD display unit
5. POWER indicator
6. TEMP warning, this LED lights when the unit heats up too much and automatically starts to shut down. This
LED also lights whenever the output stage is off at power-up and after changing the operating frequency.
7. Air intake fan, do not block
CYBER MAX FM 150W: Controls on the back panel
1. N connector, antenna. DO NOT OPERATE THIS TRANSMITTER WITHOUT A MATCHED ANTENNA!!
2. Air intake fan, do not block
3. Main on/off switch
4. Mains voltage connector, standard and not shipped with the unit
5. Balanced audio input, left
6. Unbalanced audio input, left
7. STEREO indicator
8. Unbalanced audio input, right
9. MONO/STEREO selection switch
10. Balanced audio input, right
11. RDS encoder (optional)
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Inside the unit
Internal configuration depends on the model you purchased, but is generally similar in all four models. Separate
extensive manuals for all of the built-in components are available on our website. We have a section in our
forum dedicated to all the manuals and you can discuss each of the manuals with other forum members:
http://www.pcs-electronics.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=33
Schematic diagram
These are the basic building blocks of this (and other) transmitters. Note that RDS encoder is optional and only
available in models with RDS capability. Similarly DSP encoder is only available in DSP capable models. Also
the diagram is missing the mains power supply, the amplifier module and controller board for simplicity reasons.
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Available models
There are five models available at the moment. Look at the table above to see how they compare.
MODEL
A
B
C
D
E
STEREO
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
DSP
processor
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
XLR
inputs
NO
YES
YES
YES
NO
SWR & TEMP
protection
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
RDS
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
FULL NAME
CYBERMAXFM+ (A)
CYBERMAXFM+ (B)
CYBERMAXFM+ (C)
CYBERMAXFM+ (D)
CYBERMAXFM+ (E)
BEFORE YOU START USING THIS TRANSMITTER...
It is a good idea not to rush things; get informed first about the various aspects of radio broadcasting. You will
find some very useful “How to” guides, answers to most common questions, a forum and tips on antennas at
http://www.pcs-electronics.com. This is generally a good place to visit before putting your unit on the air. Also,
ARRL handbook is a very valuable printed resource on the subject of radio electronics and electronics in
general. It is released yearly and is found on every engineer’s book shelf.
HERE IS LIST OF THINGS YOU NEED TO GET CYBER MAX FM+ ON THE AIR
Antenna
Preferred type of antenna is affected by several factors, but mostly by your transmitting site. In the middle of the
area you want to cover you'll need an omni-directional antenna which transmits equally in all directions, while
outside your coverage area you can beam the signal in with a directional antenna. Before going on air get a low
VSWR by adjusting the position of the antenna and any adjustable pieces. Aim for 2:1 or less. Use low power
into the antenna when tuning it up and making adjustments. If you were using full power and a bit of the antenna
came off in your hand the VSWR could be so bad as to blow the final transistor. For the same reason check the
DC continuity of the antenna with an ohmmeter before plugging it in, to be sure it's what it's meant to be, either a
short circuit or an open one, depending on the antenna type. Please note that yo won’t get a reading of 50 ohms,
50 ohms is supposed to be antenna impedance at working frequency and your ohmmeter is measuring DC
resistance. For instructions regarding construction of antennas please see our website: http://www.pcs-electronics.com
(guides section - antennas).
You should realize that antenna was, is and will always be a crucial part of the system. Special care has to be
taken! Your range largely depends how good your antenna system is. It is usually a good idea to place antenna
A PIECE OF WIRE OR TV away from your transmitter, power supply and audio system. If you
ANTENNA IS NOT A SUITABLE cannot meet these requirements, you could experience feedback and
ANTENNA FOR THIS STEREO other RF problems. We cannot guarantee proper operation of any
transmitter/amplifier unless suitable antenna system is used! This
FM TRANSMITTER!
applies to any transmitter. Interestingly, strong RF field can make CD
players and other digital devices go bezerk. It can make them freeze or make them function erratically (if that
happens, power CD player off and back on). Most of the modern audio gear is not RF shielded – reducing costs
is unfortunately the mantra today. This is why keeping antenna away from audio gear and mains wiring is a good
idea.
Coaxial cable
Coaxial cable is an electrical cable consisting of a round, insulated conducting wire surrounded by a round,
conducting sheath, usually surrounded by a final insulating layer. The cable is designed to carry a highfrequency or broadband signal, usually at radio frequencies. Coaxial Cabling is a two conductor closed
transmission medium that is often used for the transmission of RF energy. It yields excellent performance at high
frequencies and superior EMI control/shielding when compared to other types of copper cabling. Coaxial cabling
is commonly found in broadcast and networking systems. Most coaxial cables have a characteristic impedance of
either 50 or 75 ohms. The RF industry uses standard type-names for coaxial cables. The U.S military uses the
RG-# or RG-#/U format (probably for "radio grade, universal", but other interpretations exist).
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Coaxial cable loss is measured in dB’s…decibels. 3 dB loss = 1/4 of your signal strength - either lost or gained.
Watch out for the correct impedance…RG-8 and RG-58 have 50 Ohms. RG-59 and RG-6 (Low Loss Version of
RG-59) have 75 Ohms. Most antennas and transmitters including ours are 50 ohm. Check our website for good
coax. Don't buy more than you need to make the long run to your antenna and don't make up a few "jumpers" to
go between your exciter, VSWR meter and your antenna as all you'll do is create higher SWR and more line
losses. H-155 or H500 are good choices! RG-142 with Teflon is recommended for wiring inside cabinets, for
baluns, Wilkinson couplers and everywhere where resistance to heat is required as insulation won’t melt during
soldering or operation.
Use a suitably rated coaxial cable. Regular RG-58 will become noticeably warm at >100W of power on FM
band. That is energy wasted for heating your room! BELDEN H-500 is a better choice, better yet are the
CellFlex coaxial cables (use for long cable runs since it’s a bit expensive).
So what is this swr (vswr) everyone talks about?
VSWR is a measure of how well two devices are impedance matched to each other. Typical radio equipment is
designed for 50 ohm load impedance, so we usually use 50 ohm cables and build or buy antennas that are
specified for 50 ohm. While most cables have flat impedance over frequency (they measure 50 ohm at all
frequencies you are likely to use) the same is not true of the antennas. A 1.0:1 VSWR is a perfect match. That
means the load impedance is exactly 50 ohms. A 2.0:1 VSWR is obtained when the load impedance is either 25
ohms or 100 ohms.
Because most transmitters will deliver full power with a load VSWR of up to 2.0:1, this value is usually
considered the limit for acceptable operation. Many prefer to keep their VSWR below that however, but for all
practical purposes, it is unnecessary to spend time or money trying to get much below a VSWR of 1.5:1. The
benefits will be hard to measure and even harder to notice.
On the other hand, coaxial cable losses increase rapidly, for a given frequency of operation, when the antenna
VSWR exceeds 2.0:1. This can even, in some extreme cases, result in the coaxial cable burning, even when
running 100 W. Using a higher grade of cable will definitely improve things, but even high quality coaxial cable
becomes very lossy when VSWR exceeds 3.0:1 at higher HF frequencies (or VHF and higher).
N connector
A connector is installed at the ends of coaxial cable and connects to the transmitter and antenna. N is a standard
VHF/UHF/SHF RF connector for RF applications. Try to find a good quality N connector as there are plenty
cheap plastic ones on the market. The good ones are usually easily recognized by much higher prices. N to
SO239 or BNC converters are available and will make it possible to connect PL259 (CB type or UHF) connector
or BNC connector directly. We recommend that you stick to N connector, UHF connectors are generally
regarded as of very poor quality and only suitable for CB.
Power cord
Mains power cords vary widely worldwide. It is difficult to obtain all these types locally which is why we do not
include mains power cord with our transmitters. They are widely available in computer or hardware shops as this
is the type used in PC computers and other types of electronics. Typically they cost about 1 euro/US$.
Audio source with mixer, microphone etc
You need something to drive your transmitter. This will typically be either a computer (just plug the cable into
your sound card outputs, a mixer and a variety of audio sources, such as a microphone, CD player, DAT player,
tape deck, gramophone, MP3 player etc.
USING THE CYBERMAXFM+
Basically there are three push-buttons available for the menu system, UP, DOWN and MENU. By pushing UP
or DOWN you get a shift of frequency in corresponding direction. Hold any of these keys for a few seconds and
the jumps will increase to 500 KHz. The new frequency is saved automatically. The third button (MENU) gives
you an option to set many of the DSP functions of this unit.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Please avoid modifying settings to attain greater than recommended power output. For example, running a 300W
transmitter at the comfortable 250W ensures you will enjoy its quality for much longer than at say 350W, which
would as well be above its rated output. Also do not overmodulate your audio, which is a popular sport today
even with commercial stations. Use some common sense with compression as well.
Also please remember to turn off the transmitter when not in use!
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TROUBLESHOOTING
We hope you’ll never get to this step. We all know bad things happen. But do not despair! Fuse is the first thing
to check. SWR and TEMP protection should help, too, although you should still be careful not to exceed ratings.
Next check your mains power supply and antenna, make sure they are working properly. Also make sure your
coaxial cable leading to the transmitter is not shorted or open. If you have problems that you cannot solve
yourself, please see our website for contact information and support resources in our forum. Also check
troubleshooting table on the next page and report any other problems/solutions you have encountered so we can
add them to the spreadsheet.
Troubleshooting table
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION
Red LED constantly on
Transmitter cutting off with high
audio
Audio too quiet
Audio too quiet
Audio still too quiet
Output power less than expected
Output power less than expected
Output power less than expected
There is HUM in audio
Stereo indicator is blinking
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
1. High SWR. Check SWR and adjust antenna, if needed
2. PLL is not locked. Remove audio and see if this is caused by audio. If yes,
read below for more ideas.
3. Wait a few seconds. Unit turns this LED on when changing power or
frequency just for a few seconds until VCO stabilizes. This is normal behavior.
Check if this problem goes away when there is no audio. If yes, look into the
MAX PRO 3+ manual and see how to disable PLL unlock. The problem is
either that your audio exceeds max. permitted deviation or the protection is
slightly too sensitive.
If this is DSP unit, set left and right channel gain to a higher value.
Open the top lid and open modulation trimmer on MAX PRO 3+ board a little
bit.
Look into the MAX PRO 3+ manual, a section there explains how to increase
audio level.
What kind of SWR/POWER meter are you using, CB type?
If unit is overheating it will start reducing output power, Make sure it is
sufficiently cooled!
Units can have slightly reduced output power at the band edges around 88 and
108 MHz. You can improve performance by using RFEQ function to boost
power at the band edges.
- Move antenna as far away from the transmitter and audio gear as possible
- Use XLR audio connectors, if possible
- Make sure SWR is low
- Keep audio cables short and away from antenna and RF coaxial cable
- Form a coil from coaxial cable going to the antenna, make a few turns. This
stops RF currents that might be flowing on the outer braid of the coaxial cable.
This usually happens when you connect unbalanced cable to balanced antenna
without proper BALUN (balanced-unbalanced convertor) resulting in coaxial
cable becoming part of the antenna and radiating RF energy as well…causing
hum.
This is it seems not a DSP model. Your audio contains content above 15KHz
which is interfering with stereo carrier. Use graphic qualizer to reduce audio
above 15KHz. DSP model removes this very well so it is not a problem.
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MENU SYSTEM:
The UP and DOWN keys are used to change parameter value. In normal mode the LCD simply shows the
frequency and power. Menu key can be used to enter the menu mode, repeatedly pressing this key brings up the
following menus: POWER, TREBLE, BASS, COMPRESSION, THRESHOLD, ATTACK, DECAY,
INTEGRATION INTERVAL, FIRMWARE VERSION, PLL STEP, LEFT CHANNEL GAIN, RIGHT
CHANNEL GAIN, RF EQUILIZER, CONTRAST AND STEREO MODE. Pressing the UP or DOWN key
selects the desired parameter and allows you to modify its value. Another press on the MENU key and you’re
back to normal mode.
CYBER MAX FM+ automatically detects DSP processor and enables or disables appropriate control elements in
menu system. This means that while you can view the parameters and change them, they won’t actually change
the way your transmitter operates unless you are using a DSP-capable model.
Following is a description of the menu system:
PLL STEP
Transmitter frequency can normally be adjusted in smallest steps of 6.25KHz or larger steps of 12.5KHZ,
25KHz, 50KHz or 100KHz. We recommend you to select 100KHz as this lets you change frequency very fast.
However, you can enter this menu and select a PLL step of 6.25KHz for example and take advantage of these
small steps. If you need a smaller frequency step, adjust the trimmer in the PLL section of the transmitter to
slightly move frequency.
POWER
This setting allows you to set output power of CYBERMAX FM+. Select desired power with the UP/DOWN
keys and press MENU key to exit the menu system and return to normal operation. Selected power is
continuously displayed on the LCD.
TREBLE and BASS (REQUIRES DSP)
This option allows you to set the amount of TREBLE and BASS for your audio. Recommended values are
marked with (D). Only available in DSP model.
Setting the TREBLE and BASS
COMPRESSOR SETTINGS (REQUIRES DSP)
A number of MENU settings control the operation of the compressor. Lets assume that the audio signal enters
the transmitter at some low level. Compressor does nothing to the signal until at one point as the input signal
increases the signal reaches the compression threshold. Digital signal processor starts compressing the signal
beyond that point. The higher the compression ratio the higher the compression. For example, compression ratio
of 1:∞ would in effect be a limiter.
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Setting the compression level
Setting the compression threshold
Setting the attack time, this is the time between the signal rise and the actual response of the compressor
Setting the decay time, this is the time the compressor needs to respond to a decrease of the signal
Setting the integration interval, this is the time the DSP extracts the samples
Integration interval determines the energy needed to trip the compressor. In laymans terms it determines how
long the audio needs to be loud for the compressor to respond by reducing the gain. This is not to be confused
with attack time. Attack time of 50ms means the compressor will respond in 50ms after the signal spike is
detected, regardless of duration of that spike, even if it is just a very short event. With longer integration interval,
on the other hand, compressor only responds if a substantial number of spikes is detected (meaning more signal
energy).
PRE-EMPHASIS
Pre-emphasis is selected with a jumper. It should be set to either 50uS (standard for EU and most of the world)
or 75uS (United states and Canada). There are two jumpers, correct position is marked on the stereo encoder
board. This is already done in the factory for you so.
RF EQUILIZER
This is a new revolutionary setting that lets you control how your transmitter rolls off at the band edges. Several
settings are available and are represented by a graphic.
Default setting does not try to correct or increase power output at band edges. Additional settings give a slight
power boost at the band edges around 88 and 108MHz or at the upper or lower band edge only, helping flattenout the frequency response of many RF amplifiers which tend to have lower output power and gain at the band
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edges. These four settings should cover any situation you are likely to encounter, whatever your amplifier’s
attitude might be.
RF EQ selection
FIRMWARE
This option allows you to display transmitter firmware version and date.
Firmware version
LCD CONTRAST
Select for the best visibility. Contrast is slightly affected by ambient temperature and you can adapt it to your
needs here.
Changing contrast
LEFT AND RIGHT CHANNEL GAIN (REQUIRES DSP)
This option allows you to precisely adjust the input sensitivity of both audio channels. This is very usefull when
your audio source has either too high or too low output level.
Changing right input channel gain
MONO/STEREO MODE SELECTION (ONLY WITH DSP STEREO ENCODER)
You can set your stereo encoder to MONO or STEREO here.
Changing mode of operation
USING THE CYBERMAXFM+ (WIRING)
Wiring CYBERMAX FM+ is easy:
- Connect dummy load (if you have one) or antenna to the BNC antenna connector
- Connect audio source to the audio inputs
- Connect mains power
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USING THE CYBERMAXFM+ (POWER-UP PROCEDURE)
The proper procedure for using the CYBERMAX FM+ is as follows:
- Wire everything as described above. If you have SWR/POWER meter, wire that one as well between
transmitter and antenna.
- Power-up the transmitter and immediately set power to zero with the up/down/menu keys, set frequency and
than set power to about 50%.
- If you have SWR/power meter check whether everything is working as expected. Check audio as well.
- Now try to increase power to 100% making sure everything is in order.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
If you uncovered an error or wish to propose an improvement to this manual, check out our forum. We have a
section dedicated to all manuals here and you can discuss each manual with other forum members:
http://www.pcs-electronics.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=33
THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING OUR CYBERMAXFM+ TRANSMITTER!
We hope you will enjoy it as much as we do and remember to tell your friends about it. Please feel free to leave
your comments at our website or post your experience in our forum.
From all of us we wish you happy broadcasting!
PCS Electronics team
www.pcs-electronics.com
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APPENDIX A: IMPROVEMENT TIPS
Think about purchasing SWR meter to tune and align your antenna. A good antenna system is extremely
important and can make up for a lot of power. For a suitable SWR meter and other usefull items check under
transmitter accesories: http://www.pcs-electronics.com
If you can’t get much range with your homebrew antenna, have a look at ours, some of them are priced so low its
not really worth the trouble: http://www.pcs-electronics.com
Still not enough range? Well, how about a 1KW amplifier? http://www.pcs-electronics.com
APPENDIX B: BALANCED AUDIO AND POWER CONNECTOR
Built-in stereo DSP encoder features balanced audio inputs, just connect XLR connector to Lin or Rin. Pin 1 is
ground, the other two are Audio + and Audio -. Any hum problems usually magically disappear once the XLR
input is used instead of the basic unbalanced RCA input.
Balanced audio input – XLR input
So, do you think you can handle it? We think you sure can!
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WARRANTY AND SERVICING!
Within one (1) year of receiving your order, if any product proves to be defective; please contact us via e-mail or our feedback form. Please
DO NOT ship the product back to us without contacting us first and receiving return instructions. After we receive the defective
merchandise, we will test it if need be, and we will ship back to you a non-defective replacement product. Please note that this doesn't cover
final RF transistor as it can be damaged by using defective or poorly matched antenna. An exception is as well any mishandling or abuse by
the customer. If the product is defective, you will receive a replacement. If you choose to return the defective item, rather than replace it, we
will charge a 20% restocking fee and your original shipping and handling charges will not be refunded. The return of the product is at your
expense. We believe that this is a fair policy because lower overhead results in lower prices for all of our customers.
LEGAL INFO & FINE PRINT
CYBER MAX FM transmitters typically meet or exceed all broadcasting standards, but are not certified. If you want to certify them, you
need to submit them to the appropriate authority for approval yourself. Therefore it might be illegal to operate this device in your county.
Please consult local authorities before using CYBER MAX FM transmitters!
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the law, in no event shall PCS Elektronik d.o.o. or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages
whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any
other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use the PRODUCT, even if PCS Elektronik d.o.o. has been advised of the
possibility of such damages. In any case, PCS Elektronik d.o.o.´s entire liability under any provision of this agreement shall be limited to the
greater of the amount actually paid by you for the PRODUCT or U.S. $5.00; because some states and jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion
or limitation of liability, the above limitation may not apply to you.
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM PCS ELECTRONICS
Directional antennas, mixer boards, audio processors, limiters, stereo
enhancers, stereo encoders, electronic components, transistors, 15W boosters,
150, 300W and 750W amplifiers, 100W AM transmitters, stand-alone FM
transmitters, RDS encoders and much much more…
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