Bench Proof Testing the W255DP Translator Transmitter System

Описание: Today I've been performing much more extensive proof testing of the W255DP and W222CT FM Translator transmitters, using the internet-based STL feed from one of the studios coming in on the translator's Barix 110 Exstreamer, then through its Inovonics Novia 272 Processor/Stereo Gen/RDS(RBDS) Encoder, and in turn driving the corresponding Nicom NT500 transmitter. . In this video, you'll see the actual output of the W255DP transmitter (fed through a 300W dummy load with a -50 dB output port) being fed to an Inovonics 531 Modulation Analyzer and a calibrated Siglent SSA3021X Spectrum Analyzer.


The purpose of today's tests on the system is to verify that when driven with proper MPX voltage, audio levels, and pilot insertion levels, the transmitters have clean output which will meet FCC specifications for FM broadcast station transmitters. In particular, I was making sure the occupied bandwidth (OBW) was within the 200 kHz channel allotment, and that adjacent channel power (ACPR) was also within FCC tolerance. Both Exstreamer/Inovonics Processor/Nicom Transmitter chains for the transmit end of the systems checked out beautifully.


Now... if the freight company will hurry up and deliver the coax, connectors, grounding kits, connectors, etc., we'll be able to start putting all the pieces together in preparation of startup by June 20th. Oh, and we're also waiting for the ISP's to get the internet access installed at each site. Still a lot to get done( including much work on the studio ends), but I'm confident this team will make it happen and two popular AM stations will soon be enjoyed by listeners on their all new, stereo FM translators. Yeah, we're definitely having fun, although putting in some long hours, burning up our cell phones, blowing up email inboxes, and occasionally keeping the roads hot.


PS 6/22/21: had to update the video title and description a bit, as the FCC callsign changed on one of the two translators. What *was W261DZ is not W255DP. Also, both translators went on the air in the past few days. And away we go... !!!