DT-500

Miniature SD Digital Video

Transmitters

User and Technical Manual

Manual Part No. 400598-1 Rev. B November 2012
Copyright © 2010
Part number 400598-1
Printed in U.S.A.
Authorized EU representative: Vislink PLC
Quality Certification Vislink is certified to ISO 9001:2008.
The Vislink trademark and other trademarks are registered trademarks in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft®, Windows®, and Internet Explorer® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
Proprietary Material The information and design contained within this manual was originated by and is the property
of Vislink. Vislink reserves all patent proprietary design, manufacturing, reproduction use, and sales rights thereto, and
to any articles disclosed therein, except to the extent rights are expressly granted to others. The foregoing does not
apply to vendor proprietary parts. Vislink has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the material contained in this
manual at the time of printing. As specifications, equipment, and this manual are subject to change without notice,
Vislink assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual
or for any decisions based on its use. This manual is supplied for information purposes only and should not be
construed as a commitment by Vislink. The information in this manual remains the property of Vislink and may not be
used, disclosed, or reproduced in any form whatsoever, without the prior written consent of Vislink. Vislink reserves the
right to make changes to equipment and specifications of the product described in this manual at any time without
notice and without obligation to notify any person of such changes.
General Safety Information The following safety requirements, as well as local site requirements and regulations,
must be observed by personnel operating and maintaining the equipment covered by this manual to ensure awareness
of potential hazards. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, it 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.
About this Manual This manual is intended for use by qualified operators, installers, and service personnel. Users of
this manual should already be familiar with basic concepts of radio, video, and audio. For information about terms in
this manual, see Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations (Part No. 400576-1). Pay special attention to Notes, Cautions,
and Warnings.
Read Notes for important information to assist you in using and maintaining the equipment.
Follow CAUTIONS to prevent damage to the equipment.
Follow WARNINGS to prevent personal injury or death.
Symbols The following symbols may be on the equipment or in this manual:
WARNING: General Warning. Frame or Chassis Ground: Identifies the frame
Risk of Danger. or chassis terminal.
WARNING: Risk of Electric Shock. Earth Ground: Identifies the earth ground
terminal.
CAUTION: Electrostatic Discharge. Fuse: Identifies fuses or their location.
Possible Damage to Equipment.

Protective Earth Ground: Identifies any
terminal intended for connection to an
external conductor for protection against elec-
tric shock in case of a fault, or the
terminal on a protective earth electrode.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE): The product must not be disposed of
with other waste. You must dispose of the
waste equipment by handing it over to a desig-
nated collection point for recycling.

101 Billerica Avenue - Bldg. 6

North Billerica, MA 01862-1256 USA
TEL: 800.490.5700 or +1.978.671.5700
1 About the DT-500
The DT-500 Miniature SD Digital Video Transmitter (DT-500) is a digital COFDM microwave
transmitter designed for short range transmission applications. Common uses include law
enforcement surveillance and video collection.
The DT-500 is a compact unit designed for both portable and fixed applications and transmits
remote video and audio to a central receiver. The DT-500 is designed to transmit one NTSC or
PAL video signal with two audio signals and an RS-232 data channel.
The DT-500 connectors include an RF output SMA female connector and a 21-pin multipurpose
connector.
• The SMA connector provides connection to the transmitting antenna.
• The 21-pin female connector provides connection for a branched cable assembly that
contains breakout leads with connectors as shown in the following figure.

Branched Cable Assembly

The branched cable contains connectors for the following:
• 21-Pin Male Connector—provides connection to the DT-500.
• DB-9 Male Connector—provides RS-232 control interface to a laptop or PC.
• DB-9 Male Connector—provides RS-232 data interface to a telemetry unit.
• 4-Pin Male Connectors (2 each)—provides audio microphone inputs.
• Power Connector—provides DC input power to the DT-500.
• BNC Female Connector—provides SD analog composite video inputs (NTSC or PAL) to
the DT-500.

Note You can order an RF cable, omni antenna, and power amplifier.

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2 Band and Frequency Options
You can order the DT-500 for the following frequency bands.
• DT-500L (L band): 1.7—1.9 GHz
• DT-500S (S band): 2.0—2.5 GHz
• DT-500C1 (C1 band): 3.1—3.5 GHz
• DT-500C2 (C2 band): 4.4—5.0 GHz
• DT-500X (X band): 8.1—8.5 GHz

3 Unpacking the DT-500

Before you install your new equipment, carefully unpack your new equipment to avoid
accidental damage.
• Locate all parts and accessories and verify that they are listed on the packing list. DO
NOT discard the container or packing material until you have inspected the equipment
and are sure there is no shipping damage. The container and packing must be available
in case you need to file a damage claim with the shipping carrier.
• Inspect the equipment for damage and that it is clean and dry.
• Inspect the cables, connectors, switches, and displays to ensure that they are not
broken, damaged, or loose.
If you discover damage after unpacking the system, report the damage as follows:
• Immediately file a claim with the shipping carrier.
• Forward a copy of the damage report to Vislink Customer Service.
• Contact Vislink Customer Service to determine the disposition of the equipment. See
Section 9.2, Antenna Connector on page 9.

4 Applying Power
DC power is supplied externally through the branched cable assembly connected to the DT-500
I/O connector. The DT-500 has the following power requirements.
Supply Voltage: +9—+18 Vdc
Power Consumption: 5W nominal

CAUTION Ensure that the power being supplied matches the power required by
the equipment.

The following guidelines for safe operation are derived from OET bulletin 65, August 1997, as
recommended by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

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 WARNING High levels of RF power are present in the unit. Exposure to RF or
microwave power can cause burns and may be harmful to health.
Remove power from the unit before disconnecting any RF cables and
before inspecting damaged cables and/or antennas. Avoid standing in
front of high gain antennas (such as a dish antenna) and never look into
the open end of a waveguide or cable where RF power may be present.

The DT-500 is a mobile transmitter. This unit, operated without an antenna, will not create RF
energy exceeding 1.0 mW/cm2, the FCC limit for exposure. Once connected to an antenna, the
potential for harmful exposure will be greatly enhanced.
In this situation, a certain distance from the radiator is to be maintained. Calculations need to be
performed to understand what that safe margin for exposure is. This is known as the Maximum
Permissible Exposure (MPE) limit.

Note Hazardous RF radiation limits and recommended distances may vary by

country. Ensure that all applicable state and federal regulations are observed
when using this transmitter.

Calculations provided are for common antennas often utilized in the ENG environment. The
following formula used is that suggested by OET 65.
Calculating MPE
EIRP = P * (10 ^ (G / 10)) = (antilog of G/10) * P
P = RF power delivered to the antenna in mW
G = Power gain of the antenna in the direction of interest relative to an isotropic radiator
R = distance to the center of radiation of the antenna in centimeters
S = MPE in mW/cm² (milliwatts per square centimeters)
Conversions
dBi to numeric gain = Antilog (dBi/10)
Feet to centimeters = Feet * 30.48
Centimeters to Feet = cm * .0328
4 π = 12.57
User Input
RF power delivered to the antenna = Watts
Antenna gain (referenced to isotropic antenna) = dBi
Distance from the center of radiation = Feet

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Calculation steps:
1. [P] RF power input. Watts to milliwatts = Watts * 1000
2. [G] Antenna gain dBi. Numeric gain = Antilog (dBi/10)
3. [EIRP] Multiply P * G
4. [R] Centimeters to feet = Centimeters * .0328
5. Square R
6. Multiply R² * 4π
7. [S] Divide (R² * 4π) into EIRP
S = Power Density in milliwatts per square centimeters.

Note At frequencies above 1500 MHz, S must not be greater than 1.

Reference
FCC OET Bulletin 65, August 1997 - Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human
Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
The example shown in the
figure to the right is a Maximum Permissible Exposure
@ 20 milliWatts RF Po wer
typical graph for a Vislink
DT-500 Transmitter and 2

shows the permissible

Power Density (mW/cm^2)

exposure distance for 1.5

0dBi
various antennas. Graphs 2dBi
1
and data will vary, based 3dBi
5dBi
on the actual transmitter, 11dBi
0.5
output power, frequency,
and antenna utilized. One
0
plot provides the 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4 .5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5
permissible output of the 8
Distance in Feet
transmitter for digital
modulation, and the other plot for analog modulation.
The following table shows the MPE minimum safe distances from the antenna.
Antenna Gain (dB1) 0 2 3 5 11
Safe Distance (cm) 2 2 2 3 5
Safe Distance (in) 0.79 0.79 0.79 1.18 1.97

Vislink, in accordance with the requirements set forth by the FCC, provides this information as a
guide to the user. It is assumed that the users of this equipment are licensed and qualified to
operate the equipment per the guidelines and recommendations contained within the product
user guides and in accordance with any FCC rules that may apply.

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5 Connecting the DT-500
Vislink supplies a branched cable assembly with each DT-500 as shown in the following figure.

Antenna
(Typical)
Branched Cable
Assembly

RS-232 Control
RF Cable DT-500 (to PC)
Assembly I/O
(Optional) Connector

RS-232 Data
(to Telemetry
Unit)

Video Input

DC Power

Audio Input 1

RF Output SMA Audio Input 2

Connector

Note All connectors should be tool-tight. Thumb tight connections are not suitable
for reliable operation! Use only high quality coaxial cable to connect the DT-
500 and the antenna. In some applications, the antenna may be connected
directly to the DT-500 without a coaxial connector.

To set up the DT-500, do the following:

1. Connect the antenna/antenna cable to the DT-500 RF output female connector.
2. Connect the branched cable assembly to the DT-500 21-pin I/O female connector to
provide power, audio, video, and data connections to the DT-500.
3. Connect the microphone(s) to the branched cable assembly Audio Input 1 and/or Audio
Input 2 connectors, as required.
4. Connect the branched cable assembly RS-232 Data connector to the telemetry unit, as
required.
5. Connect the branched cable assembly Video Input connector to the video source.

Note The DT-500 does not have a power switch.

6. Connect the DC power source to the branched cable assembly DC Power connector and
turn on the power source.

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6 Configuring the DT-500
You can select default or custom presets using a PC with either the Microsoft® Windows XP® or
Microsoft® Windows Vista® operating systems. You can configure up to 16 individual preset
configurations as follows:
• Select from 16 factory or custom preset configurations
• Configure and save up to 16 custom preset configurations
• Load custom preset configurations from a file on your PC into your DT-500
• Apply an encryption key to the presets simultaneously or individually
Matching the DT-500 transmitter operation to the receiver operation is generally as simple as
selecting the same preset at the DT-500 and the receiver as long as the preset configuration
settings for both the receiver and the transmitter are identical.
To connect the DT-500 to the configuration software, do the following:
1. Connect the branched
cable assembly to the
DT-500 I/O connector.
2. Connect an RS-232
cable assembly
between the branched
cable assembly RS-
232 Control
connector and the
COM port on your PC.
3. Connect the DC
power source to the
branched cable cable
assembly DC power
connector and set the
power source to On.
4. Initialize the DT-500
configuration software
provided on your PC
and observe the
DT-500 configuration
software main screen is displayed as shown in the following figure.
5. Select the Connect option button; the Connecting screen displays.

Note After establishing the preset configuration settings to be used for operation,
the DT-500 must be set to the transmit mode. Since there are no external
controls on the DT-500, failure to set the DT-500 to the transmit mode after
setting the preset configuration settings will result in the unit being unable to
transmit when powered up for normal operations.

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7 Creating and Setting a Preset Configuration
You can select factory default presets, or custom presets that are loaded into your DT-500.

Note When selecting a preset configuration, review the current settings on the Main
screen and on the Advanced options screen.

When preparing a preset configuration, do not select any Narrowband options

because these options are not operational for the DT-500 transmitter.

To create a custom preset configuration, do the following:

1. Verify all connections have been made.
2. Select the Config 1 tab (or other Config tab).
3. Modify the fields and click Save config to file to store this preset in the DT-500. Click
Apply to use this configuration.
4. Save your configuration settings to a file on your PC by clicking the Save Config set
button.
To load a preset, select the one you want and click Apply.

8 Troubleshooting Problems
The following table shows a list of alarms and what to do when they appear.
Error Type Action
Unable to receive • Verify DT-500 is properly powered up.
video at remote • Verify power source output is +9 to +18 Vdc.
location receiver • Verify all cables are properly connected and are securely tightened.
• Perform Section 6, Configuring the DT-500 on page 6. Then select
software Main screen RF output option button, as required, for green
indicator (indicates unit is transmitting).
• Verify RF output option button is green (indicates unit is transmitting). Unit
may have suffered internal failure. Call Vislink Technical Support.
• Perform Section 6, Configuring the DT-500 on page 6. Then change
receiver and DT-500 preset configurations, as required.
• Verify preset configuration settings at both the receiver and the DT-500 are
identical. Unit may have suffered internal failure. Call Vislink Technical
Support.
No RF output • Perform Section 6, Configuring the DT-500 on page 6. Then select
software Main screen RF output option button, as required, for green
indicator (indicates unit is transmitting).
• Verify RF output option button is green (indicates unit is transmitting). Unit
may have suffered internal failure. Call Vislink Technical Support.

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9 DT-500 Dimensions and Connectors
The following figure shows the DT-500 dimensions in inches (2.100”x3.335”x0.483”) and the
connectors on each end.

The following figure shows the DT-500 dimensions in inches for the model with a 4-Pos
Switch (2.875”x3.375”x0.483”) and the connectors on each end.

____________________________________________________________________________
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9.1 I/O Connector
I/O connector 21-Pin Male D connector pin-outs are shown in the following table:
Connector Pin Description Pin Description

1 10
1 Video Ground 11 RS232 RXD - Data
2 GND - Audio 2 Mic 12 Composite Video In
3 Mic 2 Input 13 GND - Audio 1 Mic
4 Mic Bias 1 14 Mic 1 Line Input
11 21
5 GND - Mic 1 Shield 15 Mic Bias 2
6 N/C 16 GND - Mic 2 Shield
7 Input Power 17 N/C
8 GND 18 Input Power
9 GND - RS232 19 GND
10 RS232 TXD - Data 20 RS232 TXD - Control
21 RS232 RXD - Data

9.2 Antenna Connector

The RF TNC female connector attaches the antenna to the unit.
Connector Pin Description
Pin Signal
Signal
Ring Ground
Ground

DT-500 User and Technical Manual 1-9

 10 Getting Support for Your DT-500
You can contact the Vislink Technical Support staff as follows:
24-hour Worldwide Technical Support
E-mail: ussupport@vislink.com
Telephone: +1 978-671-5929 or
888-777-9221 in the US or Canada

When you contact Technical Support, include the following information:

• Model number and serial number of the unit (located on a label on the bottom of each
unit).
• Approximate purchase date.
There are no supported field repairs to the DT-500. Return the unit for factory repair.

CAUTION If you attempt field repair, you risk damaging your equipment. If
your equipment is under warranty, you may also affect your warranty
coverage. The DT-500 requires specialized test equipment and
software to calibrate operating characteristics after repair.

Replacement Parts The parts available for the DT-500 are the DC power cable, and the
external cables, 21-pin multi-use (audio, control, data) breakout cable.

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