Important Note:


WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT:

DUE TO THE UNEXPECTED GOING OUT OF BUSINESS OF AN IMPORTANT SUPPLIER MEDIA ENGINEERING CANNOT DELIVER ANY NEW FM-SPY UNITS NOW AND FOR THE NEXT FUTURE. WE ARE WORKING ON SOLUTIONS TO OVERCOME THIS SITUATION ON THE FASTEST POSSIBLE WAY. WE WILL SEND OUT INFORMATION, AS SOON AS THE PRODUCTION IS RESTARTED.

Downloads:


FM-SPY APPLICATION 32 BIT (newest: V1.3.0: 19MB): "FMSPY13_32BIT.zip"

FM-SPY APPLICATION 64 BIT (newest: V1.3.0: 21MB): "FMSPY13_64BIT.zip"

FM-SPY PROSPECT (1.5MB, 4pages, format A4): "FM-SPY.pdf"

FM-SPY USER'S MANUAL(0.9MB): "FM-SPY-MANUAL.pdf"

FM-SPY DEMO PROGRAM (3.4MB incl. 10sec data): "FM-SPY-DEMO.zip"

Recommended end user list prices (EXW Media Engineering, Switzerland):

ME-TUN: EUR 2'700.-- (tuner only, TA/TP flags, no measuring capabilties)
FM-SPY: EUR 3'200.-- (pure measuring device, no audio outputs except phones)
FM-SPY-T: EUR 3'700.-- (measuring device with analog/digital outputs)

(our AGENTS prices may vary slighty due to country specific import cost and adaptations)

_____________________


With its "FM-SPY" MEDIA ENGINEERING is introducing a very versatile and cost effective measuring device suitable for obtaining and assessing quality parameters of FM sound broad-casting transmissions. It has been developed under strict consideration of recommendations of the
ITU-R as well as own experiences in this field of engineering.

The "FM-SPY" is equally suitable for daily operational measurements as well as for control measure-ments in the laboratory, in the workshop or in the field. Thanks to its simple concept it's very easy to install and to put into operation. The "FM-SPY" features a multitude of functions, all of which are im-portant for measuring and evaluating the characteristics of FM sound broadcasting transmissions. Especially the precise seizing of frequency deviation and the power of the multiplex signal can be out-performed according to recommendations of the ITU-R. The results can be printed out or saved for later use and it's possible to trigger alarm signals automatically.

The "FM-SPY" needs to be connected to a MS WINDOWS® computer with USB-port and with a FM broadcasting receiving antenna.

BASIC CONCEPT

The precision FM tuner built into the "FM-SPY" receives the measuring signal via one of two antenna inputs. The selection of the proper receiving FM frequency as well as the antenna input is outperformed with the help of the computer program.

The FM demodulated "MPX" signal and the signal "S" representing the receiving RF signal strength are brought to two 14-Bit Analog-to-Digital converters. The resulting 14bit data words are transferred via the USB interface to the computer 400'000 times per second. The data rate on the USB interconnection is approximately 7Mbit/sec.

EASY OPERATION

The panorama scan function in the "FM-SPY" is presenting an overview of all FM signals to receive plus the RF signal strength of these stations. Scans are possible within any band limits in the FM band in steps of 25kHz, 50kHz or 100kHz. A spectral diagram is showing the RF-level versus the receiving frequency.

After setting the tuner to the receiving frequency the RF signal is automatically analysed. The "FM-SPY" checks the receiving signal for a minimum signal strength and for the amount of multipath reception. The resulting quality parameters are compared with predefined values and a GO/NOGO decision for the further measurements is calculated. The default threshold values are set according to recommendations of the ITU-R but they can be changed to any numbers at any time. The "FM-SPY" can measure independently of the result of this decision but the criterion GO or NOGO is repeated on all measurement records together with other measuring parameters like the actual date, the time, the measuring location, the duration, the operators name ect.

During these preliminary decisions as well as during the following measurements the "FM-SPY" is working in strict conformity to relevant recommendations and internationally ratified specifications, in particular to Rec. CCIR-641, ITU-R BS.450-2, ITU-R BS. 412-9, ITU-R SM.1268-1.

FEATURE LOADED SOFTWARE

The FM-SPY application is programmed in C++ with a easy to use GUI based on MFC libraries.


In the menu PROTOCOL the operator can input its name, measureing location and type(s) of antennae used as well as the name and the directory of the file containing the measureing results
.

In the menu PARAMETER the receiving frequency and the proper antenna input A or B are selected as well as the band limits and the step width for panorama scans in the FM band. The graphic representation of the FM RF spectrum is useful for searching after specific stations and for monitoring purposes as well as for the detection of jamming signals in the vicinity of the carrier frequency or in the frequency distance plus or minus the intermediate frequency (IF).





















In the menu MEASUREMENTS different TABs are selectable in order to choose the propre measureing task:

In the tab SIGNAL SCOPE an oscilloscope-like representation of repeatedly sampled clips of the "MPX" and the "S" signal are shown.





















In the tab SIGNAL QUALITY the RF receiving signal quality is shown. The amount of multipath is quantified with the maximum reflection factor [%] and with the maximum gradient of the RF amplitude versus RF frequency [%/kHz]. The presentation is useful not only for monitoring purposes but also while adjusting antennae.





















In the tab MPX DEVIATION peak frequency deviation measurements are shown as bar graphs and statistical analysis of these measurements in the form of a histogram of the density function and a plot of the inverse density distribution.





















In the tab MPX POWER a curve plot is presenting the power of the MPX signal integrated over the last 60 seconds. The ordinate is scaled in dBr and its 0dBr mark corresponds to the +/-19kHz frequency deviation reference of a pure sinewave modulation as recommended and specified through the ITU-R.


















In the tab MPX SPECTRUM the MPX signal is represented in the frequency domain as the result of a 1024 point FFT for which diverse windowing functions are selectable. Different frequency band limits are clearly marked in the graphic in order to identify MPX signal frequency components easily.


















In the tab RDS DATA all demodulated and decoded RDS data is listed as well as the Bit-Error-Rate BER of the RDS data stream.


















In the menu ALARM SETTINGS various alarms are defined and activated or deactivated. Two alarming signals AL1 and AL2 are sent to front panel LEDs and potential free optocouplers

AUXILIARY FEEDS AND TALLY SIGNALS

Different alarm outputs and auxiliary functions are provided:

- MPX signal output, unbalanced, +6dBu at 600 Ohms, full bandwidth
- RDS-data, RDS-clock and RDS-quality digital signals
- potential free optocoupler output forRDS DETECT signal
- potential free optocoupler output for RDS TP bit (FM-SPY-T only)
- potential free optocoupler output for RDS TA bit (FM-SPY-T only)
- potential free optocoupler output for CARRIER DETECT signal
- potential free optocoupler output for STEREO DETECT signal
- potential free optocoupler output for free programmable alarm AL1 signal
- potential free optocoupler output for free programmable alarm AL2 signal
- fused +15VDC output to drive optocouplers
- SCA audio rsp. SCA data signals

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ANTENNAE INPUTS
Number of Antennae Inputs............................................................................ 2
Antenna Input Impedance................................................................... 75 Ohms
Antenna Connector Type ................................................. F (female receptacle)
Circuit ........................................................ RF transformer balanced earthfree
Antenna Selector Switch ........................... computer controlled solid state switch

FM RECEIVER
Receiving Frequency Bandlimits ................................ 87.500MHz - 108.000MHz
Receiving Frequency Tuning Step Width ...................................... 25/50/100kHz
Sensitivity ........................................................................... 5uV@30dBSINAD
Intermodulation ............................................................. 5mV (73dB) separation

COMPUTER INTERFACE
Type................................................................................................... USB1.1
Datarate ......................................................................approximate 7.6Mbit/sec
Maximum Cable Length ...................................................................... 5 meters

ALARM OUTPUTS
Connector Type ................................................... Chassis D-type, male, 25 pin
Number of Alarm Outputs ......................................................... 7 photocouplers
High isolation voltage (UL and VDE approved) .................................. 3'750 Volts
load capacity .................................................. UCEmax = 40V / ICmax = 40mA
Additional DC Output ...................................................... +15.0 VDC, stabilized
Fusing of additional DC Output .……...................................... PTC, Ihold = 0.5A

POWER SUPPLY
Mains Power Voltage .............................................................. 100V - 250 VAC
Mains Power Line Frequency ........................................................... 47 - 63 Hz
Power Surge ................................................................................... < 25 Watt

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS
Width x Depth x Height ........................................................ 380 x 260 x 44 mm
Weight ................................................................................................. 4.5 kg



PICTURE: a view to the rear side of the FM-SPY

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES:

1 pcs. power cord, 3wire
2 pcs. antenna connection adapter type "F-male" -"IEC-male "
1 pcs. 19"/1RU rack mount kit
1 pcs. USB connection cable, length: 2m
1 pcs. user's manual
1 pcs. CD-ROM with application programm "FM-SPY" for MS WINDOWS®

subject to change

© Copyright by MEDIA ENGINEERING

For further information please contact MEDIA ENGINEERING or one of our AGENTS!