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This unit is a self-contained assembly with enclosure (enclosure removed in picture above). The aluminum housing is not weather or dust proof but it provides enough protection to keep foreign objects from interfering with operation. It must be powered with an external +8 to 24VDC power source supplying at least 300 mA @ 12VDC exclusive of any remote preamplifier or antenna control device.
Environmental Details:
Temperature – 0 to +30°C (32-86°F)
Humidity – 10 to 95% non-condensing
Electrical Details:
Required Windows Computer components
Host computer with at least (1) USB2 I/O port.
USB I/F cable. USB type “A” connector at computer, USB type “B” connector at MiniTiouner-Express.
Software support requirements – Pentium 4 or better, 2GB available hard drive.
Operating system – 32 or 64-bit Windows 7, 8 or 10.
Input voltage requirements (J1)
+8 to + 24VDC (300 ma@12vdc). Input is polarity protected but not fuse protected. An external 1 amp Slo-Blo fuse is required by user for safe operation. (For operation from a separate 5VDC supply or directly from a USB3 port eliminating the separate supply, see the modifications section below.)
Symbol Rate (Symbols/sec)
Select 70K Symbols/sec to 10M Symbols/sec
FEC SETTINGS:
DVB-S protocol – 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 6/7, or 7/8
DVB-S2 protocol – 1/4, 1/3, 2/5, 1/2, 3/5, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, 5/6, 8/9, or 9/10
CODECS
Video H.262 – (MPEG2)
Video H.264 – (MPEG4)
Video H.265
Audio MPA – (MPEG Audio)
Audio AAC – (MPEG4)
Audio AC3 – (Dolby Audio)
Frequency Range:
Each input may be configured independently for simultaneous 144MHz to 2420MHz operation. (Tests show operation becomes marginal at 2450 MHz with reduced sensitivity and some NIMs not working).
Sensitivity: -20 to -96dBm. Tests demonstrate the cliff point at 1288MHz is about -96dBm @ FEC=7/8 and about -100dBm @ FEC=1/2. (The cliff point is where an input level below that specified will result in a loss of signal lock (usually with a 1dB signal change).
Input filtering: VERY IMPORTANT!!!! Read carefully.
It is highly recommended the user provide some type of band pass filtering between the MiniTiouner-Express module and the antenna. If an external preamp is used, the filter must be placed between the antenna and preamp, not between the preamp and MiniTiouner-Express. MiniTiouner-Express has an internal preamp included but it has a poor noise figure due to its wide band specifications so an external low noise figure band-specific preamp is very helpful. The internal MiniTiouner-Express tuner preamp DOES offer some benefit over no internal preamp at all but it is minimal without a low noise external preamp. In addition, the band pass filter keeps out-of-band signals from swamping the front-end sensitivity. Tests show that a signal 5MHz away from the desired signal and at the same main signal level will reduce the input sensitivity by as much as 5 to 10 dB! In addition, a bandpass filter offers some lightning protection.
Connector Details:
RF Connectors
Two Female “F” connectors are located on the end of the tuner module. Each independent input is specified for 75 ohm impedance operation with a slight degradation using 50 ohm cables without external impedance matching.
DC power is applied to each or both “F” connectors when the internal solder pads on PCB is (are) jumpered. An “LNB” or preamp voltage is selected by varying the main input DC voltage at J1. Since the module input will accept +8 to + 24VDC, select it to be the LNB voltage requirements +0.8 Volts. (The module voltage passes through diode isolation and current limiting before appearing at the RF connectors). LNB voltage is current limited through a PTC resistor – 100Ma hold and 250Ma trip. (Rev C units)
USB Connector (J2)
USB2 type “B” connector (J2) – Standard USB2 connections to/from host computer.
DC Power Connector (J1)
Female DC power jack 2.54 mm (0.10”) center contact, 5.28 mm (0.25”) barrel inside diameter. Mates to Switchcraft #760 or equal plug.
LNB Voltage selection
To access the LNB voltage selection provision, remove the aluminum cover by removing the 4 small hot melt glue dabs at the (4) tuner tab connection points. Then quickly apply a small dab of solder across the two PCB pads corresponding to the LNB that needs power (or both if they both require a voltage source). Be VERY careful with soldering. Use a very low power iron (DO NOT use a soldering gun!) at a static free work station. Apply only a small amount of solder quickly so the pads are not damaged.
WARNING: if you do not feel confident doing this, take the module to a qualified technician for the needed work. See detail above.
Operational data
Input sensitivity (cliff point)
The normal operational range of this unit is -20dBm to -95dBm. (-95dBm = ~ 4 microvolts in a 50 ohm system). The minimum signal is about -95 dBm at 1288 MHz using an FEC of 7/8.If FEC=1/2, minimum signal is about -100 dBm. See graph for minimum signal levels at other frequencies.The minimum signal is determined by lowering the signal level until lowering it one more dB causes the tuner to lose lock. This is referred to as the cliff point. | ![]() |
The normal operational range of this unit is -20dBm to -95dBm. (-95dBm = ~ 4 microvolts in a 50 ohm system). The minimum signal is about -95 dBm at 1288 MHz using an FEC of 7/8. If FEC=1/2, minimum signal is about -100 dBm. See graph for minimum signal levels at other frequencies.The minimum signal is determined by lowering the signal level until lowering it one more dB causes the tuner to lose lock. This is referred to as the cliff point.
Modifications
Below are modifications that can be made to enhance the functionality of the MiniTiouner-Express unit. Since these involve modifying the PCB by adding jumper wires, no operational guarantee can be made when the user performs the task. WARNING! since soldering is involved, work must be done only by a qualified person experienced in surface mount PCB soldering techniques. Use only a light duty (25 watts or less) soldering iron and solder quickly. DO NOT use a soldering gun. Wire used should be stranded number 28 gauge or smaller. Excessive wire flexing can easily break the fragile PCB traces.
5VDC Operation from separate 5V supply
For those who would rather operate the Tutiouner-Express from a 5VDC power supply instead of a 12VDC supply, add a soldered jumper shown at the lower left from D2 cathode to D3 anode to bypass the 12V to 4V switching regulator. Use a separate 5VDC regulated power supply rated for at least 1 amp output for DC power.
5VDC Operation from computer USB3 port
If a computer with a USB3 port is used, it’s possible to use the 5VDC (Vbus) power available on the USB3 connector to power the MiniTiouner-Express. That eliminates the separate 5VDC power supply. (The current needed by the MiniTiouner-Express is approximately 700mA and current available at the USB3 port is 900mA). Use the standard USB2 cable and plug it into the USB3 port. +5VDC power will be on the MiniTiouner-Express USB type B connector pin 1 and R27. Then a jumper is required from R27 (right side as viewed above) to the DC power jack center pin in addition to the jumper described at above left.
NOTE: If the user uses either 5VDC approach, DC power for an LNB or remote preamp is not possible because a source of 12VDC power will not be available. It is advised that if the USB3 option is implemented, put tape across the DC power jack or otherwise disable it to prevent accidental power application here. +12V here after the above modifications are made would be disastrous to both MiniTiouner-Express AND the connected computer!