Contemporary Research Car Stereo System 232 FMA User Manual

Product Manual  
232-FMA  
Stereo FM Tuner  
Rev 1.3 August 11, 2005  
17630 Davenport Road, Suite 113 • Dallas, TX 75252  
Phone: 972-931-2728 • Toll-Free: 888-972-2728 • Fax: 972-931-2765  
 
Overview  
The Contemporary Research 232-FMA is a versatile RS-232 controlled FM tuner featuring stereo  
audio, 10-preset memory, front-panel operation and feedback, and intelligent control. Fully  
programmable, the unit can restore all settings on power-up from non-volatile memory.  
The front-panel buttons and LED display can be used for general operation and to program basic  
features for tuning, RS-232 baud rate and local control. Full setup, control, and feedback is provided  
by RS-232. Up to three FM, TV tuners, and AV6x4 Routers can be controlled from a single RS-232  
port. In addition, remote preset up and down operation can be accessed through contact closure  
inputs.  
Tunes FM stereo broadcasts with local/DX modes, auto stereo/mono operation  
Interacts with PCs and control systems via RS-232, using simple ASCII-format commands and  
feedback, up to 3 tuners can be linked to a single RS-232 control port  
Stores up to 10 presets in onboard memory, unlimited presets via external control system  
Accesses presets via front-panel control, RS-232, and contact closures  
Provides front-panel control for A/V Mute, Seek up/down, and Preset up/down; with LED  
feedback for Mute, current frequency and programming mode  
Restores all operation status after loss of power from data stored in non-volatile memory  
Mutes audio with front-panel LED indicator  
Enables and disables front-panel operation via front-panel and RS-232 commands  
Mounts in 19" rack with optional RK1 or RK2 kit for dual side-by-side installation  
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232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner  
 
 
Specifications  
Physical  
Size:  
8.5" [216mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 6.0" [153mm] deep  
Weight:  
Enclosure:  
Mounting:  
1.25 lbs [0.57kg]  
All aluminum with durable black powder coat paint  
Rack mounting for one or two units side-by-side optional (RK1, RK2)  
Front Panel  
Push Buttons:  
Indicators:  
Preset up and down, Seek up and down, and Mute All A/V  
Red LED: Mute All A/V status  
3 digit, 7 segment red LED display for frequency and stereo/mono mode  
Rear Panel  
Power In:  
2.1mm coaxial jack (inside center conductor positive)  
11.5 to 16.5 VDC, 12 VDC typical, 100 mA max (may be unregulated)  
DB-9 male  
RS-232 Control:  
User selectable 300 to 9600 (default) baud, 8 data bits, No parity, 1 stop bit  
All standard ASCII keyboard character strings available from any terminal program  
2 momentary closure inputs close to ground (pin 5) to select stored presets  
Preset Up (Pin 4), Preset Down (Pin 9)  
Antenna:  
F female antenna connector  
87.7 to 108MHz automatic fine tuning to 1 KHz  
+35dBmV maximum, -20dBmV minimum input level (DX Mode)  
–20dBmV typical local mode attenuation (Local mode)  
RCA female, not implemented presently  
Video Output:  
Audio Outputs:  
Stereo RCA female, left and right channels  
Unbalanced line level, 600 ohm impedance  
40Hz to 14KHz response  
3% maximum, <1% typical total harmonic distortion (THD)  
24dB minimum, 28dB typical stereo channel separation  
68dB typical signal to noise ratio  
160mV RMS typical output level (or mute)  
Includes  
12 VDC Power Supply (North America shipments only)  
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232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner  
 
 
Front Panel Programming  
To Enter a Front Panel Programming Mode:  
1. Press and hold the Mute A/V button such that the red LED light above is lit (indicating Mute On).  
2. Press Seek Up.  
3. Release all buttons, the 232-FMA will now be in the front panel programming mode.  
4. The front panel display is dedicated to programming information display while in this mode.  
5. Changes are saved in non-volatile memory as they are entered.  
6. The Seek up/down buttons scroll through programming modes 0 through 9.  
7. The Preset up/down buttons scroll through possible parameters for each mode.  
To Exit the Front Panel Mode  
Push and release the Mute All A/V button.  
Front Panel Modes  
Mode 0: RF Tune Select  
Selects U.S. standard FM odd frequency presets or both even and odd FM frequencies for international use.  
Factory default is odd frequencies only.  
Mode 1: Baud Rate Select  
Selects the baud rate for the RS-232 control port. Factory default is 9600 baud. Higher baud rates are  
recommended for quicker response time.  
Mode 2: Unit Address Select  
Selects unit address used in RS-232 remote control protocol. Factory default is unit address 1 and should  
only be 2 or 3 if multiple units are RS-232 daisy chained.  
Mode 3: Not used  
Mode 4: Front Panel Disable level  
Selects front panel buttons to be disabled. Different levels of lockout are possible.  
Levels are as follows:  
Level  
Buttons Disabled  
None (normal operation)  
Preset Up/Dn  
Seek Up/Dn  
Preset & Seek Up/Dn  
Mute A/V  
Preset Up/Dn & Mute A/V  
Seek Up/Dn & Mute A/V  
All (complete front panel disable)  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Mode 5: Power-up Volume level  
Seeks the audio volume level at power-up. ‘0’ restores volume to previous muted or full level, ‘1’ restores  
volume to full level. May be set from 0 – 63, but any value above zero sets volume to full on.  
Mode 6: Special Test Mode (for factory testing)  
Displays unit software version. Holding Preset Up button while exiting this mode will return the unit to all  
factory default settings: 9600 baud, unit #1, panel lockout level 0, power-up volume restore, stereo local  
Mode 7: Audio Decoding  
Seeks mono/local, stereo/local, mono/DX or stereo/DX.  
Mode 8: Bass setting fixed at 0dB  
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Mode 9: Treble setting fixed at 0dB  
Front Panel Programming Quick Reference  
Mode: Parameter:  
FM Tune 0 .0 FM odd frequencies (US standard)  
1
FM even and odd frequencies (international)  
Baud Rate 1 .1 300  
2
3
4
5
6
600  
1200  
2400  
4800  
9600  
Unit Number 2 .1 one  
2
3
two  
three  
Not Used 3 .0  
Panel Lockout 4 .0 none  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
preset up/dn  
seek up/dn  
preset & seek up/dn  
mute A/V  
preset up/dn & Mute A/V  
seek up/dn & Mute A/V  
all  
Power-up Volume 5 .0 restore previous level  
full volume  
1
Firmware Version 6 .13 displays firmware version*  
Audio Decode 7 .0 mono local  
1
2
3
stereo local  
mono DX  
stereo DX  
Bass Gain 8 .8 0 dB fixed  
Treble Gain 9 .4 0 dB fixed  
*Press and hold Channel Up, then Mute AV to restore tuner to default settings  
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232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner  
 
 
RS-232 Control Protocol  
Overview  
The 232-FMA full duplex RS-232 scheme enables a system programmer to control all FM Tuner functions as well  
as monitor 3 groups of FM Tuner status. All commands are sent as ASCII strings. No delays between characters  
or commands are required, as data is interrupt driven and buffered.  
The 3 status groups are: Frequency/Source Seek, Audio Levels/Mode and Front Panel. The Mute A/V button-  
function status from the 232-FMA front panel has been grouped with the Frequency/Source for simplicity in the  
most common modes of operation. Each of the groups has one ASCII status response string containing all of  
the status data for that group. The current status string of a group is sent from the 232-FMA whenever a valid  
command for that group is received by the 232-FMA RS-232 port or front panel. A group's status may be  
requested (without making a change) via the RS-232 port. Status of all 3 groups is sent at power up. The  
format of each group's status response string remains the same always.  
Up to 3 232-FMAs may be cabled together and addressed for individual control from a single RS232 port. Each  
232-FMA is assigned a unique unit code (Front Panel Mode 2).  
Communications parameters (Front Panel Mode 1) are 300 to 9600 baud, 8 data bits, No parity, and 1 stop bit.  
Factory default is 9600 baud, Unit#1.  
All settings are saved to NVRAM in the 232-FMA.  
General protocol specifications  
Characters in command strings to the 232-FMA are common ASCII keyboard characters.  
Command strings sent to the 232-FMA begin with the ASCII > (greater than symbol) as an 'Attention' character  
and end with the ASCII CR (carriage return) as an 'End-of-command' character.  
Responses from the 232-FMA begin with the ASCII < (less than symbol) as an 'Attention' character and end  
with the ASCII CR (carriage return) followed by an ASCII LF (line feed) as 'End-of-command' characters.  
ASCII CR (carriage return) is required at the end of each command and is assumed in all examples.  
Command String Structure  
[Attention] (Unit#) [Command] (Parameters) [CR]  
Attention  
Unit #  
Single character (>) starts the string  
The Unit# is expressed as an ASCII 1 2 or 3 when used in multi 232-FMA applications.  
It may be omitted for a default of Unit#1 for a single 232-FMA set as Unit#1.  
A two-character command  
Command  
Parameter  
Return  
Added attributes to command  
A carriage return ends the command string, you may use ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard  
‘Enter’ in programming. For simplicity, the programming examples in the manual will not show  
the ‘CR’ – so remember, you’ll need to add it in your control code.  
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232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner  
 
 
General RS-232 Commands  
TT= Select tuned frequency  
Example: >TT=94.5  
87.7-108.0  
Selects preset 94.5, if currently stored as a Preset  
TC= Force tuned frequency  
Example: >TC=101.9’  
87.7-108.0  
Selects preset 101.9 regardless of current Presets  
Accesses previously selected frequency  
Selects next higher channel in stored Tune Ring  
Bumps Unit#3 to next higher preset  
Selects next lower preset.  
Selects next higher frequency (depends on S0 setting).  
Selects next higher frequency (depends on S0 setting)  
Bumps frequency down one step (200 or 100 KHz).  
Set current frequency as Preset 0 – 9  
Sets current tuned frequency as Preset 1  
Recall preset by number 0 – 9  
Deletes all presets  
TP  
TU  
Set to previous preset  
Tune channel up  
Example: >3TU’  
Tune preset down  
Tune frequency up  
Tune frequency down  
Example: >T-  
TD  
T+  
T-  
TS= Set Preset  
Example: >TS=1  
TG= Recall Preset  
T!  
Delete Presets  
XT  
XX  
XM  
Toggle Mute A/V  
Mute A/V off  
Mute A/V on  
Example: ‘>XM’  
Volume Mute off  
Stop volume ramp  
Toggle Volume Mute  
Volume Mute on  
Example: >VM’  
Alternates Mute A/V on and off  
Turn A/V outputs on at previous level  
Mutes A/V outputs  
Mutes audio and video outputs  
Restores audio volume to previous level  
Stops volume ramping  
Alternates audio mute on and off  
Turns off audio outputs  
Mutes audio outputs  
VX  
VV  
VT  
VM  
S0= Set tune mode  
0=Odd frequencies only (200KHz steps - U.S. - default)  
1=Even and odd frequencies (100 KHz steps - international)  
0=None  
S4= Set front panel lockout mode  
1=Preset  
2=Seek  
3=Preset & Seek  
4=Mute A/V  
5=Preset &Mute A/V  
6=Seek & Mute A/V  
7=All  
S5= Power-up volume  
S7= Set audio mode  
0=restore to previous level  
1-63= Restore to preset volume level (1 min, 63 max)  
0=Mono/Local  
1=Stereo/Local (default)  
2=Mono/DX  
3=Stereo/DX  
Example: >S7=2  
Request Channel status  
Example: ‘>ST’  
Request A/V status  
Request Front Panel status  
Sets audio mode to mono/DX  
Unit sends “T” Frequency/Source status string  
Returns Frequecy/Source status response string  
Unit sends “V” Audio status string  
Unit sends “S” Front Panel status string  
ST  
SV  
SS  
Preset frequencies act similar to a video tuner Tune Ring, after the last preset is selected (Preset 9), the next  
Preset Up command will start at the lowest Preset (0). While the 232-FMA has only audio outputs at present,  
we have kept the Mute A/V commands to be consistent with programming and operation for the 232-STA and  
232-MTA TV Tuners.  
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232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner  
 
 
Terminal Communication Commands  
EF  
EN  
Echo Off  
Echo On  
Characters received will not be re-transmitted (power up default)  
Characters received will be re-transmitted.  
Example: >EN’ Characters received will be re-transmitted.  
Returns the product model number and software version.  
Reconfigures unit for all factory default settings.  
ID  
Z!  
Product ID  
Zap  
RS-232 Command Hints and Tips  
Leading zeros may be included or omitted from command parameters.  
Example: >TC=089.5’  
Selects preset 89.5 as A/V output, same as ‘>TC=89.5’.  
Multiple commands may be concatenated as single strings up to 120 ASCII characters long.  
Example: >XXTC=89.5’ Selects Mute A/V off, station 89.5.  
Example: >S0=0S4=0’ Selects odd frequency mode, no front panel lockout  
Mute A/V Off command is not required in any command; however it may be useful to send Mute A/V Off in case  
Mute A/V had been set On from the front panel.  
Sending all 3 status request commands to the 232-STA back-to-back for a full status update is allowed.  
Example: >STSVSS’  
Returns all 3 response strings back-to-back.  
The carriage return line feed at the end of each response allows for easy monitoring of responses with an ASCII  
terminal program. You may use ASCII CR, Hex $0D, or keyboard ‘Enter’ in programming.  
You don’t have to use the ‘=’ character between the command and parameter – the string works either way.  
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232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner  
 
 
Response Strings  
Typical: [Attention] [Unit#] [data ...data] [cr] [lf]  
232-FMA status response strings contain ASCII characters similar to those used for the same functions  
in command strings. An ASCII 'carriage return' and ‘line feed' follow each response string.  
Frequency/Source Status Response String  
Audio Status Response String  
Front Panel Mode Status Response String  
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232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner  
 
 
Control Cable Connections  
All drawings show pin numbers relative to a PC COM port or Axcent3 DB-9 RS-232 control port.  
Pin-outs to other types of control ports may vary. Pins 4 and 9 are momentary closures to GND (5).  
Single Tuner  
Control Wiring – Single Unit  
5 GND  
2 RXD  
3 TXD  
GND 5  
TXD 3  
RXD 2  
RS-232  
Control Port  
9-pin D-sub  
female  
Preset Up 4  
Preset Down 9  
Multiple Tuners, AV6x4 Router  
Up to three tuners can be daisy-chained from one RS-232 control port. Remember that you will need  
to use the Unit# address in your programming when you control more than one tuner from the  
same control port. You can also daisy-chain one or two tuners with an AV6x4 A/V Router. In this  
application, set the Router to the lowest Unit#.  
RS-232 Wiring – Two Units  
5 GND  
2 RXD  
3 TXD  
GND 5  
TXD 3  
Unit 2  
9-pin D-sub  
female  
RS-232  
Control Port  
RXD 2  
GND 5  
TXD 3  
Unit 1  
9-pin D-sub  
female  
RXD 2  
RS-232 Wiring – Three Units  
5 GND  
2 RXD  
3 TXD  
GND 5  
TXD 3  
Unit 3  
9-pin D-sub  
female  
RS-232  
Control Port  
RXD 2  
GND 5  
TXD 3  
Unit 2  
9-pin D-sub  
female  
RXD 2  
GND 5  
TXD 3  
Unit 1  
9-pin D-sub  
female  
RXD 2  
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232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner  
 
 
Rack Mounting  
Two options are available for rack-mounting tuners.  
RK1 Rack Mount  
RK2 Rack Mount  
RK1 Single Unit Rack Mount  
Size Long Bracket:  
Size Short Bracket:  
Weight:  
9.5" [206mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 1.75” [38mm] deep  
1.0" [22mm] wide x 1.75" [38mm] height (1RU) x 1.75” [38mm] deep  
3.25 oz [0.148kg]  
Enclosure:  
Hardware:  
All aluminum with durable black powder coat paint  
Qty 4 CS, Phillip, Flathead, 82deg, Black, 8-32 x .25”  
Attach the long and short rack ears to the side and towards the front of the unit with the four (4)  
supplied 8-32 by ¼” (black) countersunk screws.  
RK2 Side-by-Side Rack Kit  
1. Remove top cover of the first unit by removing the ten (10) black screws.  
2. Attach cover of first unit to the side of the second with three (3) supplied 4-40 by 1/4" (silver  
colored) panhead screws and split lock washers. Note that only one side of the second unit  
has the (3) built in nuts to accept the screws above.  
3. Reinstall the bottom/chassis of the first unit underneath its cover and attach with just eight (8)  
of the screws removed in step 1.  
4. Attach short rack ears to the side and towards the front of each unit with the four (4) supplied  
8-32 by 1/4" (black) countersunk screws.  
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Safety Instructions  
Read before operating equipment  
1. Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol  
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.  
2. Power Sources - Use supplied or equivalent UL/CSA approved low voltage DC plug-in transformer.  
3. Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If you connect an outside antenna or cable system to the product, be  
sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges  
and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70, provides  
information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the  
lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge  
unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.  
4. Lightning - Avoid installation or reconfiguration of wiring during lightning activity.  
5. Power Lines - Do not locate an outside antenna system near overhead power lines or other electric light  
or power circuits or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna  
system, refrain from touching such power lines or circuits, as contact with them might be fatal.  
6. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or  
electric shock.  
7. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they  
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts, resulting in a fire or electric shock. Never spill  
liquid of any kind on the product.  
8. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose  
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.  
9. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified  
service personnel under the following conditions:  
When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.  
If liquid spills or objects fall into the product.  
If the product is exposed to rain or water.  
If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those  
controls that are covered by the operating instructions. An improper adjustment of other controls may  
result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product  
to its normal operation.  
If the video product is dropped or the cabinet is damaged.  
When the video product exhibits a distinct change in performance, this indicates a need for service.  
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232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner  
 
 
Limited Warranty and Disclaimer  
Contemporary Research Corporation (CR) warrants this product to be free from defects in  
material and workmanship under normal use for a period of two years from the date of  
purchase from CR. Should such a defect occur CR will repair or replace, at their option, the  
defective product at no cost for parts or labor.  
This warranty extends to product purchased directly from CR or an Authorized CR Dealer.  
Consumers should inquire from selling dealer as to the nature and extent of the dealer's  
warranty, if any.  
All warranty claims must be shipped pre-paid to the factory. Call or fax to obtain a Return  
Material Authorization (RMA) number.  
CR is not liable for any damages caused by any of its products or for the failure of any  
products to perform, including any lost profits, lost savings, incidental damages, or  
consequential damages. CR is not responsible for any claim made by a third party or made  
for you by a third party. This limitation of liability applies whether damages are sought, or a  
claim is made, under this warranty or as a tort claim (including negligence and strict product  
liability), a contract claim, or any other claim. This limitation of liability cannot be waived or  
amended by any person. This limitation of liability will be effective even if CR or an  
authorized representative of CR has been advised of the possibility of any such damages.  
Some states do not allow a limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts. Some states do  
not allow the limitation or exclusion of incidental or consequential damages for consumer  
products. In such states, the limitation or exclusion of the Limited Warranty may not apply to  
you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights  
that may vary from state to state. You are advised to consult applicable state laws for a full  
determination of your rights.  
Except as expressly set forth in this Limited Warranty, CR makes no other warranties,  
expressed or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a  
particular purpose. CR expressly disclaims all warranties not stated in this Limited Warranty.  
Any implied warranties that may be imposed by law are limited to the terms of this Limited  
Warranty.  
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232-FMA FM Stereo Tuner  
 
 

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