One Jake Brown Road
Old Bridge, NJ 08857-1000 USA
(800) 523-6049 • (732) 679-4000 • FAX: (732) 679-4353
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BIDA Series
Broadband Indoor Distribution Amplifiers
Model
Stock No.
BIDA 550-30
BIDA 750-30
BIDA 550-50
5400-53
5400-73
5400-55
Description
The Blonder Tongue BIDA is a completely self-contained broadband indoor distribution amplifier designed specifically
for CATV and SMATV signal distribution systems which use a “cable drop” as a signal source. Three models are
available; the #5400-73 with a 47 to 750 MHz bandpass and the #5400-53 and -55 with 47 to 550 MHz bandpass. The
basic amplifier is configured for one-way operation. Optional field installable modules provide two-way capability with
either a passive or active sub-channel return path.
The #5400-55 has a flat operating gain of approximately 50 dB. The #5400-53, and -73 have a gain of about 33 dB
(see Specifications for typical values of each model). Lower operating gains can be achieved by adjusting the variable
attenuator. All models can be attenuated over a range of 15 dB. Gain and slope controls are located on the front
panel for easy set-up and adjustment. Two -30 dB backmatched test points are provided to permit testing without
interruption of service.
In applications where input signals are too high or where greater cable equalization is necessary, the BIDA can be
reconfigured by using plug-in attenuators and cable slope equalizers to meet particular requirements.
Push-pull, hybrid IC modules enable the BIDA to operate at high output levels while retaining low distortion
characteristics.
The aluminum chassis is designed to provide excellent heat dissipation thus allowing operation at high ambient
temperatures with no degradation of performance or reliability.
Features
• Hybrid IC Circuitry for High Output with Low
• Externally Accessible Test Points Permit In-Service
Distortion.
Testing.
• Exceptional Temperature Stability Range of -20° C to
+60° C.
• Designed for Critical Applications Requiring High Gain.
• Aluminum Chassis Designed for Superior Heat
Dissipation to Insure Component Reliability.
• Exceeds FCC Specs for Both Conducted and Radiated
Interference @ Full Output Level.
• External Fuse for Ease of Replacement.
• LED Pilot Light.
• Front Panel Gain and Slope Controls for Easy
Adjustments.
• Field Installable Options provide Two-Way Capability
(Passive or Active).
• Line Transient Protection.
651166900P
©2009 Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are the property of their respective owner.
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BIDA Series
Instruction Manual
Safety Instructions
You should always follow these instructions to help ensure against injury to
yourself and damage to your equipment.
➧
➧
Read all safety and operating instructions before you operate the unit.
Retain all safety and operating instructions for future reference.
➧
➧
➧
➧
Heed all warnings on the unit and in the safety and operating instructions.
Follow all installation, operating, and use instructions.
Unplug the unit from the AC power outlet before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning the exterior of the unit.
Do not use accessories or attachments not recommended by Blonder Tongue, as they may cause hazards, and will void
the warranty.
➧
➧
Do not operate the unit in high-humidity areas, or expose it to water or moisture.
Do not block or cover slots and openings in the unit. These are provided for ventilation and protection from overheating.
Never place the unit near or over a radiator or heat register. Do not place the unit in an enclosure such as a cabinet with-
out proper ventilation. Do not mount equipment in the rack space directly above or below the unit.
Operate the unit using only the type of power source indicated on the marking label. Unplug the unit power cord by
gripping the plug, not the cord.
➧
➧
The unit is equipped with a three-wire ground-type plug. This plug will fit only into a ground-type power outlet. If you
are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace the outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose
of the ground-type plug.
➧
➧
Route power supply cords so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them.
Pay particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the unit.
Be sure that the outdoor components of the antenna system are grounded in accordance with local, federal, and National
Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. Pay special attention to NEC Sections 810 and 820. See the example shown in the
following diagram:
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BIDA Series
Instruction Manual
➧
We strongly recommend using an outlet that contains surge suppression or ground fault protection. For added protection
during a lightning storm, or when the unit is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet and disconnect the lines between the unit and other equipment. This will prevent damage caused by lightning or
power line surges.
➧
Do not locate the antenna 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 antenna, take extreme care to avoid touching such power lines or circuits,
as contact with them can be fatal.
➧
➧
Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords, as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
Never insert objects of any kind into the unit through openings, as the objects may touch dangerous voltage points or
short out parts. This could cause fire or electrical shock.
➧
➧
Do not attempt to service the unit yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage and will
void the warranty. Refer all servicing to authorized service personnel.
Unplug the unit from the wall outlet and refer servicing to authorized service personnel whenever the following occurs:
❐ The power supply cord or plug is damaged;
❐ Liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the unit;
❐ The unit has been exposed to rain or water;
❐ The unit has been dropped or the chassis has been damaged;
❐ The unit exhibits a distinct change in performance.
➧
➧
When replacement parts are required, ensure that the service technician uses replacement parts specified by Blonder
Tongue. Unauthorized substitutions may damage the unit or cause electrical shock or fire, and will void the warranty.
Upon completion of any service or repair to the unit, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to ensure that
the unit is in proper operating condition.
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BIDA Series
Instruction Manual
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BIDA Series
Instruction Manual
Note: Field service information is provided only for qualified commercial equipment installation personnel.
There are no user serviceable parts in the BIDA.
INFORMATION BELOW IS FOR QUALIFIED INSTALLATION PERSONNEL ONLY
THE BIDA AMPLIFIER CAN EASILY BE MOUNTED TO ANY FLAT SURFACE. FOUR PRE-DRILLED MOUNTING HOLES ARE PROVIDED. USE #10 SCREWS
(NOT SUPPLIED).
Field Installable Optional Modules.
(Take care not to bend jack pins when plugging in modules - view orientation of pins through holes provided - pins are polarized to prevent wrong
installation - see Location Diagram). Leakage-current and/or resistance measurements should be made by service technician after repairs are com-
pleted to determine that exposed parts are acceptably insulated from the supply circuit.
Stock No. 5475 (for BIDA 550 MHz) = BIDA CE-5-(*)
Stock No. 5477 (for BIDA 750 MHz) = BIDA CE-7-(*)
BIDA-RF Return Filter Set
Stock No. 54071
Plug-in cable equalizer for increasing forward slope in BIDA
series amplifiers. The BIDA-CE provides attenuation that varies
inversely with frequency to correct inherent tilt of coaxial
cable used in distribution systems. A sheet metal cover is
mounted over the circuitry to improve stability while preventing
accidental detuning during shipping, handling, and installation.
The BIDA-CE is available in fixed values of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 or 18
dB. Before inserting, remove the factory installed “0dB” jumper
wire W4 (between J6
Plug-in return filter adds passive reverse path to BIDA series
amplifiers. Each BIDA-RF Plug-in contains a high pass (47-750 MHz)
and a low pass (5-30 MHz) filter element with a common (5-750
MHz) connecting point. A sheet metal cover is mounted over the
circuitry to improve stability and prevent accidental detuning during
shipping, handling, and installation. The filters separate sub-band
(return) signals from VHF (forward) signals for processing within the
amplifier. Two identical BIDA-RF units in the set make an amplifier
bi-directional. A passive-return jumper wire is supplied to complete
the sub-band path. The jumper wire is to be inserted between J 12
and J 16. (See location diagram). Before inserting filters, remove the
two factory installed VHF (forward) bypass jumpers, W2 (between
J1 & J2) and W5 (between J9 & J10) and remove any residual RTV
sealant, used to hold jumpers in place, which remains on the board
surface.
& J8) and remove any residual RTV sealant, used to hold jumpers
in place, which remains on the board surface.
* Specify dB value.
Note: The unit is shipped with 18 gauge jumpers which are not
re-installable. Do not remove jumpers except when installing
optional equipment modules.
BIDA-RA Return Amplifier
Stock No. 5402
For future reference, it is recommended that the type and value
of the accessories installed in the BIDA be marked in the space
provided on the front panel. The full sized reproduction below
may also be copied and used for that purpose.
Plug-in return amplifier adds reverse path gain to BIDA series
amplifiers. The BIDA-RA is a sub-band (5-30 MHz) amplifier with
24 dB gain. It contains a 12 dB variable slope control and a 12 dB
variable gain control. A BIDA-RF return filter set (54071) is required
to complete the system. The passive return jumper is discarded.
Accessory Identification
BIDA-FA-(*) Flat Attenuator
Accessories Installed
Stock No. 5411
Plug-in flat attenuator pad for reducing forward gain in BIDA series
amplifiers. The BIDA-FA is available in fixed values of 1 thru 20 dB in
increments of 1 dB. Before inserting, remove the factory installed "0
dB" jumper wire W3 (between J3 & J5) and remove any residual RTV
sealant, used to hold jumpers in place, which remains on the board
surface.
* Specify dB value.
BIDA-CE Cable Equalizer
Flat Attenuator
Cable Equalizer
Return Filter
____________dB
____________dB
____________
____________
Return Amplifier
CABLE EQUALIZER
FLAT ATTENUATOR
RETURN FILTER
FORWARD GAIN
FORWARD SLOPE
RETURN FILTER
TEST POINT
OUTPUT
TEST POINT
INPUT
KEY:
Pin Jack Sockets
PILOT LIGHT
FUSE
Jumper Wire
(Alternate Config.)
REVERSE SLOPE
REVERSE GAIN
RETURN AMPLIFIER
(Factory Preset - Do Not Adjust)
AMPLIFIER BALANCE
Figure 2. Module and Control Location Diagram (Top View)
Limited Warranty
Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. (BT) will at its sole option, either repair or replace (with a new or factory reconditioned product, as BT may
determine) any product manufactured by BT which proves to be defective in materials or workmanship or fails to meet the specifications which are
in effect on the date of shipment or such other specifications as may have been expressly agreed upon in writing (i) for a period of one (1) year from
the date of original purchase (or such shorter period of time as may be set forth in the license agreement specific to the particular software being
licensed), with respect to iCentral™ (hardware and software) and all other software products (including embedded software) licensed from BT, (ii) )
for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase, with respect to all MegaPort™, IPTV products, and fiber optics receivers, transmitters,
couplers and integrated receiver/distribution amplifiers (including TRAILBLAZER™, RETRO-LINX™ and TWIN STAR™ products) as well as for
DigiCipher ® satellite receivers, and (iii) for a period of three (3) years from the date of original purchase, with respect to all other BT products.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in some cases, the warranty on certain proprietary sub-assembly modules manufactured by third-party vendors and
contained in BT products and on certain private–label products manufactured by third-parties for resale by BT are of shorter duration or otherwise
more limited than the standard BT limited warranty. In such cases, BT's warranty with respect to such third-party proprietary sub-assembly modules
and private-label products will be limited to the duration and other terms of such third-party vendor's warranty. In addition, certain products, that are
not manufactured but are resold by BT, carry the original OEM warranty for such products. The limited warranty set forth in this paragraph does not
apply to any product sold by BT, which at the time of sale constituted a Refurbished/Closeout Product.
(b) BT will at its sole option, either repair or replace (with a new or factory-reconditioned product, as BT may determine) any product sold by BT
which at the time of sale constituted a refurbished or closeout item (“Refurbished/Closeout Product”), which proves to be defective in materials or
workmanship or fails to meet the specifications which are in effect on the date of shipment or such other specifications as may have been expressly
agreed upon in writing, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of original purchase. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in some cases the
warranty on third party software and on certain proprietary sub-assembly modules manufactured by third-party vendors and contained in BT products
and on certain private–label products manufactured by third-parties for resale by BT are of shorter duration or otherwise more limited than the BT
limited warranty for Refurbished/Closeout Products. In such cases, BT's warranty for Refurbished/Closeout Products constituting such third party
software, third-party proprietary sub-assembly modules and private-label products will be limited to the duration and other terms of such third-party
vendor's warranty. In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) certain Refurbished/Closeout Products that are not manufactured (but are resold)
by BT, carry the original OEM warranty for such products, which may be longer or shorter than the BT limited warranty for Refurbished/Closeout
Products. All sales of Refurbished/Closeout Products are final.
To obtain service under this warranty, the defective product, together with a copy of the sales receipt or other satisfactory proof of purchase and a
brief description of the defect, must be shipped freight prepaid to: Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc., One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge, New
Jersey 08857.
This warranty does not cover damage resulting from (i) use or installation other than in strict accordance with manufacturer's written instructions, (ii)
disassembly or repair by someone other than the manufacturer or a manufacturer-authorized repair center, (iii) misuse, misapplication or abuse, (iv)
alteration, (v) lack of reasonable care or (vi) wind, ice, snow, rain, lightning, or any other weather conditions or acts of God.
OTHER THAN THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH ABOVE, BT MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF
ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE CONDITION, DESCRIPTION, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
MERCHANTABILITY, OR AS TO ANY OTHER MATTER, AND SUCH WARRANTIES SUPERSEDE ANY ORAL OR WRITTEN
WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS MADE OR IMPLIED BY BT OR BY ANY OF BT’S EMPLOYEES OR
REPRESENTATIVES, OR IN ANY OF BT’S BROCHURES MANUALS, CATALOGS, LITERATURE OR OTHER MATERIALS. IN
ALL CASES, BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND BT’S SOLE OBLIGATION FOR ANY BREACH OF THE
WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE
PRODUCT F.O.B. SHIPPING POINT, AS BT IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION SHALL DETERMINE. BT SHALL IN NO EVENT AND
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
PUNITIVE, DIRECT OR SPECIAL DAMAGES BASED UPON BREACH OF WARRANTY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE,
STRICT TORT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM
THE SALE, USE, INSTALLATION OR FAILURE OF ANY PRODUCT ACQUIRED BY BUYER FROM BT.
All claims for shortages, defects, and non-conforming goods must be made by the customer in writing within five (5) days of receipt of merchandise,
which writing shall state with particularity all material facts concerning the claim then known to the customer. Upon any such claim, the customer
shall hold the goods complained of intact and duly protected, for a period of up to sixty (60) days. Upon the request of BT, the customer shall ship
such allegedly non-conforming or defective goods, freight prepaid to BT for examination by BT's inspection department and verification of the
defect. BT, at its option, will either repair, replace or issue a credit for products determined to be defective. BT's liability and responsibility for
defective products is specifically limited to the defective item or to credit towards the original billing. All such replacements by BT shall be made
free of charge f.o.b. the delivery point called for in the original order. Products for which replacement has been made under the provisions of this
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reserves the right to scrap any unauthorized returns on a no-credit basis. Any actions for breach of a contract of sale between BT and a customer must
be commenced by the customer within thirteen (13) months after the cause of action has accrued. A copy of BT's standard terms and conditions of
sale, including the limited warranty, is available from BT upon request. Copies of the limited warranties covering third-party proprietary sub-
assembly modules and private-label products manufactured by third-parties are also available from BT on request. DigiCipher ® is a registered
trademark of Motorola Corp. (Rev 0509)
Printed in China
One Jake Brown Road
Old Bridge, NJ 08857-1000 USA
(800) 523-6049 • (732) 679-4000 • FAX: (732) 679-4353
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