Metzo Manual II

METZO
AM
BROADCAST
TRANSMITTER WITH
AUDIO COMPRESSOR
Frequency synthesized, using a crystal oscillator
for drift free operation and accuracy
Page 1
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 3
QUICK SET-UP 4
Opening the Case 4
Selecting Operating Frequency 4
Select the part of the broadcast band you are going to use 4
Frequency Selection Chart 5
Ground 8
Antenna 8
UK 8
US 8
Audio Input 8
Audio 8
Marker Tone 8
ATU Selection 9
Power 9
Fine Tuning 9
Audio Level Monitor 9
Operating Controls 9
OPERATION 9
Front Panel Controls 9
Gain – the Blue Knob 9
Compression – the Yellow Knob 10
Modulation / Rotation Point (Limiter) - the Red Knob 10
INTERNAL CONTROLS 10
Audio 10
Stereo to Mono Mixer 10
High Pass Filter (Internally Adjustable) 10
Low Pass Filter (Internally Adjustable) 11
Compressor / Limiter 11
Noise Gate (Internally Adjustable) 11
Level Monitor 11
Audio Level Monitor (the default setting) 11
Audio Level / Modulation Monitor 11
Antenna Tuning Indicator (for use with External ATU setting only) 12
Frequency Synthesizer 12
Antenna Tuning Unit 12
Introduction 12
ATU Operating Mode 12
Internal 12
External 12
APPENDIX A – BLOCK DIAGRAM 13
APPENDIX B – PCB LAYOUT 14
APPENDIX C - CONVERT METRES TO FREQUENCY 14
APPENDIX D – GROUND CONNECTIONS 14
APPENDIX E - AERIAL EXPERIMENT 15
Some Suggestions 15
Aerial Tuner and Loading Coil 15
Loading Coils 15
APPENDIX F – ATU SETTINGS 16
FAQ 16
SPECIFICATIONS 17
SIMPLE WARRANTY 17
Page 2
Introduction
Play music from your CD player, Tape, FM radio, MP3 or “Old Time Radio” cassettes on your favourite
vintage radios!
With the Metzo AM Transmitter, it is easy to transmit high quality audio signals to any AM broadcast
band radio receiver between 500 and 1800 kHz. (UK Medium Wave / US Broadcast Band)
Compatible with European or American transmission using 9 KHz and 10 KHz channel spacing.
Accepts audio from any Mono or Stereo, with internal Stereo to Mono mixer
Internal Audio Compressor and Limiter
Crystal Controlled Frequency Synthesiser using Phased Lock Loop (PLL)
Internal Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) with optional External ATU mode
6 IC and 4 Transistor
LED Bar Graph “Modulation Monitor” and Tuning Indicator
No FCC license is required, when used as directed it is perfectly legal under Part 15 of the FCC
rules. (US Only)
Note:
Before using your transmitter, please read the sections dealing with installation and operating
procedures.
Front View
▲ Transmitter Gain
→ Compression
☼ Rotation Point (Limiter)
Rear View
Antenna Ground / Power Left / Right
Page 3
Quick Set-Up
Your transmitter can be used right out of the box and is pre-set to:
1600 KHz - US Models using 10 KHz Channels
or
1440 KHz - European Models using 9 KHz Channels
You will probably want to change the Frequency, just follow these easy steps:
Opening the Case
Turn the transmitter upside down and remove the two screws.
Turn the transmitter the right way up and gentle lift off the top cover.
You can now access the switches and jumpers inside.
Selecting Operating Frequency
First you should fine a area of the medium wave (broadcast) band that is free of any stations and
interference, this will vary from location to location – the best way is to tune your AM radio from one
end of the broadcast band to the other looking for suitable gaps.
Notes:
More stations will be heard at night so you may need to do this again in the evening.
The lower half of the broadcast band is usually less congested.
The upper half of the broadcast band will give you more range.
Optimum range will usually be found from 1300 to 1700 KHz.
Select the part of the broadcast band you are going to use
Set the tuning switch SW-A and SW-B according to the look-up table, on the following page.
Note: Your transmitter will be pre-set to 1600 KHz US / 1440 KHz UK
Frequencies below 520 or above 1720 are not recommended as these are outside the allocated
medium (broadcast) band, however the unit will usually tune below and above those frequencies
stated.
PCB showing position of Frequency Selection Switches SW A & B
Page 4
Frequency Selection Chart
For UK models with 9 KHz Channel spacing use Frequency in Column ONE
For US models with 10 KHz Channel spacing use Frequency in Column TWO
Frequency Select Frequency Select
UK US Switch SW - A Switch SW - B
Freq Freq 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
450 500 ON ON ON ON ON
468 520 ON ON ON ON
486 540 ON ON ON ON
495 550 ON ON ON ON
504 560 ON ON ON
522 580 ON ON ON ON
531 590 ON ON ON ON
540 600 ON ON ON
549 610 ON ON ON ON
558 620 ON ON ON
567 630 ON ON ON
576 640 ON ON
585 650 ON ON ON ON ON ON ON
594 660 ON ON ON ON ON ON
648 720 ON ON ON ON
684 760 ON ON ON ON
702 780 ON ON ON ON
711 790 ON ON ON ON
720 800 ON ON ON
756 840 ON ON ON ON
774 860 ON ON ON ON
783 870 ON ON ON ON
792 880 ON ON ON
810 900 ON ON ON ON
819 910 ON ON ON ON
828 920 ON ON ON
837 930 ON ON ON ON
846 940 ON ON ON
Page 5
Freq Freq 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
855 950 ON ON ON
864 960 ON ON
900 1000 ON ON ON ON
936 1040 ON ON ON
972 1080 ON ON ON
990 1100 ON ON ON
999 1110 ON ON ON
1008 1120 ON ON
1026 1140 ON ON ON ON
1035 1150 ON ON ON ON
1044 1160 ON ON ON
1053 1170 ON ON ON ON
1062 1180 ON ON ON
1071 1190 ON ON ON
1080 1200 ON ON
1089 1210 ON ON ON ON
1098 1220 ON ON ON
1107 1230 ON ON ON
1116 1240 ON ON
1125 1250 ON ON ON
1134 1260 ON ON
1143 1270 ON ON
1152 1280 ON
1161 1290 ON ON ON ON ON ON ON
1224 1360 ON ON ON ON
1260 1400 ON ON ON ON
1278 1420 ON ON ON ON
1287 1430 ON ON ON ON
Page 6
Freq Freq 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
1296 1440 ON ON ON
1332 1480 ON ON ON ON
1350 1500 ON ON ON ON
1359 1510 ON ON ON ON
1368 1520 ON ON ON
1386 1540 ON ON ON ON
1395 1550 ON ON ON ON
1404 1560 ON ON ON
1413 1570 ON ON ON ON
1422 1580 ON ON ON
1431 1590 ON ON ON
1440 1600 ON ON
1476 1640 ON ON ON ON
1494 1660 ON ON ON ON
1503 1670 ON ON ON ON
1512 1680 ON ON ON
1530 1700 ON ON ON ON
1539 1710 ON ON ON ON
1548 1720 ON ON ON
1557 1730 ON ON ON ON
1566 1740 ON ON ON
1575 1750 ON ON ON
1584 1760 ON ON
1602 1780 ON ON ON ON
1611 1790 ON ON ON ON
1620 1800 ON ON ON
Note: Your transmitter will be pre-set to 1600 KHz US / 1440 KHz UK
Page 7
Ground
Connect the transmitter’s GROUND / EARTH tag to a separate Ground connection.
Whilst not absolutely necessary for short range (around the house) operation. You are advised to
connecting a separate “ground” to the transmitters Ground terminal.
If you do this you will get:
A significant increase in the transmitters performance (more range)
Significantly better Signal to Noise performance for the Audio stages
NOTE: To avoid hum you are strongly advised to use the Ground connection
Antenna
Connect the transmitter to the Antenna.
The transmitter has been designed to operate with the supplied 9 foot Antenna wire, which is
adequate for local transmission.
UK
The Antenna wire should either be run out vertically for maximum range. Avoid proximity to nearby
metal objects. If more range is needed, try relocating the unit to a different location.
US
The Antenna wire should either be run out vertically for maximum range or connected to a FCC Part
15 compliant External Antenna system. Avoid proximity to nearby metal objects. If more range is
needed, try relocating the unit to a different location.
Audio Input
Connect the Audio lead to a suitable audio source, for example a CD player headphone output.
The supplied cable can be used for both Mono and Stereo
Audio
Turn on your Audio source (for example a CD player), keep the volume low, otherwise you will get
distorted audio from the transmitter.
Marker Tone
You can assist locating and tuning your transmitter by enabling the “marker tone” generator which will
emit a constant tone to help locate you signal on a crowded band. It is also a useful aid when
adjusting the Antenna trimmer capacitor for maximum range.
You can select either a high or low tone depending on the location of the link TONE in position A or B,
when not needed simply place the link on the centre pin only.
Page 8
ATU Selection
Your transmitter is pre-configured for operation using the Internal ATU in the band 1000 KHz to 1700
KHz (the most popular) if you have selected a frequency other than this please refer to APPENDIX F
for details of how to reconfigure the ATU.
Power
Connect the regulated 15 volt power supply and switch on.
Fine Tuning
Next fine tune the signal using the ATU Trimmer capacitor, adjust for best audio quality and RANGE.
Audio Level Monitor
Best transmission will be achieved when the bar-graph is showing the Green LED is ON and the
Yellow LED is pulsating strongly.
Note: In the absence of any signal all the LED’s will be off.
Operating Controls
Once set-up and the aerial tuned, the only control that needs be adjusted is the audio level if a
different audio source is used, the unit will accommodate various sources of audio CD players, tape or
cassette decks, PC or FM Radio.
Operation
Front Panel Controls
This figure shows the suggested settings for the front panel controls and LED’s
Gain – the Blue Knob

NOTE: we suggest you leave this set to the mid-position
This is the singly most important setting - to insure the optimum signal to noise ratio.
Transmitter gain set to low – gives poor

signal to noise ratio
The audio signal to noise ratio will never be any better than it is at the transmitter input.
If the input signal is noisy at the transmitter, there is nothing else that can be done later to restore it to
its original quality.
The audio level is adjusted with the gain control on the transmitter, with some sort of level metering on
either the transmitter or receiver.
Transmitter gain set higher – gives

excellent signal to noise performance.
The most difficult problem with properly adjusting the transmitter input gain involves duplicating the
user's voice level in advance of the actual performance or use.
Obviously, you need some sort of metering in order to correctly set the transmitter input gain.
The metering must indicate the modulation level of the radio signal and also limiting in the transmitter.
Page 9
Compression – the Yellow Knob
NOTE: we suggest you leave this set to the mid-position
Compression may be adjusted between 1:1 and 5:1

Between the noise gate threshold and the rotation point (the point at which limiting takes over), the
gain of the compressor should decrease with increasing input level.
Modulation / Rotation Point (Limiter) - the Red Knob

NOTE: we suggest you leave this set to the maximum position
That is with the limiter threshold set very high – you can then adjust this downward (increasing the
limiter action) until the RED LED flickers occasionally.
The limiter may be adjusted between 1:1 and 15:1
Above the rotation point (the point at which limiting takes over), the gain decreases at a higher rate
with increasing input level, limiting the output signal.
NOTE: if you set this control to low you will distort your audio signal.
Internal Controls
NOTE: Under normal operating conditions you are unlikely to need to change any of these settings,
other than the Frequency selection switches.
Audio
Stereo to Mono Mixer

The first audio stage is a Stereo to Mono (or dual
channel Mono) Mixer, which provides a preset gain
of 1 (link A) or 5 (link B), set by jumper PREAMP.
The input impedance of each channel is 600 Ohms.
High Pass Filter (Internally Adjustable)

The next audio stage provides
control over the high pass response
for signals above 800Hz. This control
will give an almost dead flat
frequency response with the FIL "A"
control in the mid-position.
By default this control is set to mid-

position.
Page 10
NOTE: The centre frequency is deliberately set lower than normal to cater for the needs of AM
transmission. Whilst the audio stage circuits within the transmitter can work up to 25KHz, the actual
bandwidth for any AM transmission system tails off between 5000-6000Hz (5-6KHz).
Low Pass Filter (Internally Adjustable)

The next audio stage provides
control over the low pass response
for signals below 800Hz. This
control will give an almost dead flat
frequency response with the FIL
"B" control in the mid-position.
By default this control is set to mid-

position.
Compressor / Limiter
A compressor is a device that
squeezes the dynamic range of the
incoming audio signal, reducing the
difference between "loud" and
"quiet".
Basically, it has three sections as

follows:
Noise Gate (Internally Adjustable)

For the very lowest signals, the gain reduces to reduce
background noise.
Used properly, a noise gate can help to eliminate
background hiss completely, while letting the
signal through (the hiss is still there, but you can't
hear it when the signal is present).
Used improperly, the initial parts of sounds are
cut off, and the natural decay is not present.
The control NOISE sets the threshold level for the noise
gate, by default this is set to the mid-position
Level Monitor
The bar graph display (Green, Yellow and Red LED’s) has three modes as follows:
Audio Level Monitor (the default setting)

In this mode the bar graph indicates the average level off the applied audio signal. This mode is
selected when jumper MON has no link fitted (the default)
Audio Level / Modulation Monitor

In this mode the bar graph indicates the average level off the applied audio signal and average
modulation level. This mode is selected when jumper MON has a link fitted, and the unit is operating
Page 11
on the Internal ATU. This setting should only be used for initial set-up. Once set correctly revert to
Audio Level mode (no link)
Antenna Tuning Indicator (for use with External ATU setting only)
In this mode the bar graph display indicates
the level of mismatch between the transmitter
and external ATU (Antenna Tuning Unit). This
mode is selected when jumper MON has a
link fitted, and the unit is operating with an
External ATU. This setting should only be
used for initial set-up. Once set correctly
revert to Audio Level mode (no link)
NOTE: When not needed the link can be
stored on the two pins (lower left corner)
marked “Spare”.
Frequency Synthesizer
The frequency synthesizer can be set to any frequency between 500 to 1800 KHz (US 10 KHz
Channels) or 450 to 1620 KHz (European 9 KHz Channels).
Antenna Tuning Unit
Introduction
Correct aerial tuning affects modulation linearity, and the maximum transmitter range.
For optimum performance you should also set the antenna tuning capacitor.
This a guide only and actual settings will vary depending on how the Aerial is positioned.
ATU Operating Mode
The transmitter has two distinct output modes:
Internal
The first uses the internal ATU to match an external antenna such as a “loaded vertical”. This
comprises a separate “tank” and “loading” coil with trimmer capacitor.
External
The second has mode, is for use where the user wants to use their own external ATU, and comprises
a “tank” coil only.
Please Refer to APPENDIX F for details of how to set-up the ATU
Page 12
Appendix A – Block Diagram
Page 13
Appendix B – PCB Layout
Appendix C - Convert Metres to Frequency

The dials of the majority of British radios will be marked in wavelengths (metres) rather than
frequencies.
To convert from one to the other, divide 300,000 by the known figure (this conversion works both
ways). The result should be rounded up or down to the closest whole number.
Thus 300,000 divided by 1000 KHz gives 300 Metres.
Conversely, 300,000 divided by 300 Metres gives 1000 KHz.
Appendix D – Ground Connections

Run a heavy gauge ground wire straight down to a copper “earth spike” or water pipe and attach it
with a brass grounding clamp (assuming a copper water pipe - always use compatible materials or
corrosion will result)
Page 14
Appendix E - Aerial Experiment
(This information has been reproduced with kind permission of the “Medium Wave Alliance”)
For many applications, the simple 9 foot Ariel wire supplied with the Metzo will produce satisfactory
results.
Note: To Comply with FCC rules - be sure, that the total length of the Aerial, Antenna (Aerial) lead,
and grounding wire is less than 10 feet as required by the FCC Part 15 rules.
Since the actual wavelength at AM broadcast frequencies is over 950 feet, and the Metzo uses an
aerial length of only nine feet, you may want to experiment with a “loaded” Antenna (Aerial) for better
performance.
An easy way to describe what happens when you “load” the Antenna (Aerial) is that you electrically
increase the “length” of the Antenna (Aerial) without increasing the mechanical length.
The goal is to approximate a functional portion of the full wavelength (i.e. 1/4 or 1/8 wavelength)
Using an 9 foot length of wire, a series inductance of about 300-400 µH is required to properly load the
circuit.
Some Suggestions
One way to make a simple and invisible aerial for use in a room is to wind 20 to 40 turns of thin
insulated wire on 4 “thumb tacks” pressed into the back of a large picture frame, and then connect this
to the aerial lead on the transmitter.
Aerial Tuner and Loading Coil
Most homebrew Antenna contain some reactance and have an impedance other than 50 ohms. A
device called an Antenna tuner (also known as an "ATU") will transform your Antenna system into a
non-reactive load of the proper impedance.
A properly matched Antenna (Aerial) will radiate more efficiently and, in some cases, will produce a
better-sounding AM signal.
Loading Coils
Instead of a complete and complex Antenna tuner, many LPAM stations use a variable inductance
located at the transmitter output jack or at the feed point of the Antenna (Aerial). This approach is
popular with Part 15 experimenters using simple wire Antenna (Aerial)s or shortened verticals. First
you insert a tiny "grain of wheat" light bulb, a flashlight bulb, or a similar small light bulb between the
inductor and the Antenna (Aerial). (Stations using 100 mill watts might need a bulb rated for 1.5 or 3
volts at 20 to 60ma) Then you try various inductances
while the transmitter is on, and see which setting makes
the bulb glow most brightly. Then remove the light bulb
from the circuit and transmit.
The variable inductor can be, for example, a coil made
of 100 turns of 22-guage (#22 AWG) enamelled wire
that you wind around a piece of PVC pipe 2 or 3 inches
in diameter, with taps (connection-points) built into the
coil every 10 turns; or any similar inductor.
The various taps in your coil can be wired to a rotary switch, or you can use a
small alligator clip to select one at a time.
The diagram to the left shows a more elaborate scheme that can be used with a
vertical Antenna (Aerial).
One end of the coil is grounded, in other words, connected to earth-ground.
That lower third of the coil is made with several taps 3 or 4 turns apart, and the
transmitter can be connected to any of these taps on the ground end of the coil.
From the middle to the top end of the coil are several taps about 10 turns apart,
and the Antenna (Aerial) can be connected to any of these upper taps.
For this application, try the following coil dimensions: 145 turns of #20 AWG
enamelled wire, close wound (no spacing between turns), on PVC pipe having
an outside diameter of 3.5 inches. The total inductance of this coil is about 1
milli-Henry, enough to base-load an 8-foot whip Antenna (Aerial) at frequencies
Page 15
of 1000 kHz and above.
Use a field strength meter or the light bulb trick to find the best taps for both the Antenna (Aerial) and
the transmitter.
This system of tapped inductors only provides crude tuning and is not likely to take you to the point of
exact resonance.
If you are building your coil on PVC pipe, use white PVC pipe, not grey electrical conduit material or
black sewage pipe material. These different types of plastic have different dielectric properties and the
white stuff is best for radio work. After building the coil, you can apply a coat of clear lacquer to help
hold the wire in place.
And yes, all that wire in the loading coil does introduce some resistive losses and a significant amount
of RF power is lost along the way. However, the improved radiation efficiency of a properly matched
Antenna (Aerial) more than makes up for it! Delivering one milli-watt of power to a properly matched
Antenna (Aerial) will produce a much stronger signal than delivering 10 milli-watts to a severely
mismatched Antenna (Aerial).
APPENDIX F – ATU SETTINGS

The picture to the right
shows the various
strapping arrangements for
the ATU.
The first picture shows the
arrangement when using
an External ATU (the
transmitters own ATU is
out of circuit)
The next three pictures
show the strapping for the
ATU for various frequency
bands from 500 KHz to
1700 and above KHz.
FAQ
Audio distorted Audio source volume to high.
Limiter (Rotation Point) is set to low (the RED LED is ON!!!)
ATU not set correctly.
Hum on audio Not using the GROUND connection on the transmitter.
Bad GROUND connection.
Bad audio cables - check for broken shield wires.
Power supply filtering poor, (not using a regulated power supply).
No Audio Bad audio cables.
Audio source volume set to minimum.
Page 16
Specifications
Frequency Range 500 to 1800 KHz in 10 KHz Crystal Frequency 10.240 MHz (US Mode) for
steps (US Mode) 10 KHz channels
450 to 1650 KHz in 9 KHz 4.608 MHz (EU Mode) for 9
steps (UK Mode) KHz channels
Frequency Selection 8 way DIP switch Frequency Adjustment ± 0.0005 (via trimmer)
(Optional Extra)
Frequency Stability @ 25?C 0.003%
Modulation Type Amplitude Modulation (AM) Maximum Modulation Level 100%
Power Input to RF 100mw (US Mode) to comply Antenna Supplied with 3 metre wire
Amplifier to FCC Part 15 rules Antenna (Aerial)
100mw (UK Mode) Antenna Socket RCA Socket (universal 50 –
75Ω)
Antenna Matching Inbuilt ATU, with trimmer to RF Output Monitor Inbuilt LED bar graph RF
peak Antenna resonance. power monitor (for External
ATU only)
External ATU RF Ground Separate transmitter ground
terminal
Tuning Marker Tone Inbuilt tone generator for Audio Response 10 Hz to 25 KHz Audio Stage
transmitter set-up and
Antenna tuning
625 Hz 30 Hz to 6 KHz RF Stage
1250 Hz Filters Treble Boost / Cut
Audio Distortion 0.5 % THD (Audio Stages) Bass Boost / Cut
Audio Input Sensitivity 200 mv RMS for 100% Audio Compression Adjustable from 1:1 to 5:1
modulation
Audio Limiting Adjustable 151 compression Audio Noise Gate Adjustable noise reduction
above threshold threshold
Audio Limiting Threshold Adjustable limiting threshold Front Panel Controls Audio Gain
Front Panel Indicators RF / Audio Monitor (3 bar Compression
LED)
Rear Panel Connections RF RCA, Limiting
Audio Channel 1 & 2 RCA Power Consumption 15 VDC @ 300 ma
DC Power 2.1mm Dimensions Width 140 mm Depth 110
mm Height 35 mm
Ground M3
Simple Warranty
We guarantee the product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year. We will
repair or replace such product, if found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
All returns must be accompanied by a written statement setting forth the name, address and daytime
telephone number of the owner, and email address together with a brief description of any claimed
defects.
The customer shall be responsible for all costs of transportation and insurance, in both directions.
We will make all reasonable effort to repair or replace the unit covered by this warranty within fourteen
days of receipt.
This warranty shall be void and of no force of effect in the event a covered product has been modified
in design or function, or subjected to abuse, misuse, mishandling or unauthorized repair.
We hope your Metzo gives you may hours of enjoyment!
Page 17

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METZO

PCB showing position of Frequency Selection Switches SW A & B

Note: Your transmitter will be pre-set to 1600 KHz US / 1440 KHz UK

Gain – the Blue Knob

Transmitter gain set to low – gives poor

Transmitter gain set higher – gives

Compression may be adjusted between 1:1 and 5:1

Modulation / Rotation Point (Limiter) - the Red Knob

Stereo to Mono Mixer

High Pass Filter (Internally Adjustable)

By default this control is set to mid-

Low Pass Filter (Internally Adjustable)

By default this control is set to mid-

Basically, it has three sections as

Noise Gate (Internally Adjustable)

Audio Level Monitor (the default setting)

Audio Level / Modulation Monitor

Appendix C - Convert Metres to Frequency

Appendix D – Ground Connections

APPENDIX F – ATU SETTINGS

We hope your Metzo gives you may hours of enjoyment!

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