Aqua Broadcast Cobalt C-3000 FM Transmitter 3 KiloWatt / 3000 Watts

When you need a medium power FM transmitter that is packed with standard features, the COBALT C-3000 sets new standards for compact transmitters. Perfect for all broadcast applications when high quality audio is required. The COBALT C-3000 is a full-featured FM transmitter with superior sound quality and clear sound thanks to the Direct to Channel function Digital technology (DDS). This low distortion modulator runs on a fully custom LINUX OS system and is available to everyone models within the COBALT family of FM transmitters. Inputs and outputs are analog, AES/EBU, digital MPX (AES192), Ethernet, USB, GPIO, GPS Sync with built-in SFN capabilities.

The compact 4RU form factor features power supplies that are hot-swappable from the front panel. Externally mounted fans and filters can also be replaced on a hot-swap basis, keeping you up and running without any downtime. The throbbing sound of the radio market makes you stand out to your listeners, with the built-in 4-band audio processor with bass enhancement, pilot protection, wide AGC and a bunch of expertly designed modern presets, so you’ll sound great right from the start.

The modern design makes it easy to read the ultra-bright RGB display and intuitive joystick controls with haptic feedback. Additional silicone buttons enable quick setup, getting you airborne even faster.

The advanced communication package with intuitive web interface and remote operation via Ethernet (https) allows the COBALT transmitter to be changed or monitored. Full control of SNMP version 3 and the ability to receive emails, alerts and remotely monitor audio gives you added confidence in the knowledge that you have complete control from anywhere in the world on any device with a web browser.

Easy access to all components and software controlled variable fan speed guarantee you low maintenance costs. The highest AC efficiency, compact design and reduced weight provide low transportation costs and by far the lowest total cost of ownership in its class. 3kW Medium Power in a Compact Size COBALT Medium Power Transmitters feature an industry standard 7/8″ EIA output, ready to plug into your Transmisison line.

Powered by a 3-phase supply and protected by a rear circuit breaker, it is quick and easy to connect to a new or existing system. Common Connections COBALT Medium Power transmitters are designed for durability and reliability with features such as redundant fans and hot-swap power supplies. The compact design also includes easily accessible, washable air filters on the front panels of the power supplies

Functions

• Dynamic, UECP-compliant RDS encoder
• Direct to digital synthesized modulation
• Digital MPX with MPX power limiter
• GPS synchronization
• 4-band audio processor
• Linux operating system
• RGB screen
• Ethernet control
• Ethernet control and SNMP
• GPS Sync
• Hot swapable power supplies
• Optional Aux DC power supply input
• High efficiency up to 76 %

GENERAL
Output Power 3000W adjustable
Efficiency Up to 78%
RF Output connector 7/16” EIA, 50 ohm
Input Power 180÷264 Vac Single phase or
208/400Vac Three phases 47÷63 Hz
Dimensions WxDxH (inch) 19 x 24 x 4RU (7”)
Dimensions WxDxH (cm) 48.3 x 60.0 x 17.8
Weight 38kg / 84lb

MODULATOR
Transmitter type Solid-state FM Stereo transmitter
Modulator Direct-to-channel (DDS)
RF Output Frequency Range VHF Band II, 87-108MHz
RF Frequency Steps 100kHz
Frequency Stability ±1 ppm or ±150Hz in 0-50⁰C range with internal 10MHz clock reference
FM Modulation Range Capability 75kHz default, 100% modulation user adjustable up to 105kHz 140%), maximum 300kHz

RF
Power Stability ≤ ± 0.25dB
Asynchronous/AM noise ≤ -60dB
Synchronous AM s/n ratio ≤ -60dB
RF Harmonic and Spurious Suppression Meets ETSI requirements
VSWR operation Fully protected against gradual or sudden VSWR condition
Proportional power reduction from VSWR 1.5:1

STEREO ENCODER
Performance 400Hz/1kHz test tones at modulation level ≤75kHz
Modes Stereo, Mono L+R, Mono L, Mono R
Frequency response 20Hz-15kHz ±0.02dB
Pre-emphasis 0, 50 or 75μs
Pilot tone 19kHz, adjustable level 0-12%
Subcarriers suppression ≤ -70dB
Stereo separation ≥75dB AES/EBU input, ≥70dB Analogue input
Stereo SNR ≥80dB with 75us de-emphasis, ≥75dB without de-emphasis, both inputs
Stereo THD+N <0.03%
Crosstalk ≥70dB, between L+R and L-R due to channel matching, both inputs

MONO PERFORMANCE
Frequency response 20Hz – 15kHz ±0.02dB
Pre-emphasis 0, 50 or 75 µs
Mono SNR ≥75dB AES/EBU input, ≥70dB Analogue input
Mono THD+N ≤0.002% analogue input, ≤0.001% AES input, with 75us de-emphasis
ANALOGUE MPX INPUT PERFORMANCE
Frequency response 10Hz-53kHz ±0.03dB, 53kHz-70kHz ±0.3dB
FM SNR 10Hz-53kHz ±0.03dB, 53kHz-70kHz ±0.3dB
THD+N ≤0.003% with 75us de-emphasis

DIGITAL MPX INPUT PERFORMANCE
Frequency response -90kHz ±0.005dB
FM SNR ≥100dB, with 75us de-emphasis
THD+N ≤0.001% with 75us de-emphasis

AUDIO INPUTS
Analogue 2 x XLR female, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-24dBu
Digital 24dBu AES/EBU via RJ45 per StudioHUB+, level adjustable -20-0dBFS, sampling rates 32-192 kHz

AUDIO OUTPUT
Headphones Out 1/4″ (6.3mm) female stereo socket, software adjustable volume, minimum load impedance 16Ω

WIDEBAND INPUTS
Analogue MPX BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu
Digital MPX AES/EBU via RJ45 per StudioHUB+, level -20-0dBFS, sampling rate 192kHz left channel
Analogue RDS BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable from 0.1-10Vpp

WIDEBAND INPUTS
Analogue MPX BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu
Digital MPX BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu

RDS GENERATOR
Type Fully Dynamic RDS/RDS2/RBDS Generator
Protocols ASCII commands, UECP protocol and X-Command Multi-port architecture
Ports
UART over USB-B & Ethernet
COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL
10MHz input BNC, 50Ω terminated
1PPS input BNC, 50Ω terminated
RF sample output SMA, 50Ω, -30dBc
UART over USB USB-B, system control
USB 2 x USB-A, storage & FW upgrade
Ethernet 1 x RJ45
RS232 DB25 shared connector, system control
GPIO DB25 shared connector, 8 x output & 8 x input, all optically isolated.
Interlock/RF Mute DB25 shared connector, programmable logic/polarity
Analogue voltage output DB25 shared connector, 4-channel 0-5V range

ENVIRONMENTAL
Altitude 15,000 ft / 4,420m AMSL
Temperature range 0 to +45ºC working. -10 to +50ºC storage
Humidity 95% @ 35ºC, non-condensing