Fiber Optic Remote Antenna eXtension
Technical Questions
Why do you ask about operating frequency/waveform?
Different frequencies/waveforms have different technical characteristics that the FORAX system must accommodate. For example, some waveforms switch very rapidly between transmit (TX) and receive (RX); some waveforms hop between different frequencies; and some waveforms can be in TX mode yet transmit no power, such as single-side band HF.
Why do you ask about transmit (TX) power?
The FORAX system must deliver the same TX power levels that you currently use. If you are using just a radio, just let us know which radio we are matching. If you are using external high power amplifiers to boost your signal, we normally need to replicate those higher power levels.
What is the maximum TX power from my radio into the RIU input?
Most FORAX modules are built for a nominal 3-5W power input from the radio. (If lower TX power levels are desired, they are available by special order at no extra cost.) While the standard RIU interface will survive 20W TX power, this should be avoided.
What is the maximum TX output power from FORAX to my antenna?
FORAX systems can meet any customer’s requirement for TX power:
- FORAX-SC2 provides 2W in the UHF TACSAT band, enough to drive most external UHF TACSAT amplifiers to maximum output.
- FORAX-LOS1 and –LOS4 provides 2W in UHF TACSAT mode to drive an external high power amplifier (HPA) and 10W in LOS mode from 30-512 MHz.
- FORAX-RM systems provide from 100mW to 20W TX power, depending on the module and waveform. If more TX power is needed, an external HPA chassis supplied by Syntonics can provide any desired TX power level.
What is the maximum operating temperature for FORAX?
FORAX systems operate from -10C to +60C and can be stored at -40C to +80C. Syntonics will quote environmentally controlled enclosures for extreme environments.
The FORAX-SC2 data sheet says that the equipment takes 28VDC. I assume that it comes with a separate power supply. Does the power supply support 110 & 220?
An optional in-line commercial grade AD:DC power converter is available from Syntonics. The FORAX-SC2-28V accepts 110/220 Vac and supplies 28 Vdc to FORAX-SC2 terminals.
Our building runs on 220 VAC. Is this okay?
All FORAX-RM systems accept universal AC power: 90/264 Vac at 47/62 Hz.
Can the environment be humid? Is FORAX weather-tight?
Any FORAX system can be delivered in a weather-tight enclosure. The factory has standard weather-tight enclosures or can quote a custom enclosure to meet your requirements.
Standard FORAX-LOS1 and –LOS4 systems use weather-tight Antenna Interface Units (AIU).
All FORAX-RM systems use rack-mounted enclosures intended for transportable or fixed applications.
Standard FORAX-SC2 systems use a small, robust enclosure intended for mobile applications. FORAX-SC2 enclosures may be operated outdoors as long as it is not exposed to direct sunlight or liquid intrusion, and has free air flow for internal cooling. The environment may be very humid but not condensing. In other words the AIU enclosure temperature must always be above the dew point to prevent condensation forming inside the AIU enclosure. If the FORAX-SC2 will be powered continuously in a slowly changing temperature environment, condensation should never be an issue as the chassis temperature should always be above the local ambient temperature. However, if a humid environment is coupled with rapid low-to-high temperature swings (such as a sunny early morning following a cold night) then the chassis temperature could drop below the dew point, causing large amounts of condensation to form almost instantaneously (i.e. your car on a cool humid spring/fall morning). Syntonics can solve this problem by packaging the system — or just the AIU — in a weather-tight chassis, which allows operation in direct sun and rain conditions.
Quoting, Ordering, and Business Questions
How can I get a quote for a FORAX system?
Email us at Sales@SyntonicsCorp.com or call the factory at 1-410-884-0500 and ask for a quote. We often want to talk about your application to make sure we are quoting the most appropriate equipment configuration.
How can I purchase FORAX ?
You can purchase FORAX equipment direct from the factory with a credit card or Purchase Order (with approved credit). For orders less than $1,000, a credit card is required.
Can my unit use a credit card?
Yes, we accept credit cards. For orders less than $1,000, a credit card is required. For credit card orders greater than $2,500 we charge a 3% fee. We will validate your credit card when the order is placed, but you are not charged until the order is shipped.
Can we use GSA?
If you prefer to go via GSA, we will put you in touch with a company that sells FORAX-SC2 systems from their GSA Schedule at the same price as the factory.
Can I order spare modules for my FORAX-RM equipment?
Yes. Syntonics sells spare modules.
Can you ship FORAX systems to an APO address?
We prefer not to ship to an APO address because tracking has proven to be unreliable and expensive shipments have disappeared. (Syntonics lost a $40,000 shipment in 2006 by shipping to an APO address!) Please have your procurement office work with Syntonics to use a reliable commercial shipper. We will only ship to an APO address "FOB Origin."
What is the cost of FORAX equipment?
FORAX systems are built to customer-specific configurations using standard modules. Request a quote providing the number and type(s) of radios, the frequency band/waveform(s), and the TX power level(s) that will be used. Syntonics will respond with a quote for your configuration.
Does FORAX equipment come with a warranty?
Yes, FORAX hardware comes with a one-year limited warranty. We will also quote an optional two-year extended warranty, which provides a total of three years of coverage. (Note: Third party high-power amplifiers used in external HPA chasses carry their manufacturer’s warranty, which is usually three years.)
Will you please provide contact information for previous FORAX purchasers?
We will provide a point of contact in any of the organizations that are using FORAX, within the limits of that customers’ sensitivity to inquiries.
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