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MAGNETIC TAPE RECORDER AND REPRODUCER INFORMATION AND USE CRITERIA, Cont.... 1.0 Other Instrumentation Magnetic Tape Recorder Standards 2.0 Double-Density Longitudinal Recording 3.0 Serial HDDR 4.0 Head Parameters 5.0 Record Level 6.0 Tape Crossplay Considerations 7.0 Standard Tape Signature Procedures 8.0 Equipment Required for Swept-Frequency Procedures 9.0 Fixed-Frequency Plus White Noise Procedure 10.0 Signature Playback and Analysis 11.0 Recording and Playback Alignment Procedures 7.0 Standard Tape Signature Procedures 7.1 PCM Signature Recording Procedures 7.2 PCM Signature Playback Procedure 7.3 Swept Frequency Signature Recording Procedure 7.4 Swept-Frequency Signature Playback Procedure The following subparagraphs describe the PCM signature and the swept-frequency signature. 7.1 PCM Signature Recording Procedures . Configure test equipment as described in paragraph 2.1, volume IV, RCC document 118. The configura-tion should simulate the operational link as closely as possible, for example, same RF frequency, deviation, bit rate, code type, predetection frequency, receiver bandwidth, and recorder speed. 7.1.1 While recording the pseudo-random data at standard record level, adjust the signal generator output level until approximately one error per 105 bits is obtained on the error counter. 7.1.2 Record 30 seconds of the pseudo-random data at the beginning or end of the tape for each data track. A separate 30-second tape signature is recommended for each different data format. 7.1.3 The content, track assignments, and location on the tape leader and trailer of signature signals should be noted on the tape label. 7.2 PCM Signature Playback Procedure. The following subparagraphs explain the playback procedure. 7.2.1 Optimize playback equipment such as receiver tuning and bit synchronizer setup for data being reproduced. 7.2.2 Reproduce the tape signature and observe the error rate on the error counter. 7.2.3 Optimize head azimuth for maximum signal output and minimum errors. 7.2.4 If more than one error per 104 bits is obtained, initiate corrective action. 7.2.5 Repeat for each data track. 7.3 Swept Frequency Signature Recording Procedure. The following subparagraphs describe the recording procedure for the swept-frequency signature. 7.3.1 Patch a sweep-frequency oscillator output to all prime data tracks (up to 6 on 7-track recorders or up to 13 on 14-track recorders) (see appendix A, volume III of RCC document 118). As a minimum, patch the sweep oscillator to one odd and one even track. 7.3.2 Connect the sync output of the sweep oscillator to a track not used for sweep signals, preferably an outside track. 7.3.3 Record the signature signals for a minimum of 30 seconds at standard record level. |
Record levels may be either preadjusted or quickly adjusted in all tracks
during the first few seconds of the signature recording.
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7.3.4 The content, track assignments, and location on the leader or
trailer tape of signature signals should be noted on the tape label. 7.4 Swept-Frequency Signature Playback Procedure . The following subparagraphs define the steps for the playback procedure. 7.4.1 Connect the sync track output of the reproducer to the sync input of the scope. 7.4.2 Select an odd-numbered sweep-signal track and connect the output of the reproducer to the vertical input of the scope. Playback the sweep signal and adjust the scope gain for an amplitude of approximately ±10 minor vertical divisions about the center baseline. Adjust the odd-track azimuth for maximum amplitude of the highest frequency segment (extreme right of the sweep pattern). 7.4.3 Observe amplitude variations through the sweep pattern and adjust the equalization, if necessary, to maintain the amplitude within the required tolerance over the required frequency range. |
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A decrease of sweep signal amplitude to about 0.7 represents a 3 dB loss. |
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7.4.4 Repeat the playback procedure in subparagraphs 7.4.2 and 7.4.3 for
azimuth and equalization adjustments of an even-numbered tape track. 7.4.5 Repeat the procedure in subparagraph 7.4.3 for equalization only of other selected prime data tracks, as required. 8.0 Equipment Required for Swept-Frequency Procedures Equipment required at the recording site consists of a sweep-frequency oscillator having a constant amplitude sweep range of approximately 400 Hz through 4.4 MHz with frequency markers at 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 kHz and 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 MHz. The sweep range to 4.4 MHz may be used for all tape speeds because the bandwidth of the recorder and reproducer will attenuate those signal frequencies beyond its range. The sweep rate should be approximately 25 Hz. Care should be exercised in the installation of the sweep generator to ensure a flat response of the sweep signal at the input terminals of the recorder. Appropriate line-driver amplifiers may be required for long cable runs or the low impedance of paralleled inputs. 8.1 A stepped-frequency oscillator could be substituted for the sweep-frequency generator at the recording location. Recommended oscillator wavelengths at the mission tape speed are 7.62 mm (300 mils), 3.81 mm (150 mils), 0.254 mm (10 mils), 0.0254 mm (1 mil), 0.0127 mm (0.5 mil), 0.0064 mm (0.25 mil), 0.0032 mm (0.125 mil), 0.0025 mm (0.1 mil), 0.0020 mm (0.08 mil), and 0.0015 mm (0.06 mil). 8.2 Equipment required at the playback site consists of an ordinary oscilloscope having a flat frequency response from 400 Hz through 4.4 MHz. 9.0 Fixed-Frequency Plus White Noise Procedure The signature used in this method is the same for all applications. For direct recording of subcarrier multiplexes, only static nonlinearity (nonlinearity which is independent of frequency) is important for crosstalk control. Subparagraph 6.8.2 in chapter 6 provides a reference level for static nonlinearity. All formats of data recording are sensitive to SNR. Predetection recording and HDDR are sensitive to equalization. The following signature procedure satisfies all the above requirements. 9.1 Record a sine-wave frequency of 0.1 UBE (see table 6-3) with the following amplitudes. 9.1.1 Equal to the standard record level for direct recording of subcarrier multiplexes and HDDR (see subparagraph 6.8.2, chapter 6). 9.1.2 Equal to the carrier amplitude to be recorded for pre-detection recording of PCM/FM, PCM/PM, FM/FM, and PAM/FM. 9.2 Record flat band-limited white noise of amplitude 0.7 of the true rms value of the 0 dB standard record level as described in subparagraph 6.8.2, chapter 6. Noise must be limited by a low-pass filter just above the UBE. 9.3 Record with zero input (input terminated in 75 ohms). The three record steps previously described can consist of 10 seconds each. The spectra can be obtained with three manually initiated sweeps of less than a second each, because no great frequency resolution is required. All of the spectrum analyzer parameters can be standardized and set in prior to running the mission tape. 10.0 Signature Playback and Analysis Before analyzing the signature, the reproducer azimuth should be adjusted. With the short signature, it is probably more convenient to use the data part of the recording for this purpose. If predetection recording is used, the azimuth can be adjusted to maximize the output as observed on the spectrum analyzer or on a voltmeter connected to the output. If baseband recording is used, the azimuth can be adjusted to maximize the spectrum at the upper end of the band. Using a spectrum analyzer, reproduce, store, and photograph the spectra obtained from paragraphs 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 in this appendix. Store and photograph the spectrum analyzer input level of zero. 10.1 It is evident that any maladjustment of the recorder and reproducer or magnetization of the heads will result in the decrease of SNR across the band and will be seen from the stored spectra or photograph. 10.2 By having a photograph of the spectra, amplitude equalization can be accomplished without shuttling the mission tape as follows. 10.2.1 Use an auxiliary tape (not the mission tape, but preferably the same type tape). With a white-noise input signal band limited, adjust the amplitude equalization of the recorder and reproducer at the tape dubbing or data reduction site and photograph the output spectrum (see paragraph 9.0 of this appendix). 10.2.2 Compare this photo with the photo made from the signature. Note the difference at several points across the band. 10.2.3 Using the auxiliary tape, adjust the amplitude equalization to compensate for the differences noted. 10.2.4 Recheck with the mission tape to verify that the desired amplitude equalization has been achieved. 10.3 If the phase equalization is to be checked, a square wave signal can be added to the signature in accordance with the manufacturer's specification (see subparagraph 4.9.2.3.3 of volume III, RCC document 118). The same procedure as that recommended for amplitude equalization can be used, except based on oscillograms. 11.0 Recording and Playback Alignment Procedures 11.1 Recording of Preamble for Direct Electronics Alignment 11.2 Playback of Preamble for Direct Electronics Alignment 11.3 Recording of Preamble for FM Electronics Alignment 11.4 Playback of Preamble for FM Electronics Alignment When using standard preamble (or postamble), see paragraph 6.12, chapter 6. 11.1 Recording of Preamble for Direct Electronics Alignment 11.1.1 Patch a square wave generator output set to 1/11 band edge to all tracks having direct electronics or initiate procedure for recording internally generated 1/11 band edge square wave according to manufacturer's instructions. 11.1.2 If the preamble will be used for a manual adjustment, record for a minimum of 30 seconds at the standard record level and tape speed to be used for data recording. 11.1.3 If the preamble will be used only for automatic alignment, record at the standard record level and tape speed to be used for data recording for a sufficient time as specified by the manufacturer of the playback recorder reproducer or as agreed by the interchange parties. 11.2 Playback of Preamble for Direct Electronics Alignment For systems so equipped, initiate automatic alignment procedure per manufacturer's instructions. The procedure for manual adjustment is described in the following subparagraphs. 11.2.1 Display fundamental and odd harmonics of the square wave (third through eleventh) of selected odd numbered direct track near center of head stack on the spectrum analyzer. Adjust azimuth by peaking output amplitude of the third through eleventh harmonic. Final adjustment should peak the eleventh harmonic. 11.2.2 Repeat the above subparagraph for even numbered direct track. (Only one track is necessary for double density, 14-track, in-line system). 11.2.3 Observe frequency response across the band pass on selected track and correct if necessary. For a flat response, the third harmonic will be 1/3 of the amplitude of the fundamental, fifth harmonic 1/5 the amplitude, and so on. A convenient method is to compare the recorder/reproducer output with that of a square wave generator patched directly to the spectrum analyzer. |
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An alternate but less accurate method is to optimize the square wave as
displayed on an oscilloscope rather than a spectrum analyzer.
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11.2.4 Repeat the previous subparagraph for each direct track.
11.2.5 Display square wave on oscilloscope. Adjust phase for best square wave response as shown in figure D-7.  11.2.6 Repeat the previous subparagraph for each direct track. 11.3 Recording of Preamble for FM Electronics Alignment If available, initiate procedure for recording internally generated 1/11 band edge square wave and ±1.414 Vdc per manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, patch a square wave generator output to all tracks having FM electronics. A near dc signal may be obtained by setting the square wave generator to 0.05 Hz and ±1.414 V or by using a separate dc source. 11.3.1 If the preamble will be used for manual alignment, record at least one cycle of the 0.05 Hz square wave at ±1.414 V or a positive and negative 1.414 Vdc for a minimum of 10 seconds each at the tape speed to be used for data recording. Next, record a 1/11 band edge square wave for a minimum of 20 seconds. 11.3.2 If the preamble will be used only for automatic alignment, record the above sequence for a sufficient time as specified by the manufacturer of the playback recorder/reproducer or as agreed by the interchange parties. 11.4 Playback of Preamble for FM Electronics Alignment For systems so equipped, initiate automatic alignment procedure per manufacturer's instructions. The procedure for manual adjustment is described in the next subparagraphs. 11.4.1 Check and adjust for 0 V output at center frequency per RCC document 118, Test Methods for Telemetry Systems and Subsystems, volume III, Test Methods for Recorder/Reproducer Systems and Magnetic Tape. 11.4.2 Use dc voltmeter to verify a full positive and negative output voltage on the selected track and correct if necessary. 11.4.3 Display fundamental and odd harmonics of the square wave (third through eleventh) on the spectrum analyzer. 11.4.4 Observe frequency response per subparagraph 11.2.3. 11.4.5 Repeat subparagraphs 11.4.1 through 11.4.3 for each FM track. |