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The Modulation Sciences Model SCA-186 SIDEKICK Audio Subcarrier Generator combines the functions of audio processor and subcarrier generator into one superbly engineered unit. Precise matching of all system elements, coupled with a highly accurate metering and tuning system, makes SIDEKICK the one box solution to your SCA problems.

With its dramatic reduction of sub-to-main and main-to-sub crosstalk and smooth, natural sound, SIDEKICK is cost-effective and recognized as the technology standard by every major broadcast group and industrial user. Engineered to operate in hostile transmitter locations when necessary, SIDEKICK performance is guaranteed with a three year warranty on all parts and labor.

SIDEKICK combines the four elements needed for successful subcarrier operation into one package: subcarrier generator, modulation monitor, audio processor and transmitter tuning aid. Engineered to work together, these components form an integrated system, which provides a level of performance previously unattainable. Crosstalk is dramatically reduced, signal quality is significantly improved and operation is greatly simplified.

SIDEKICK is cost effective because there is no need for redundant power supplies, packaging, or input/output interfacing.

Each subsystem of SIDEKICK is unique and has been specially engineered for its task:

SUBCARRIER GENERATOR
SIDEKICK has the first crystal controlled subcarrier generator in the industry. Others use simple free-running oscillators, which are easy to design, and FM modulate, but whose frequency stability is a problem. The stability of the SIDEKICK is ±0.005% from 0 to 50 degrees Celcius.

MODULATION MONITOR
A built-in modulation meter eliminates the need for an additional subcarrier modulation monitor. The modulation meter provided is simple to read and quite accurate. The peak holding circuitry lets the meter rise to the maximum deviation and remain there without much jitter. The meter can also be easily calibrated in the field with only a frequency counter and a DC voltage source.

INTEGRATED AUDIO PROCESSOR
Audio processing has traditionally been a weak link in subcarrier transmission. It is not uncommon to find that the audio processors used for subcarrier are hand-me-down units from the main channel. Unfortunately, the use of a 75 microsecond limiter in a 150 microsecond system results in almost no high frequency peak control. In addition, subcarrier audio filters which roll off at 5 kHz have the same kind of overshoot and ringing as the infamous 15 kHz filters used in stereo generators. As in main channel operation, poor peak control means low average modulation. In subcarrier, this means increased susceptibility to crosstalk.

TRANSMITTER TUNING AID
In many transmitters, proper tuning of the driver and PA stages plays a major role in the reduction of crosstalk between the main and subcarrier channels.

The SIDEKICK contains a built-in noise generator and incidental AM noise meter. No other equipment is needed to noise load the entire baseband and measure the incidental AM from an RF sample. The RF tuning can then be fine tuned to minimize the incidental AM. This often yields a dramatic reduction in crosstalk.

COMPOSITE LOOP THROUGH FEATURE
SIDEKICK contains a composite loop through feature that greatly simplifies installation. The composite output of your stereo generator or STL may be looped through the SIDEKICK. SIDEKICK will automatically mix its subcarrier signal into the composite for routing to your transmitter.