ASTRO U 224 Operating Manual
Version 10-2018A
Contents
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018Apage 2
Contents
Before starting operation of the device......................................................................................page 03
Symbols and conventions used..................................................................................................page 03
Proper use.................................................................................................................................page 03
Target group for this manual......................................................................................................page 04
Device description......................................................................................................................page 04
Important safety information.......................................................................................................page 05
Description of performance........................................................................................................page 06
Warranty conditions...................................................................................................................page 06
Disposal.....................................................................................................................................page 06
Quick start – starting operation of the U 224.............................................................................page 07
“Status” menu............................................................................................................................page 13
“Main” menu ..............................................................................................................................page 18
“Test generator” menu...............................................................................................................page 21
“IP Channel” menu ....................................................................................................................page 22
„IP RX“ menu.............................................................................................................................Seite 23
„RF“ menu .................................................................................................................................Seite 25
„RF 1.X“ und „RF 2.X“ menu .....................................................................................................Seite 26
„Time Sharing“ menu.................................................................................................................Seite 29
„OSD 1.X“ und „OSD 2.X“ menu ...............................................................................................Seite 30
“SSL settings” menu..................................................................................................................page 32
“User settings” menu .................................................................................................................page 35
“TS analyzer” menu...................................................................................................................page 37
“Licensing” menu.......................................................................................................................page 38
“Update/config” menu................................................................................................................page 39
“System log” menu ....................................................................................................................page 42
“Alarm severities” menu ............................................................................................................page 44
“Active alarms” menu ................................................................................................................page 45
“Statistics” menu........................................................................................................................page 46
“Network” menu.........................................................................................................................page 47
“Documentation” menu..............................................................................................................page 48
Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................page 49
Maintenance and repair.............................................................................................................page 49
Servicing....................................................................................................................................page 49
Technical data ...........................................................................................................................page 50
page 3
Before starting operation of the device
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018A
Before starting operation of the device
HINWEIS: Read this operating manual attentively! It contains important information about
installation, ambient conditions and maintenance of the device. Keep this operating manual for
future use and for handover in the event of a change of owner. A PDF version of this manual is
available to download on the ASTRO website (there may be a more recent version).
The ASTRO company confirms that the information in this manual was correct at the time of
printing, but it reserves the right to make changes, without prior notice, to the specifications, the
operation of the device and the operating manual.
Symbols and conventions used
Symbols used in these instructions
Pictograms are visual symbols with specific meanings. You will encounter the following pictograms in
this installation and operating manual:
Warning about situations in which electrical voltage and non-observance of the instructions in this
manual pose a risk of fatal injuries.
Warning about various dangers to health, the environment and material.
Warning about thermal dangers (risk of burns).
Recycling symbol: indicates components or packaging materials which can be recycled (cardboard,
inserts, plastic film and bags). Used batteries must be disposed of at approved recycling points.
Batteries must be completely discharged before being disposed of.
This symbol indicates components which must not be disposed of with household rubbish.
Proper use
The devices of the U 1xx- and U 2xx series are only used for converting signals of different modulation
to / from IP data streams in multimedia cable networks. The power supply unit U 100 SNT eco / U 100
SNT eco+ may only be used for the power supply of the U 1xx- and U 2xx units within the base unit
U 100-230. Modification of the devices or use for any other purpose is not permitted, and will immediately void any guarantee provided by the manufacturer.
Target group of this manual
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018Apage 4
Target group of this manual
Installation and starting operation
The target group for installation and starting operation of the ASTRO headend technology are qualified
experts who have training enabling them to perform the work required in accordance with EN 60728-11
and EN 60065. Unqualified person are not allowed to install and start operation of the device.
Device configuration
Target group for the configuration of the ASTRO headend are persons who have received instructions
and have training enabling them to perform a configuration. Knowledge of EN 60728-11 and EN 60065
is not necessary for configuration.
Device description
The delivery consists of the following parts:
U 224 IP to PAL Transcoder (carrying 3 Transcoder modules U 208)
Operating manual
Front:
[1] VStatus LEDs grid
Back:
[2] Mains jacks
[3] Connection terminal
Input signals (Data A, B; RJ 45)
Management (A and B; RJ 45)
Output signals (RF 1)
Figure 1: U 224
The U 224 module features a CE marking. This confirms that the product conforms to the relevant EC
directives and adheres to the requirements specified therein.
1
2
3
page 5
Important safety information
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018A
Important safety information
To avoid any potential risks to the greatest extent possible, you must adhere to the following safety
information:
ACHTUNG: Failure to observe this safety information may result in personal injury due
to electrical and thermal dangers!
Proper use
Only use the device at the approved operating sites and in the ambient conditions allowed (as
described in the following), and only for the purpose described in the section “Proper use”.
Before starting operation of the device
HINWEIS: Read this operating manual attentively! It contains important information about
installation, ambient conditions and maintenance of the device. Keep this operating manual for
future use and for handover in the event of a change of owner or operator. A PDF version of this
manual is available to download on the ASTRO website (there may be a more recent version).
Check the packaging and the device for transport damage immediately. Do not start operation of
a device that has been damaged.
Transporting the device by the power cable may damage the mains cable or the strain relief, and
is therefore not permitted.
Installation and operation
The device may only be installed and operated by qualified persons (in accordance with EN
60065) or by persons who have been instructed by qualified persons. Maintenance work may only
be carried out by qualified service personnel.
An installation site must be provided that prevents children from playing with the device and its
connections.
The electrical connection conditions must correspond to the specifications on the device type
plate.
In order to operate the U 100-230 unit (protection class I), it must be connected to mains sockets
with a protective earth conductor.
The device may only be installed using guide rails. If the device is only affixed by the screws in the
front panel, this will damage the base unit.
The electrical connection conditions must correspond to the specifications on the device type
plate.
To avoid damage due to overheating, the device may only be installed on vertical surfaces. The
device may only be installed on level, non-flammable materials or surfaces. Operating position:
Device must be horizontal.
The device is, where possible, intended for operation in metallically conductive 19” racks with sufficient air convection to ensure that the maximum permissible ambient temperature for the device
is adhered to. The installation surface should be non-flammable.
The ambient temperatures specified in the technical data must be complied with, even when
climatic conditions change (e.g. due to sunlight). If the device overheats, the insulation used to
isolate the mains voltage may be damaged.
The device and its cable may only be operated away from radiant heat and other sources of heat.
To avoid trapped heat, ensure there is good ventilation on all sides (minimum interval of 20 cm to
other objects). Installing the device in a niche or covering the ventilation openings is not permitted.
No objects may be placed on the device.
Important safety information
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018Apage 6
The subscriber network must be earthed in accordance with EN 60728-11, and must remain
earthed even when the device is removed. Furthermore, the earth connection on the device can
be used. Devices within hand’s reach must be integrated into the potential equalisation together.
Operating the device without an earth conductor, without earthing the device or without using
device potential equalisation is not permitted.
The device does not feature protection against water and may therefore only be operated and
connected in dry rooms. It must not be exposed to splash water or drip water, condensation or
similar effects of water, as this may impair the isolation from the mains voltage. In the event of
condensation forming, you must wait until the device has dried completely until starting operation.
The electrical system supplying current to the device, e.g. a house installation, must incorporate
safety devices against excessive current, earth leakages and short-circuiting in accordance with
EN 60950-1.
All adhere to all applicable national safety regulations and standards.
U 224: Both mains plugs are used as a mains voltage disconnect unit in the event of servicing and
in the event of danger, and must therefore be accessible and be able to be operated at any time.
The device is operational as soon as one mains plug is connected to the mains voltage.
U 224-48: Both -48 V power connectors are used as a mains voltage disconnect unit from the
-48 V supply voltage in the event of servicing and in the event of danger, and must therefore be
easily accessible and be able to be operated at any time. The device is already in operation when
one -48 V connector is already connected to the operating voltage.
Do not install the unit in locations with excessive dust formation, as this may impair the isolation
from the mains voltage.
Excess mechanical loads (e.g. falling, impacts, vibrations) may damage the insulation used to
provide protection from mains voltage.
High excess currents (lightning strike, surges in the power utility grid) may damage insulation used
to provide protection from mains voltage.
If there is no information about intended use (e.g. operating site, ambient conditions), or the oper-
ating manual does not include the corresponding information, then you must consult the manufacturer of this device to ensure that the device may be installed. If you do not receive any information
on this from the manufacturer, do not start operating the device.
Disconnect devices with damaged power cables from the mains power (unplug the power supply
plug).
The device and the power supply units may not be opened.
Replacing power supply units
After removing the screws from the cover of the power supply unit chamber (ASTRO logo), the power
supply units can be pulled forwards by hand using the mounting tab. When installing power supply
units, do not touch the fan or fan grille and only use the mounting tab affixed to the power supply unit.
When the tasks are complete, the cover of the power supply unit chamber must be replaced. Continuous operation of the device is not permitted without this cover.
ACHTUNG: Do not put your hand or any objects into the power unit chamber!
HINWEIS: The U 224 base unit must only be operated with the original power unit(s)!
WICHTIG: The output of the signal converter must not be used without connecting a
combining network or terminating impedance!
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
In order to avoid malfunctions from occurring when operating radio and telecommunications equipment, as well as other operating units or broadcasting services, the following points must be observed:
Before installation, the device must be checked for mechanical damage. Damaged or bent covers
or housings may not be used.
During operation, the device must always be covered by the components provided for this
purpose. Operation with an opened cover is not permitted.
The braided line or the contact springs may not be damaged or removed.
page 7
Important safety information
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018A
Maintenance
Displays indicate the operating status of the device, as well as any DC voltage still live after discon-
nection from the mains, and which is supplying power to the device components. However, operating displays that are not lit up in no way indicate that the device is completely disconnected from
the mains voltage.
There may still be voltages in the device that are dangerous to touch. Even after disconnection
from the mains, there may still be voltages in the power supply units of the device that remain
dangerous to touch for several minutes. You may therefore not open the device or the power
supply units. The device may only be opened by qualified service personnel.
Read carefully: EN 60728-11 – Part 1, Safety requirements / No service tasks during electrical
storms!
Repair
Repairs may only be performed by the manufacturer. Improperly performed repairs may result in
considerable dangers for the user.
Do not start operating devices with a damaged power cable, and instead have them repaired by
the manufacturer.
If malfunctions occur, the device must be disconnected from the mains and authorised experts
must be consulted. The device may need to be sent to the manufacturer.
General information
Store or use the device in a safe location, well out of reach of small children. It may contain small
parts that can be swallowed or inhaled. Dispose of any small parts that are not needed.
Plastic bags may have been used for packaging the device. Keep these plastic bags away from
babies and children in order to avoid any danger of suffocation. Plastic bags are not toys.
Do not store the device near chemicals or in places in which any leakage of chemicals may occur.
Organic solvents or fluids in particular may cause the housing and/or cables to melt or disintegrate,
presenting a danger of fire or electric shock. They may also cause device malfunctions.
Do not connect the mains adapter provided to any other products.
Description of performance
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018Apage 8
Description of performance
The U 224 is a 19‘‘ rack device with 3 integrated IP to PAL transcoder modules U 208. It can receive
up to 24 (3 x 8) MPEG data streams and channels encapsulated in accordance with Internet Protocol
(IP). These are converted in up to 24 (3 x 8) standard-compliant PAL output signals and are output
through the HF output in the U 224.
The U 224 module features the following performance characteristics:
Conversion of up to 24 IP Gigabit Ethernet multicast groups
PAL programs are fed out as 6 x 4 channels
Outstanding output parameters due to Direct Digital Technology (video S/N typically 60 dB;
residual carrier accuracy: 1%)
Warranty conditions
The general terms and conditions of ASTRO Strobel GmbH apply. You will find these in the current
catalogue or on the Internet under “www.astro-kom.de”.
Disposal
All of our packaging material (cardboard boxes, inserts, plastic film and bags) is completely recyclable.
Electronic devices must not be disposed of with household waste, but rather – according to DIRECTIVE
2002/96/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL from 27 January 2003, on
waste electrical and electronic equipment – must be properly disposed of. When it is no longer of use,
please bring the device for disposal to one of the public collection points for this purpose.
ASTRO Strobel is a member of the Elektro system solution for the disposal of packaging materials. Our
contract number is 80395.
page 9
Quick start - starting operation of the U 224
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018A
Quick start - starting operation of the U 224
Connecting the U 224 to a PC or laptop
To be able to configure the U 224, you now need to connect the network sockets (Management A or
Management B) of one of the submodules (U 208) on the rear side of the device (see figure at left) to
your PC or laptop using a network cable.
The IP addresses for Management Port A are determined:
U 208 left: 192.168.1.150
U 208 middle: 192.168.1.151
U 208 right: 192.168.1.152
Once you have connected the base unit to the power supply, the U 224 will switch on automatically.
HINWEIS: Please note that your PC or laptop must be in the same sub-network as the
U 224! The sub-network mask of the U 224 is set to 255.255.255.0 upon delivery. The PC or
laptop which is connected must be assigned an IP address 192.168.1.x.
You can now start the configuration using the web browser user interface.
General information on the structure of the web browser interface
The configuration interface is divided into the following sub-areas:
Figure 4: Structure of the web browser interface
Status line (header) [1]: Displays general information on the module.
SW: Software status
FW: Current version of the software installed
HW: Hardware version
Up: Runtime since the system was booted
Time: Date and time
Name, location, contact: Corresponds to the settings made in the configuration area “User
settings”
Navigation menu [2]: Displays the individual configuration areas which you can select by clicking
the mouse. A detailed description of these areas can be found on the following pages of this
chapter.
Content area [3]: The respective configuration form – depending on the menu item selected – is
displayed here.
HINWEIS: The browser display is not updated automatically. Use the corresponding button
in the menu of your browser to update the display.
1
2
3
Quick start - starting operation of the U 224
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018Apage 10
Logging in
To log in, copy the IP address of the U 224 into the address line of the browser. The menu page “Status”
will then appear. Select the item “Log in” from the navigation menu at the left. The input mask for the
log in should then appear (see figure 4, below). In delivery state, you must use the following log-in data:
User name: “user” or “admin” (input without inverted commas)
Password: astro
Figure 5: Log in
After logging in, the start page of the U 224 with all relevant system information will appear. The navigation menu and the log-in status display will appear at the left.
Only one user can be logged into the user interface of the U 224 at a time. The current user is displayed
in the column at the left, below the menu.
The device status is indicated by a green or red circle. If a green circle is displayed, the device is operational. If the circle is red, then a fault has occurred.
A list of current errors is available under the menu item “Active alarms”.
HINWEIS: For reasons of security, you should change the access data valid upon delivery
(user name and password) to prevent unauthorised access!
The procedure is described in the section “Changing user data”.
Changing the IP address
HINWEIS: If you wish to change the IP address, then the settings on the PC must be changed
accordingly. IP addresses can only be changed by the administrator!
Start by changing the IP addresses for the management and the data port. To do so, click on the item
“Main” in the menu at the left. You will now see the following table in the content pane:
Figure 6: Changing the IP address
You can enter the IP addresses for management ports A and B as well as for data ports A and B in the
“Address” line. Make sure that you activate the ports being used by activating the corresponding radio
button in the line “Active”.
To save your changes, click on the “Submit” button below the last table.
More information on configuring the IP address can be found in the section “Configuring IP interfaces,
IP management and base unit”.
page 11
Quick start - starting operation of the U 224
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018A
The signal flow in the U 224
The overview on page 10 shows the possible signal paths for the U 224. The specific
signal flow can be divided into the following sub-areas:
The IP receivers (1 to 8) of each submodule U 208 receive a signal via data port A or B (each is
switchable).
The level of the output signals from the two PAL modulators (each with 4 PAL programs) are each
adapted, filtered and amplified, and are forwarded to the HF output on rear side of the device.
Quick start - starting operation of the U 224
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018Apage 12
Figure 7: The signal flow in the U 224
+
RF
Attenuator
Data A
same as above
same as above
same as above
same as above
same as above
same as above
Ethernet
Data B
8
RF
Amplifier
RF
Attenuator
RF1
TS
Sel1
TS
Sel2
TS
Sel3
TS
Sel4
Data A
Ethernet
Data B
Data A
Ethernet
Data B
IP
RX1
IP
RX2
IP
RX3
IP
RX4
IP
RX5
IP
RX6
IP
RX7
IP
RX8
Decoder 1.1
Modulator 1
Decoder 1.2
Modulator 1
Decoder 1.3
Modulator 1
Decoder 1.4
Modulator 1
TS
Sel5
TS
Sel6
TS
Sel7
TS
Sel8
Decoder 2.1
Modulator 2
Decoder 2.2
Modulator 2
Decoder 2.2
Modulator 2
Decoder 2.2
Modulator 2
+
page 13
Quick start - starting operation of the U 224
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018A
Configuring the IP receiver
Now start configuring a signal path in the U 224. Start by clicking on the item “IP RX 1” in the web
browser interface menu. You will now see the following table:
Figure 8: Setting the source for the data stream
Enter the IP address and port for the data source in the first line. Optionally, you can also enter a
source select address in the second line.
Further information about configuring the receiver can be found in the section “Configuring IP inputs”.
There is another table below the “IP RX 1 Channel Settings” table. Activate the radio button “on” to
enable the receiver.
Figure 9: Activating the connection to the data port
Checking the data reception rate
Now click on the menu item “Status” in the menu at the left. You will now see the following overview:
Figure 10: Displaying reception statistics
A data reception rate > 0 at data ports A or B should now appear in the line “Receive” in the “Ethernet”
table.
Now click on the menu item “Statistics” in the menu at the left. Details about the transport stream received are provided in the “Ethernet RX” table. A TS rate of > 0 should be displayed. If this is not the
case, check the receiver settings.
Figure 11: IP receiver statistics
Quick start - starting operation of the U 224
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018Apage 14
Configuring HF output channels
To complete the process, you should configure and activate the HF output channels. To do so, click on
the menu item “RF” in the web browser interface menu. You will now see the following table:
Figure 12: Configuring HF output channels
To exemplify this, select one of the modulators by clicking on the “On” radio button in the “Enable” column.
Now select the preferred service from the drop-down menu in the “Service” column. Enter the preferred
values for the frequency and the level in the corresponding input field in the “Channel Frequency” and
“Level” columns respectively.
To save your changes, click on the “Submit” button below the table.
More information on setting the HF modulators can be found in the section “Menu RF”.
page 15
“Status” menu
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018A
“Status” menu
To have the current settings for the U 224 displayed, click on the Status item in the menu at the left.
You can now see the overview shown in figure 13:
Figure 13: Status display
The following tables are displayed:
Ethernet status:
Configuration data and status of the Ethernet port
Figure 14: Status display - Ethernet
“Status” menu
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018Apage 16
The values for the following parameters are displayed and configured here respectively in accordance
with the four connections on the backplane of the U 224 (Data A, Data B, Management A and Management B, see section “Device description”).
MAC: MAC address (display value)
Address: IP address (configurable)
Netmask: Net mask (configurable)
Gateway: Gateway IP address (configurable)
Mode: Ethernet mode (display value)
Transmit: Data transmission rate (display value)
Receive: Data reception rate (display value)
Status display of the IP receiver:
Figure 15: Status display - IP RX channels
The different text formats refer to:
Green: active
Grey: inactive (“off”)
Black (bold): priority “hot”, no errors
Red (bold): priority “hot”, errors
Black (standard): priority “cold”, no errors
Red (standard): priority “cold”, errors
The values set for the following parameters are displayed in the table “IP RX channels” for the 4 IP
receivers – for outputs Data A and B respectively:
Prim. RX IP socket source: Primary source
Sec. RX IP socket source: Secondary source
Ter. RX IP socket source: Tertiary source
Encapsulation: Data encapsulation
FEC: Forward error correction
TS Rate: Data rate
TSID ONID: Transport stream ID / original network ID
Alias: Alias name
For details on the parameters: see section “Menu IP RX”
page 17
“Status” menu
Operating manual U 224 - Version 10-2018A
Status display of the PAL output programs:
Figure 16: Status display - RF channels
The values set for the following parameters are displayed in the table “RF channels” for the 8 PAL output programs:
Modulator: Output program
Stream: Transport stream received
Service: Service selected
PIDs: Packet identifier
Frequency / Level: Frequency / level selected
Details on the parameters can be found in the section “Menu RF”.
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