Axel TIGER SHARK User Manual

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User Manual

DIGITAL STEREO GENERATOR AND

RDS/RBDS ENCODER

(Rev. 4.6 EN - International)

TIGER SHARK

TIGER SHARK ENGLISH USER MANUAL

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSE AXEL TECHNOLOGY TIGER

SHARK!

TIGER SHARK MAIN FEAUTERS (FULL MPX + RDS/RBDS + LIMITER)

Digital Stereo Generator (MPX) Dynamic RDS/RBDS encoder

AGC input stage, Audio Limiter, Stereo Enhancer Automatic changeover between Analog, AES/EBU and external MPX input UECP compliant Dynamic ODA, TMC, EWS and IH services Advanced PS scrolling. PS, RT, PTY scheduler 8 GPI / 8 Relay interface. 3 serial connections to control and send messages RDS decoder for re-broadcasting messages Pc control software. Ethernet connection with SNMP protocol ASCII protocol TCP/IP server GPS Interface Incoming MPX detector stage Radio Automation Systems Interface RT+ Services Supported

TIGER SHARK-R MAIN FEAUTERS (ONLY RDS/RBDS CODER)

Dynamic RDS/RBDS encoder Automatic changeover between Analog, AES/EBU and external MPX input UECP compliant Dynamic ODA, TMC, EWS and IH services Advanced PS scrolling. PS, RT, PTY scheduler 8 GPI / 8 Relay interface 3 serial connections to control and send messages RDS decoder for re-broadcasting messages Pc control software. Ethernet connection with SNMP protocol ASCII protocol TCP/IP server GPS Interface Radio Automation System Interface RT+ Services Supported

THE STATE OF THE ART

Tiger Shark has been accurately designed to satisfy the most demanding requirements in FM Stereo generation and advanced RDS/RBDS encoding. It is built with the best cutting-edge technology: surface-mount components and multi-layer circuit boards keep the signal path safe from any issue, providing the purest modulation quality. Its digital architecture guarantees long term reliability and easy firmware updates, directly on field or from remote. Tiger Shark is a top-class RDS/RBDS and Stereo Generator machine. It has been designed to provide every custom requirement if a structured FM network, especially managing advanced machine control and signal changeover, using a PC and webserver interface. Tiger Shark supports the most advanced RDS dynamic services, including TMC, ODA, IH, TDC and EWS. In addition to standard CENELEC methods, RDS programming has been enriched with larger PS and RT sets (also available in dynamic mode) with powerful scheduling capabilities.

GPS satellite receiver, such as our Sat Time Synchronizer, can broadcast local time info as part of the RDS data. RDS service carries also 4 IH (InHouse Application) remote controls, that can be used to start advertising breaks on distant networks, to split broadcasting areas, to activate / deactivate recorders etc.. Tiger Shark communication features have been enforced with comprehensive remotecontrol via RS232, RS485, modem or TCP/IP: Its built-in, passwordprotected server is compatible with FTP, Telnet, SNMP, HTTP and UECP protocols. It can be easily interfaced to various Automation Systems and offers an ASCII protocol for broadcast song/artist information. In case of alarms, it supports SNMP alerting for automation systems, and eventually SMS notification (by a GSM modem connection).

Visit AxelTechnology WebSite Write AxelTechnology:

www.axeltechnology.it sales@axeltechnology.com

Speak with AxelTechnology:

+39 051 736555 phone

+39 051 736170 fax

ENJOYNG USING ALL AXEL TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS!

SAFETY WARNINGS / ISTRUZIONI PER LA SICUREZZA

Contents

1 SAFETY WARNINGS / ISTRUZIONI PER LA SICUREZZA ..................................................................... 8

1.1 FOREWORD ....................................................................................................................................... 8

2 SAFETY WARNINGS ................................................................................................................................ 8

CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES................................................................................................. 9

3 ISTRUZIONI IMPORTANTI PER LA SICUREZZA .................................................................................. 11

4 WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE .................................................................................................... 12

5 INSTRUCCIONES IMPORTANTES DE SEGURIDAD ............................................................................ 14

6 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION ............................................................................................................ 15

7 FIRST INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................... 16

7.1 POWER SUPPLY CABLE ................................................................................................................. 16

7.2 AC MAINS VOLTAGE SETTING (230 V / 115 V) .............................................................................. 16

7.3 FUSE REPLACEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 17

7.4 PROTECTION AGAINST LIGHTNING.............................................................................................. 18

7.5 VENTILATION ................................................................................................................................... 18

8 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 19

8.1 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS USER MANUAL ....................................................... 19

9 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 20

9.1 FRONT PANEL ................................................................................................................................. 20

9.2 REAR PANEL .................................................................................................................................... 21

9.1 THE INTERNAL CLOCK ................................................................................................................... 23

10 BLOCK DIAGRAM ............................................................................................................................... 24

11 FRONT PANEL OPERATION .............................................................................................................. 25

11.1 THE MENU TREE .......................................................................................................................... 25

11.2 HOW TO PREVENT THE ACCESS FROM THE FRONT PANEL MENU...................................... 27

11.3 HOW TO ASSIGN AN ID LABEL TO THE UNIT ............................................................................ 27

12 SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE CONNECTIONS FOR CONTROL ........................................................ 28

13 INSTALLATION AND USE OF PC CONTROL SOFTWARE.............................................................. 28

13.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 28

13.2 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION PROCEDURE ................................................................................ 29

13.3 TWO DIFFERENT VIEW MODES ................................................................................................. 32

13.4 READING OUT THE FIRMWARE CODE ...................................................................................... 33

14 BASIC CONNECTION TO A SINGLE CODER (DIRECT LINK) ......................................................... 34

14.1 DIRECT LINK THROUGH SERIAL RS232 .................................................................................... 35

14.2 DIRECT LINK THROUGH UP-LINK MODEM ............................................................................... 35

14.3 CONNECTING A DIAL-UP MODEM.............................................................................................. 36

14.4 DIRECT LINK THROUGH TCP/IP ................................................................................................. 37

15 MANAGING ACCESS RIGHTS TO THE ENCODER .......................................................................... 39

16 HOW TO ASSIGN AN IP ADDRESS TO THE TIGER-SHARK .......................................................... 40

17 GETTING CONNECTED - THE ‘CONNECTION MANAGER’............................................................. 42

18 HOW TO SETUP A CONNECTION PASSWORD ............................................................................... 43

19 HOW TO DISCONNECT FROM A TIGER-SHARK ............................................................................. 44

20 MANAGING TIGER-SHARK in GROUPS ........................................................................................... 45

20.1 FIRST STEP: COMPOSE THE ‘TREE’ INTO THE TIGERSHARK REMOTE (EDIT MODE). ....... 46

20.1.1 ADDITION OF A SINGLE CODER ............................................................................................ 47

20.1.2 ADDITION OF A GROUP OF CODERS .................................................................................... 48

20.1.3 THE MNEMONIC IDENTIFIERS FOR SINGLE TARGETS OR GROUPS ............................... 49

20.1.4 SYSTEM TREE – EDITING TOOLS .......................................................................................... 50

20.2 SECOND STEP: THE ‘WORK MODE’ ........................................................................................... 51

20.3 CONFIGURATION OF A MONO-DIRECTIONAL COM CHANNEL .............................................. 51

21 THE ‘CONFIGURATION EDITOR’: WHAT IS AND HOW TO USE IT ................................................ 52

21.1 EDITOR TOOLS ............................................................................................................................ 53

21.2 TYPICAL IMPORT / EXPORT TASKS ........................................................................................... 54

21.3 EXPORTING ONLY SECTIONS OF A CONFIGURATION ........................................................... 55

22 HOW TO CONTROL THE UNIT FROM WEB BROWSER.................................................................. 56

23 STEREO GENERATOR – INPUT CHANGEOVER ............................................................................. 57

23.1 THE MPX SPECTRUM .................................................................................................................. 57

23.2 AVAILABLE INPUTS ..................................................................................................................... 58

SAFETY WARNINGS / ISTRUZIONI PER LA SICUREZZA

23.3 CHANGEOVER STAGE – BLOCK DIAGRAM .............................................................................. 58

23.4 HOW TO SELECT THE INPUT SOURCE ..................................................................................... 59

23.5 HOW TO TURN THE AUTOMATIC INPUT CHANGEOVER ON / OFF ......................................... 59

23.6 DEFINITION OF CHANGEOVER PARAMETERS AND TERMS .................................................. 60

23.7 AVAILABLE CONTROLS OVER EXTERNAL AUXILIARY MPX ................................................... 60

23.8 SUMMARY TABLE FOR CHANGEOVER OPERATION ............................................................... 61

23.9 HOW TO KNOW WHICH INPUT SOURCE IS CURRENTLY ON-AIR .......................................... 65

24 STEREO GENERATOR –LEVEL AND WORKING MODES .............................................................. 66

24.1 INPUT AUDIO LEVEL CONTROL ................................................................................................. 66

24.2 SETTING THE OUTPUT PRE-EMPHASIS ................................................................................... 66

24.3 SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE AUDIO WORKING MODES ............................................................. 67

24.3.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 67

24.4 HOW TO ADJUST THE INPUT GAIN ON MANUAL WORK MODES ............................................ 68

24.4.1 LINEAR MODE .......................................................................................................................... 69

24.4.2 LINEAR – FULL RANGE ........................................................................................................... 70

24.4.3 CLIPPER MODE ........................................................................................................................ 71

24.5 AGC STAGE - SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS ........................................................................... 73

24.6 STEREO ENHANCER CONFIGURATION .................................................................................... 73

25 STEREO GENERATOR - LIMITER STAGE CONFIGURATION ........................................................ 74

25.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 74

25.2 OPERATING MODES ................................................................................................................... 75

26 STEREO GENERATOR - MPX OUTPUT SIGNAL ............................................................................. 76

26.1 CONFIGURATION OF THE OUTPUT: NORMAL, PEAK TONE ................................................... 76

26.2 PILOT PHASE AND LEVEL + MPX SIGNAL LEVEL ..................................................................... 76

26.3 MPX SIGNAL CALIBRATION – THE POST CLIPPER GAIN ........................................................ 77

27 RDS / RBDS GENERATOR – GENERAL SETUP .............................................................................. 78

27.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM – RDS / RBDS VERSION ONLY ..................................................................... 79

27.2 GENERAL RDS/RBDS ENABLING ............................................................................................... 79

27.3 RDS PHASE AND LEVEL ADJUSTEMENT .................................................................................. 80

27.4 RDS SYNC SOURCE (RDS VERSION ONLY) ............................................................................. 80

27.5 UECP OR NOT-UECP PROGRAMMING MODE .......................................................................... 81

27.6 CHARACTER TABLES (FOR RT, PS, PTYN SERVICES) ............................................................ 81

28 THE ‘STATIC’ RDS / RBDS ................................................................................................................. 82

28.1 SYNCHRONIZE INTERNAL CLOCK AND ENABLE ‘CT’ SERVICE ............................................. 82

29 DATASET 1 CONFIGURATION .......................................................................................................... 83

29.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 83

29.2 RDS GROUP CONFIGURATION (‘SERVICES’ PANEL) .................................................................. 83

29.3 EON / PSN SERVICES IN THE DATASET 1 ................................................................................. 84

29.4 THE PI CODE (PROGRAM IDENTIFIER) ..................................................................................... 85

29.4.1 THE ‘PROGRAM IDENTIFIER’ CODE IN THE RDS MODE ..................................................... 85

29.4.2 THE ‘PROGRAM IDENTIFIER’ CODE IN THE RBDS MODE .................................................. 85

29.5 THE DI (DECODER IDENTIFICATION) ........................................................................................ 86

29.6 ‘LINKAGE’ INFORMATION (LA, EG, ILS, LSN) ............................................................................. 86

29.7 TP, TA, MS CONFIGURATION & THEIR REMOTE CONTROL .................................................... 86

29.8 SLOW LABELING CODES ............................................................................................................ 87

29.9 ALTERNATIVE FREQUENCIES (AF) ........................................................................................... 88

29.10 HOW TO COMPOSE AF LISTS..................................................................................................... 89

29.11 AF METHODS A AND B ................................................................................................................ 91

29.12 RADIOTEXT PANEL ..................................................................................................................... 93

29.13 PIN – PTY SERVICES ................................................................................................................... 94

29.14 PROGRAM SERVICE NAME (PSN) ............................................................................................. 96

29.15 VARIABLE PS - BASIC OPERATION ............................................................................................ 97

29.15.1 PS SEQUENCES ................................................................................................................... 97

29.15.2 PS SCROLLING ..................................................................................................................... 98

29.16 THE SCHEDULER ........................................................................................................................ 99

29.16.1 GETTING STARTED ............................................................................................................ 101

29.16.2 SELECTING AN ITEM TYPE ............................................................................................... 101

29.16.3 SELECTING THE ITEM NUMBER ...................................................................................... 101

29.16.4 SETUP THE SCHEDULE TIME AND DATES ..................................................................... 102

29.16.5 ENABLING AN EVENT ........................................................................................................ 104

SAFETY WARNINGS / ISTRUZIONI PER LA SICUREZZA

29.16.6 UPDATING AN EVENT ........................................................................................................ 104

29.16.7 DELETING A SCHEDULED EVENT .................................................................................... 104

29.16.8 EVENT PRIORITY ............................................................................................................... 104

29.16.9 SCHEDULER OVERALL EXAMPLES ................................................................................. 105

29.17 CONFIGURING EON NETWORKS IN THE DATASET 1 ............................................................ 107

30 DATASET 2-3-4-5-6 CONFIGURATION AND RECALL ................................................................... 108

30.1 HOW TO ‘RECALL’ A DATASET ................................................................................................. 108

30.2 SELECTION OF THE ‘ALTERNATIVE DATASET’ ...................................................................... 108

30.3 DIRECT SELECTION OF DATASET 1 TROUGH A DIFFERENT DATASET ............................. 108

30.4 CHANGE DATASET DEPENDING BY AUDIO SOURCE ........................................................... 108

31 THE ‘DYNAMIC RDS’ ........................................................................................................................ 109

31.1 IN HOUSE (IH) & EWS – TMC & TDC – ODA SERVICES .......................................................... 109

31.2 MANAGING ‘PRIORITY’ / DYNAMIC PS SCROLLING MESSAGES .......................................... 111

32 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................ 112

32.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................................... 112

32.2 COMMUNICATION ..................................................................................................................... 112

32.3 INPUTS /OUTPUTS .................................................................................................................... 112

32.4 MPX DETECTOR ........................................................................................................................ 114

32.5 INPUT CHANGEOVER ............................................................................................................... 114

32.6 AUDIO LIMITER STAGE ............................................................................................................. 114

32.7 MPX (STEREO) GENERATOR ................................................................................................... 115

32.8 RDS / RBDS ENCODING ............................................................................................................ 115

32.9 RDS/RBDS ENCODING & PROGRAMMING .............................................................................. 116

32.10 IH REMOTE CONTROL .............................................................................................................. 116

32.11 SOFTWARE TOOLS ................................................................................................................... 117

33 APPENDIX A – CONNECTOR PINOUT ............................................................................................ 118

33.1 RS232 CONNECTION AND PINOUT .......................................................................................... 118

33.2 RS485 CONNECTION AND PINOUT .......................................................................................... 118

33.2.1 PORT PIN-OUT ....................................................................................................................... 118

33.2.2 JUMPER SETTINGS (FULL /HALF DUPLEX and LINE LOAD) ............................................. 119

33.2.3 Full/Half Duplex ........................................................................................................................ 120

33.2.4 RS485 NETWORK TOPOLOGY ............................................................................................. 120

33.3 ANALOG & DIGITAL AUDIO CONNECTION .............................................................................. 121

33.4 GPI CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................................... 122

33.4.1 EXAMPLE OF ACTIVATION OF INPUT 1 BY CLEAN CONTACT ......................................... 123

33.4.2 EXAMPLE OF ACTIVATION OF INPUT 1 BY TTL ................................................................. 123

33.5 TIME SYNCH IN TIGER SHARK ................................................................................................. 124

33.6 RELAY OUTPUT CONNECTIONS .............................................................................................. 125

34 APPENDIX B - CONFIGURATION EDITOR SYNTAX ...................................................................... 126

35 APPENDIX C – MPX BOARD JUMPER SETTINGS ......................................................................... 133

35.1 JUMPERS LEGEND .................................................................................................................... 133

35.2 MPX CARD – BLOCK DIAGRAM WITH DEFAULT JUMPER POSITIONS ................................... 134

36 APPENDIX D – AUDIO INPUT CARD SETTINGS ............................................................................ 136

37 APPENDIX E - FIRMWARE UPGRADE PROCEDURE .................................................................... 137

45.5.1 MAKING THE UNIT READY FOR UPGRADING ........................................................................ 137

45.5.2 PC OPERATION ......................................................................................................................... 137

38 APPENDIX F – SIDECHAIN / LOOPTHROUGH CONN. MODES .................................................... 141

38.1 SIDECHAIN MODE (SUGGESTED) ........................................................................................... 141

38.1.1 Sidechain - SYNC mode .......................................................................................................... 141

38.1.2 Sidechain – MPX mode ........................................................................................................... 142

38.2 LOOP-THROUGH MODE ............................................................................................................ 143

39 APPENDIX G – DESCRIPTION OF ASCII COMMANDS.................................................................. 144

39.1 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................. 144

39.2 SYNTAX ...................................................................................................................................... 144

39.3 RADIO TEXT (RT) ....................................................................................................................... 144

39.4 PS SCROLLING .......................................................................................................................... 144

39.5 RADIO TEXT PLUS (RT+) ........................................................................................................... 145

39.6 DATASET .................................................................................................................................... 146

39.7 TA / TP ......................................................................................................................................... 146

40 APPENDIX H - HOW TO USE RT / RT+ IN TIGER SHARK ............................................................. 147

SAFETY WARNINGS / ISTRUZIONI PER LA SICUREZZA

41 APPENDIX I - UDP – TCPIP – SNMP – HTTP – NTP PORTS ......................................................... 152

41.1 BUG FIX ....................................................................................................................................... 154

41.2 EXCELLENT RDS ANALOGIC SIGNAL QUALITY ..................................................................... 154

42 APPENDIX L – DESCRIPTION OF SNMP - MIB .............................................................................. 155

42.1 CONNECTION PARAMETERS TO TIGER-SHARK’S SNMP AGENT ....................................... 156

42.2 SNMP READ/WRITE PASSWORDS .......................................................................................... 156

42.3 DEFINITION OF GENERALSETTINGS BRANCH ...................................................................... 156

42.4 DEFINITION OF MPXSETTINGS BRANCH ............................................................................... 159

42.5 DEFINITION OF RDSSETTINGS BRANCH ............................................................................... 160

42.6 DEFINITION OF AUDIOSETTINGS BRANCH ........................................................................... 161

42.7 DEFINITION OF DYNAMICSIGNALS DATA STRUCTURE ....................................................... 162

42.8 DEFINITION OF RDSCOMMANDS ............................................................................................ 165

43 APPENDIX M – ETHERNET BOARD IN TIGER SHARK ................................................................. 170

43.1 PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................... 170

43.2 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE – ETHERNET BOARD .............................................................. 171

43.3 PART-1: MECHANICAL UPGRADE ............................................................................................ 171

43.4 PART-2: FIRMWARE UPGRADE ................................................................................................ 177

43.5 FIRMWARE UPGRADE .............................................................................................................. 177

45.5.1 MAKING THE UNIT READY FOR UPGRADING ........................................................................ 177

45.5.2 PC OPERATION ......................................................................................................................... 177

43.6 PART-3: SOFTWARE UPGRADE ............................................................................................... 180

44 WEEE DIRECTIVE – INFORMATIVA RAEE ..................................................................................... 182

45 WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................................... 183

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 184

SAFETY WARNINGS / ISTRUZIONI PER LA SICUREZZA

1 SAFETY WARNINGS / ISTRUZIONI PER LA SICUREZZA

SAFETY WARNINGS

CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES

ISTRUZIONI IMPORTANTI PER LA SICUREZZA

WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE

INSTRUCCIONES IMPORTANTES DE SEGURIDAD

(Rel. 1.3)

1.1 FOREWORD

For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty all text marked with these Warning Symbols should be read carefully.

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor.

The manufacturer shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error contained in this manual, or through any mis-operation or fault in hardware contained in the product.

It is recommended that all maintenance and service on the product should be carried out by the manufacturer or its authorised agents. The manufacturer cannot accept any liability whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by service, maintenance or repair by unauthorised personnel.

2 SAFETY WARNINGS

The installation and servicing instructions in this manual are for use by qualified personnel only.

Read All Instructions. All safety and operating instructions must be read before operating the product. They also must be retained for future reference, as it contains a number of useful hints for determining the best combination of equipment settings for Yr particular application.

Heed All Warnings. All warnings on the product and those listed in the operating instructions must be adhered to.

Heat. This product must be situated away from any heat sources such as radiators or other products (including power amplifiers or transmitters) that produce heat.

Power Sources. This product must be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label and in the installation instructions. If you are not sure of the type of power supplied to your facility, consult your local power company. Make sure the AC main voltage corresponds to that indicated in the technical specifications. If a different voltage (ex. 110/115 VAC) is available, open the equipment closure and set the voltage switch on the main supply circuit, located behind the AC socket

Power Cord Protection. Power supply cords must be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on nor pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to the cords at AC wall plugs and convenience receptacles, and at the point where the cord plugs into the product

Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

Lightning. For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the AC wall outlet and the audio connections. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power line surges

Installation. Configuration and installation should only be carried out by a competent installation engineer

Cabling. Using high quality wires, well protected. Make sure the cable integrity.

This symbol alerts you to the presence of dangerous voltage inside the closure – voltage which may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. Do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Do not change the voltage setting or replace the mains fuse without first turning the unit off and unplugging the mains cord

Make sure the AC main voltage corresponds to that indicated in the technical specifications. THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED !

To avoid risk of fire use the correct value fuse, as indicated on the label stuck on the right side of the unit.

This apparatus uses a single pole mains switch and does therefore not separate the unit completely from the mains power. To completely separate from mains power (f.i. in the event of danger) unplug mains power cord. As the MAINS plug is the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES

Lire ces consignes

Conserver ces consignes

Observer tous les avertissements

Suivre toutes les consignes

Ne pas utiliser cet appareil à proximité de l’eau

Ne pas obstruer les ouvertures de ventilation. Installer en respectant les consignes du fabricant

CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES

Ne pas installer à proximité d'une source de chaleur telle qu'un radiateur, une bouche de chaleur, un poêle ou d'autres appareils (dont les amplificateurs) produisant de la chaleur.

Ne pas annuler la sécurité de la fiche de terre, la troisième branche est destinée à la sécurité. Si la fiche fournie ne s'adapte pas à la prise électrique, demander à un électricien de remplacer la prise hors normes.

Protéger le cordon d'alimentation afin que personne ne marche dessus et que rien ne le pince, en particulier aux fiches, aux prises de courant et au point de sortie de l’appareil

Utiliser uniquement les accessoires spécifiés par le fabricant

Utiliser uniquement avec un chariot, un support ou une table spécifié par le fabricant ou vendu avec l’appareil. Si un chariot est utilisé, déplacer l’ensemble chariot–appareil avec précaution afin de ne pas le renverser, ce qui pourrait entraîner des blessures

Débrancher l’appareil pendant les orages ou quand il ne sera pas utilisé pendant longtemps.

Confier toute réparation à du personnel qualifié. Des réparations sont nécessaires si l’appareil est endommagé d’une façon quelconque, par exemple: cordon ou prise d’alimentation endommagé, liquide renversé ou objet tombé à l’intérieur de l’appareil, exposition de l’appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité, appareil qui ne marche pas normalement ou que l’on a fait tomber.

NE PAS exposer cet appareil aux égouttures et aux éclaboussements. Ne pas poser des objets contenant de l'eau, comme des vases, sur l'appareil

Ce symbole indique la présence d'une tension dangereuse dans l'appareil constituant un risque de choc électrique.

Ce symbole indique que la documentation fournie avec l'appareil contient des instructions d'utilisation et d'entretien importantes.

Avant de modifier le commutateur de changement de tension ou replacer le fusible il faut débrancher l’appareil de la prise électrique. Pendant son usage, l’appareil doit etre branchee à la prise de terre

Utiliser le fusible principal AC avec le valeur qui est indiquée sur l'étiquette collée sur le coffret.

Assurez-vous que la tension principale AC correspond à celle indiquée dans les spécifications techniques.

L’interrupteur d’alimentation interrompt un pôle du réseau d’alimentation excepté le

conducteur de terre de protection. En cas de danger, debrancher le cordon d'alimentation. Parce que la prise du réseau de alimentation est utilisée comme dispositif de déconnexion, ce dispositif doit demeuré aisément accessible

ISTRUZIONI IMPORTANTI PER LA SICUREZZA

3 ISTRUZIONI IMPORTANTI PER LA SICUREZZA

Leggere le presenti istruzioni

Conservare queste istruzioni

Osservare tutte le avvertenze

Seguire scrupolosamente tutte le istruzioni

Non usare questo apparecchio in prossimità di acqua

Non ostruire alcuna apertura per il raffreddamento. Installare l’apparecchio seguendo le istruzioni

Non installare l'apparecchio accanto a fonti di calore quali radiatori, aperture per l'afflusso di aria calda, forni o altri apparecchi (amplificatori inclusi) che generino calore

Non rimuovere il terminale di connessione a terra sul cordone di alimentazione: esso ha lo scopo di

tutelare l’incolumità dell’utilizzatore. Se la spina in dotazione non si adatta alla presa di corrente, rivolgersi

ad un elettricista per far eseguire le modifiche necessarie.

Evitare di calpestare il cavo di alimentazione o di comprimerlo, specialmente in corrispondenza della spina e del punto di inserzione sull’apparato.

Utilizzare solo dispositivi di collegamento e gli accessori specificati dal produttore.

Utilizzare l’apparecchio solo con un carrello, un sostegno, una staffa o un tavolo di tipo specificato dal

produttore o venduto insieme all’apparecchio. Se si utilizza un carrello, fare attenzione negli spostamenti

per evitare infortuni causati da ribaltamenti del carrello stesso.

Scollegare l’apparecchio dalla presa di corrente durante i temporali o quando inutilizzato a lungo

Per qualsiasi intervento, rivolgersi a personale di assistenza qualificato. È’ necessario intervenire sull’apparecchio ogniqualvolta si verificano danneggiamenti di qualsiasi natura. Ad esempio, la spina o il cavo di alimentazione sono danneggiati, è entrato liquido nell’apparecchio o sono caduti oggetti su di esso, l’apparecchio è stato esposto alla pioggia o all’umidità, non funziona normalmente o è caduto.

Non esporre a sgocciolamenti o spruzzi. Non appoggiare sull'apparecchio oggetti pieni di liquidi, ad esempio vasi da fiori.

Questo simbolo indica la presenza di alta tensione all'interno dell'apparecchio, che comporta rischi di scossa elettrica.

Questo simbolo indica la presenza di istruzioni importanti per l'uso e la manutenzione nella documentazione in dotazione all'apparecchio.

Non sostituire il fusibile o cambiare la tensione di alimentazione senza aver prima scollegato il cordone di alimentazione. L’APPARATO DEVE ESSERE CONNESSO A TERRA.

Sostituire il fusibile generale con uno di identico valore, come indicato sulla etichetta applicata sul mobile dell’apparato

Assicurarsi che la tensione di rete corrisponda a quella per la quale è configurato l’apparecchio

Questo apparato utilizza un interruttore di alimentazione di tipo unipolare e l’isolamento dalla rete elettrica non è pertanto completo. Per ottenere un isolamento totale (ad esempio in caso di pericolo), scollegare il cordone di alimentazione. Inoltre, poichè la spina di alimentazione è utilizzata come dispositivo di sezionamento, essa deve restare facilmente raggiungibile

WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE

4 WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE

Diese Hinweise LESEN

Diese Hinweise AUFHEBEN

Alle Warnhinweise BEACHTEN

Alle Anweisungen BEFOLGEN

Dieses Gerät NICHT in der Nähe von Wasser verwenden

KEINE Lüftungsöffnungen verdecken. Gemäß den Anweisungen des Herstellers einbauen

Nicht in der Nähe von Wärmequellen, wie Heizkörpern, Raumheizungen, Herden oder anderen Geräten (einschließlich Verstärkern) installieren, die Wärme erzeugen

Die Schutzfunktion des Schukosteckers NICHT umgehen. Bei Steckern für die USA gibt es polarisierte Stecker, bei denen ein Leiter breiter als der andere ist; US-Stecker mit Erdung verfügen über einen dritten Schutzleiter. Bei diesen Steckerausführungen dient der breitere Leiter bzw. der Schutzleiter Ihrer Sicherheit. Wenn der mitgelieferte Stecker nicht in die Steckdose passt, einen Elektriker mit dem Austauschen der veralteten Steckdose beauftragen

VERHINDERN, dass das Netzkabel gequetscht oder darauf getreten wird, insbesondere im Bereich der Stecker, Netzsteckdosen und an der Austrittsstelle vom Gerät

NUR das vom Hersteller angegebene Zubehör und entsprechende Zusatzgeräte verwenden.

NUR in Verbindung mit einem vom Hersteller angegebenen oder mit dem Gerät verkauften Transportwagen, Stand, Stativ, Träger oder Tisch verwenden. Wenn ein Transportwagen verwendet wird, beim Verschieben der Transportwagen-Geräte- Einheit vorsichtig vorgehen, um Verletzungen durch Umkippen

Das Netzkabel dieses Geräts während Gewittern oder bei längeren Stillstandszeiten aus der Steckdose ABZIEHEN.

Alle Reparatur- und Wartungsarbeiten von qualifiziertem Kundendienstpersonal DURCHFÜHREN LASSEN. Kundendienst ist erforderlich, wenn das Gerät auf irgendwelche Weise beschädigt wurde, z.B. wenn das Netzkabel oder der Netzstecker beschädigt wurden, wenn Flüssigkeiten in das Gerät verschüttet wurden oder Fremdkörper hineinfielen, wenn das Gerät Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war, nicht normal funktioniert oder fallen gelassen wurde.

Dieses Gerät vor Tropf- und Spritzwasser SCHÜTZEN. KEINE mit Wasser gefüllten Gegenstände wie zum Beispiel Vasen auf das Gerät STELLEN.

Dieses Symbol zeigt an, dass gefährliche Spannungswerte, die ein Stromschlagrisiko darstellen, innerhalb dieses Geräts auftreten.

Dieses Symbol zeigt an, dass das diesem Gerät beiliegende Handbuch wichtige Betriebsund Wartungsanweisungen enthält.

Vor Änderung der Netzspannung oder Sicherungswechsel Netzkabel trennen. Das Gerät muss für den Betrieb geerdet werden.

Hauptsicherung nur mit einer gleichwertigen austauschen (s. entsprechende Etikette).

Vor Einschalten Netzspannungseinstellung am Gerät überprüfen bzw. anpassen.

WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE

Inpoliger Netzschalter. In Notfälle oder für Wartungsarbeiten Netzkabel trennen. Der Netzstecker fungiert auch als Trennelement muss deshalb zugänglich bleiben

INSTRUCCIONES IMPORTANTES DE SEGURIDAD

5 INSTRUCCIONES IMPORTANTES DE SEGURIDAD

LEA estas instrucciones

CONSERVE estas instrucciones

PRESTE ATENCION a todas las advertencias.

SIGA todas las instrucciones

NO utilice este aparato cerca del agua

NO obstruya ninguna de las aberturas de ventilación. Instálese según lo indicado en las instrucciones del fabricante

No instale el aparato cerca de fuentes de calor tales como radiadores, registros de calefacción, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo amplificadores) que produzcan calor

NO anule la función de seguridad del enchufe polarizado o con clavija de puesta a tierra. Un enchufe polarizado tiene dos patas, una más ancha que la otra. Un enchufe con puesta a tierra tiene dos patas y una tercera clavija con puesta a tierra. La pata más ancha o la tercera clavija se proporciona para su seguridad. Si el toma corriente no es del tipo apropiado para el enchufe, consulte a un electricista para que sustituya el toma corriente de estilo anticuado

PROTEJA el cable eléctrico para evitar que personas lo pisen o estrujen, particularmente en sus enchufes, en los toma corrientes y en el punto en el cual sale del aparato

UTILICE únicamente los accesorios especificados por el fabricante

UTILICESE únicamente con un carro, pedestal, escuadra o mesa del tipo especificado por el fabricante o vendido con el aparato. Si se usa un carro, el mismo debe moverse con sumo cuidado para evitar que se vuelque con el aparato

DESENCHUFE el aparato durante las tormentas eléctricas, o si no va a ser utilizado por un lapso prolongado.

TODA reparación debe ser llevada a cabo por técnicos calificados. El aparato requiere reparación si ha sufrido cualquier tipo de daño, incluyendo los daños al cordón o enchufe eléctrico, si se derrama líquido sobre el aparato o si caen objetos en su interior, si ha sido expuesto a la lluvia o la humedad, si no funciona de modo normal, o si se ha caído.

NO exponga este aparato a chorros o salpicaduras de líquidos. NO coloque objetos llenos con líquido, tales como floreros, sobre el aparato .

Este símbolo indica que la literatura que acompaña a esta unidad contiene instrucciones importantes de funcionamiento y mantenimiento.

Antes de cambiar la alimentacion de voltaje o de cambiar el fusible, desconecte el cable de alimentacion. Para reducir el riesgo de descargas electricas, esta unidad debe ser conectada a tierra.

Remplaze el fusible con lo mismo, que corresponde a lo indicado en el panel del equipo.

Antes de encender, controlar que la linea de alimentacion de voltaje corresponda a la indicada

El interruptor de alimentación es unipolar. En el caso de peligro, desconecte el cable de alimentación. Porque la clavija de conexion a red sirve por la desconection de la unidad, la clavija debe ser ubicada en proximidad de la unidad

6 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Your equipment was packed carefully at the factory in a container designed to protect the unit during shipment. Nevertheless, we recommend making a careful inspection of the shipping carton and the contents for any signs of physical damage.

Damage & Claims

If damage is evident, do not discard the container or packing material. Contact your carrier immediately to file a claim for damages. Customarily, the carrier requires you, the consignee, to make all damage claims. It will be helpful to retain the shipping documents and the waybill number.

Save all packing materials! If You should ever have to ship the unti (e.g. for servicing), it is best to ship it in the original carton with its packing materials because both the carton and packing material have been carefully designed to protect the unit.

Under normal conditions no user maintenance or calibration are required. Internal links and preset controls may be set to configure the unit during installation. Any service work required should be carried out by

qualified service personnel only.

We are able to offer further product support through our worldwide network of approved dealers and service agents.

To help us provide the most efficient service please would you keep a record of the unit serial number, and date and place of purchase to be quoted in any communication regarding this product.

The actual equipment Serial Number is indicated on the silver label stuck on the rear panel of the equipment closure.

Tools And Equipment Needed

Only standard technician’s tools are required to install this equipment.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | FIRST INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

7 FIRST INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 POWER SUPPLY CABLE

A power supply cable of approx. 2 mt length is supplied with the device, which has a moulded IEC plug attached – this is a legal requirement. The type of plug for the power supply depends on the country in which it is delivered.

If for any reason, you need to use this appliance with a different plug, you should use the following wiring guidelines in replacing the exsisting plug with the new one:

Earth

Green, or green and yellow

Neutral (N)

Blue

Live (L)

Brown

Supply cables should be laid in such a manner that one does not step or walk on them. They should not be squashed by any objects.

THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE EARTHED.

The chassis is always connected to mains earth to ensure your safety: check your mains wiring and earthing before switching on.

7.2 AC MAINS VOLTAGE SETTING (230 V / 115 V)

BE SURE THAT THE UNIT IS SET TO THE CORRECT MAINS/LINE VOLTAGE FOR YOUR COUNTRY BEFORE PLUGGING IT INTO THE WALL OUTLET !

The actual Mains voltage is indicated on the label stuck on the equipment closure. Should the type of power at the operation location not be known, please contact your dealer or electricity company.

If, for some reason, the unit is to be operated at a mains input voltage which is different to that as supplied, you need to switch the voltage selector on the right side of the unit. You also need to replace the AC main fuse, according to information provided on the external label or on the Technical Specifications table at the end of this user manual.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE AC MAINS CABLE BEFORE ALTERING THE CHANGE-OVER SWITCH. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | FIRST INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

7.3 FUSE REPLACEMENT

The power supply socket has an integral fuse drawer containing the AC power fuse and a spare, both of the same value. 

BEFORE REPLACING THE POWER FUSE, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TYPE OF FUSE FOR THE VOLTAGE TO BE PROTECTED. USING WRONG FUSE TYPE WILL RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT PROTECTION.

Make sure that the power is switched off and the power cable is disconnected from the equipment.

a. Open the fuse drawer using a small blade screwdriver.

b. Replace the fuse located at the internal position

c. Push the fuse socket back into the original position (a.)

Perform the set-up under static control conditions. Static charges are likely to completely destroy one or more of the CMOS semiconductors employed in the unit. Static damage will not be covered under warranty. Basic damage prevention consists of minimizing generation, discharging any accumulated static charge on your body and preventing that discharge from being sent to or through any electronic component.

Uninsulated dangerous voltage are inside the enclosure, voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. Always disconnect to AC Mains before removing the top cover

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | FIRST INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

7.4 PROTECTION AGAINST LIGHTNING

Should the device be put out of action due to being struck by lightning or excess voltage, disconnect it from the power supply without delay. Do not reconnect until the device has been checked. If in doubt contact the technical support service.

Make sure there is suitable lightning protection to protect the device. Alternatively you should disconnect all connectors from the device during a storm or when the device is going to be unsupervised or not used for a longer period of time. These measures will protect against damage by lightning or excess voltage.

7.5 VENTILATION

The equipment will operate as a free-standing unit without requiring any special cooling arrangement. However, slots and openings in the product are provided for ventilation. They ensure reliable operation of the product, keeping it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked nor covered during operation.

YOU MUST LEAVE AT A MINIMUM ONE RACK UNIT OF EMPTY SPACE ABOVE THE EQUIPMENT TO ENHANCE VENTILATION AND TO GET A LONGER EQUIPMENT LIFE.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | INTRODUCTION

8 INTRODUCTION

AVAILABLE VERSION AND OPTION FOR TIGER SHRAK

CODE#

MODEL

DESCRIZIONE

T-SHARK

TIGER SHARK

Digital stereo & RDS coder, stereo enhancer, AGC and lookahead limiter. UECP compliant. Analog ,AES/EBU and MPX inputs, automatic changeover. MPX Split. 6 Datasets. ODA, TMC, IH. Scheduler. Ethernet. Web Server. GPI. Relay OUT. IH embedde comand. Remote control. Automation and GPS interface.

T-SHARK-RDS

TIGER SHARK RDS

Digital RDS / RBDS encoder. 6 Datasets. UECP. ODA, TMC, IH services. Scheduler.Lan interface, Web Server, SNMP Agent. 8 GPI, 8 Relays. 4 Remote controls on IH. Remote control. Interface to GPS and radio automation systems.

T-SHARK-LITE

TIGER SHARK LITE

Digital stereo & RDS coder, stereo enhancer, AGC and lookahead limiter. UECP compliant. Analog and AES/EBU IN. Audio IN changeover. 6 Datasets. ODA, TMC, IH. Scheduler. GPI. Relay OUT. Remote control. Automation and GPS interface

T-SHARK-RDS-LITE

TIGER SHARK LITE RDS

Digital RDS coder. 6 Dataset. UECP. ODA, TMC, IH, RT, RT+. Scheduler PS, RT, PTY. 4 GPI, 4 Relays. Software for PC control..

TIGER SHARK Series FRONT

TIGER SHARK Series REAR

8.1 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS USER MANUAL

Some products features could be differents between Tiger Shark, Tiger Shark-R, Tiger Shark-Lite, Tiger Shark-R Lite. This user manual is refered to Tiger Shark full equipment. In case you want change your Tiger Shark-R or Tiger Shark-R Lite into a Tiger Shark full, please contact our sales dept.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | GENERAL DESCRIPTION

9 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

9.1 FRONT PANEL

N°

CONTRO NAME

DESCRIPTION

DISPLAY

Multifunction display showing the menu and the unit status

RX DATA LEDS

-----------------------------------DYN DATA BUFFER LED

----------------------------INPUT LEDS

A blinking LED shows incoming data on each of the Serial Ports.

A blinking LED shows data activity on Dynamic Data Buffers

A fixed lighting LED shows the user-selected input. A blinking LED shows the alternative input in use (as picked-up by internal

changeover).

JOG-SHUTTLE:

for menu navigation and parameters modify. If it is pressed it has the same function as the [ENT] button (8)

LED DI WARNING

a It identifies a General Alarm situation in the Tiger Shark. Warning conditions can be the following:

b. Audio input signal saturation

C Mpx Clipping

d Firmware upgrade enabled (switch FW UPGRADE ENABLE to ON position (5) – SEE also APPENDIX ‘FIRMWARE UPGRADE PROCEDURE’

e Split mode Activated

Fw Upg SWITCH

This switch makes Tiger Shark ready for Firmware upgrade. – SEE also APPENDIX ‘FIRMWARE UPGRADE PROCEDURE’

ENT Key

[ENTER] by pressing this button, selection shown on the Display is confirmed

ESC Key

[ESC] by pressing this button, selection shown on the Display is discarded

RS232-1 Port

This Serial Port replicates the Port 1 on the rear panel. It is used for Firmware Upgrade and to connect to a Pc for software control.

Tiger Shark configuration menu access from the front panel can be limited with a password. See Chapter FRONTAL PANEL ACCESS ‘BLOCK’ FUNCTION

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | GENERAL DESCRIPTION

9.2 REAR PANEL

N°

CONTROL NAME

DESCRIPTION

SWITCH, FUSE, SUPPLY

with power-on light. The power supply socket has an integral fuse drawer containing the AC power fuse and a spare, both of the same value (500 mA, for 230 and 110 Volts)..

24 VDC SUPPLY (optional)

 24Vdc Backup Supply, current required min 10A  Automatic Switching in case of Main Voltage Fault

SERIAL PORT 1- 2

(see Appendix A for pin configuration)

SERIAL PORT 1- 2 (see Appendix A for pin configuration) PORT 1: Standard Serial Port optoisolated for:

 Communication with the PC (Pc Control Software)  FirmWare upgrading upon (by shifting of the FW UPGRADE ON switch on

the front panel).

 Connection with an external 56k Modem.  UECP Data stream

 TMC stream

Port Setup (Status Enabled-Disabled, Baud Rate, Link mode) is done by menu on Front Display.

Port Access Rights are configured from the PC Control Software in the “Access Rights” page.

COM1 port is replicated both on Front and Rear Panel. Pay attention: do not connect both at the same time!

PORT 2: Standard Serial Port optoisolated for:

 Communication with the Pc (Pc Control Software)  UECP Data stream  TMC stream

SYNCH-IN

SYNCH-OUT

SYNCH-IN

 “Synch In” Input is available only in the RDS version.

 It must be enabled from the Menu.  In the Pc Software: RDS SETTINGS Window put RDS SYNC to

EXTERNAL.

 In the Front Panel Menu: RDS MODULE SETUP -> RDS SYNC ->

External

 Synch accepted signal: TTL 19kHz, “0” state < 0.5V ; “1” state >2V

 It is possibile to synchronize RDS from an external MPX signal using AUX

inputs

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | GENERAL DESCRIPTION

SYNCH-OUT

 Available only in the MPX/LIM/RDS version

 Disabled by Default. It can be enabled from the Menu.  In the Pc Software: MPX SETTINGS Window Flag “Sync Out”  In the Front Panel Menu: MPX MODULE SETUP -> Output Sync ->

Enabled

 Signal Available: TTL 19kHz, 5Vpp, SquareWave.

MPX-2 OUTPUT

Additional output that can be switched between different sources

Main Tiger Shark output, with associated passive mirror ouput.

AUX-1 and AUX-2

Auxilliary Inputs for Network e RDS Carrier Injection (also know as SCA Input-1 and SCA Input-2)

SD CARD SLOT

A built-in Mp3 player from SD Card is available as an option and may replace either the Analog or the Digital input

AES/EBU DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT

Digital Audio Stereo input for internal Stereo coder. That input can be selected either manually or automatically (by input changeover stage) – see Relevant Chapter.

ANALOG STEREO INPUT

Analogic Stereo Input for internal Stereo coder.That input can be selected either manually or automatically (by input changeover stage) – see Relevant Chapter.

ETHERNET SOCKET

The Tiger Shark features a built-in Web Browser and a SNMP agent.

SERIAL PORT 3

(see Appendix A for pin-out):

Available as an option on the RS232 or RS485 version, optoisolated, used for:

 Communication with the Pc (Pc Control Software)  UECP Data stream  TMC stream  Communication to Radio Automation Systems (see APPENDIX for Ascii

Parser for Dynamic RT and PS Scrolling Creation)

 Connection to an external GPS Receiver for CT reference and for DGPS

service

Port Setup (Status Enabled-Disabled, Baud Rate, Link mode) is done from front panel menu.

Port Baud Rate is not configurable independently but follows the settings of Port 1. Port Access Rights are configured in the PC Control Software from “Access Rights” page.

For RS485 settings, see APPENDIX A

GPI PORT / RELAY OUTPUT

Tiger Shark features 8 GPI input (optoisolated) and 8 Realy output (clean contact closures), fully assignable. See APPENDIX A for GPI port pin-outs.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | GENERAL DESCRIPTION

9.1 THE INTERNAL CLOCK

Equipment internal Clock is powered by a SuperCAP (capacitor) instead of a traditional battery. The capacitor keeps the clock operating and protects the system memory to prevent the loss of stored programs during power failure around one week long (depending on the environmental conditions).

Capacity charge needs at least 30’ of normal operation. RDS parameters and relevant settings are stored on a non-volatile memory (in order to save data integrity even in the event the coder is not used for long periods).

Clock tolerance might amount to about 1 sec per day (it strictly depends on environment conditions). In the event the SuperCap gets completely discharged, the clock will stop and You will always need to synchronize it

again to the Pc clock using the Axel Tiger Shark Remoter /General Settings window).

Scheduler tool for RDS services stops when internal clock is freezing.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | BLOCK DIAGRAM

10 BLOCK DIAGRAM

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ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | FRONT PANEL OPERATION

11 FRONT PANEL OPERATION

As already mentioned, the user interface consists of a front panel-mounted jog-wheel, two buttons and an LCD screen. The LCD screen displays menus, parameter settings and several bargraphs (Level Meters or processing activity).

The menus are used for the processing parameters adjustment.

Rotating the jog-wheel lets you browse up or down through menus and parameter choices. Pressing the jog-wheel (called “clicking”) selects the blinking menu item or parameter choice. When editing the

parameter values, rotating the jog-wheel adjusts the parameter’s value up (by rotating CW) or down (CCW). Once the desired value is reached, clicking the jog-wheel twice saves the value and returns the display to the upper

menu level. You can return to the upper menu without saving by pressing the Quit key or by choosing the ‘quit’ option. Thus pressing (or clicking) the jog-wheel serves, depending upon the LCD screen status, as an Enter, Select or Return

command. Please note that when a new value is only displayed – even blinking – it is immediately loaded into the equipment

processing so that the user can get a real time response.

Enter function is achieved by pressing ‘Enter’ button, too. Quit/Return function is achieved by pressing ‘Quit’ button, too.

It is useful to remark that you can access all the menu settings and parameters also in a faster and more comfortable way trough the supplied PC control software (Tiger Shark Remoter), which allows an easy and effective remote monitoring and control, too. When the Tiger Shark control is taken by the PC application in a bidirectional mode (see

Chapter 10), any access to the menu via the front panel keys is not allowed and the message “Remote Pc Host in Control” is displayed.

NOTE: The front panel menu allows only RDS signal level and phase setting. RDS messages programming and all the other related facilities requires the supplied Pc control software – see Chapter 14.

Any access to the Tiger Shark menu via the front panel keys can be blocked.

11.1 THE MENU TREE

The menu tree is shown on the next pages. It has all twelve of the possible main menu items listed along the left side. The branching sub-menus and parameters are connected in the order they are encountered in the menu system.

Note: each version has its own Menu Tree specific to that model. Yr current version might therefore do not show all the items above described. The diagram here above displays the complete Tiger Shark menu – please refer to the

table on Introduction chapter for Optional feature list.

To save the changes, firstly press Enter to get the Save function and then a second time to confirm Press Quit to escape the menu without saving and get the upper menu level Press Quit to get the upper menu level.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | FRONT PANEL OPERATION

|--

MAIN PAGE (Time expressed in Hours and Minutes; Date expressed DD-MMM-YYYY)

|--

RDS Monitor Page (DataSet Active, PSN Active, RADIO TEXT Active, PTY Active)

|--

INPUT Monitor Page (L / R Audio Input Levels)

|--

MPX Monitor Page (MPX Signal Level)

|--

LIMITER Monitor Page (AGC Level + LIMITER type)

|--

Input Module Setup

|--

Right Gain

+/-12 dB (0.1 dB step)

|--

Left Gain

+/-12 dB (0.1 dB step)

|--

Analog Sens.

15 dBm to – 9 dBm (0.1 dB step)

|--

Digital Sens.

0 dBFs to – 24 dBFs (0.1 dB step)

|--

Signal Input

Analogic / Digital / MPX

|--

Resolution

16 / 24 Bits Resolution

|--

Post (Clipper) Gain

- 6 dB to + 6 dB (0.1 dB step)

|--

Mpx Module Setup

|--

Pilot Level

Off / - 25 dB to – 15.5 dB (0.1 dB step)

|--

Pilot Phase

- 12 Deg to + 12 Deg (1 Deg step)

|--

Preemphasis

Preemphasis Off / 50 uSec / 75 uSec

|--

Mpx Level

- 9 dBm to + 15dBm (0.1 dB step)

|--

Output Mode

Normal / Peak Reference Tone

|--

Mpx mode

Normal (Stereo) / Mono (Left Input)

|--

Output Sync

Output Sync Enabled / Disabled

|--

Rds Module Setup

|--

Rds Level

Off / - 43.9 dB to – 20.0 dB (0.1dB step)

[0 to 1.2 Vpp, 5 mVpp step]*

|--

Rds On/Off

Rds Signal On / Rds Signal Off

|--

Rds Phase

- 120 Deg to + 120 Deg (1 Deg step)

|--

Rds Sync*

Internal / External (Auto)

|--

Rds Mode

Uecp Standard / Custom Uecp Extended

|--

Rds On Aux

Rds disabled / Rds enabled

|--

Limiter Module Setup

|--

Work Mode

Linear Mode (manual) / Linear Full Range (Man) /

| --

Clipper Mpx (manual) / Clipper Safe (Auto) / Clipper

| --

Norm (Auto) / Clipper Aggr (Auto) / LogClip Safe

(Auto) / LogClip Norm (Auto) / LogClip Aggr (Auto)

|--

AGC Gate Thr

- 18 dBr / - 12 dBr / - 6 dBr / - 3 dBr

|--

AGC Mode

Unlinked Mode / Linked Mode

|--

AGC Speed

0.05 / 0.10 / 0.15 / 0.20 dB/sec

|--

(Stereo) Enhancer

Effect Disabled / Low / Normal / High

|--

Em. Switch

Em. Switch Disabled / Analogic / Digital / MPX

|--

Limiter

Disabled / Level 1 Hi Protection / Level 2 Low Protect

|--

MaxPosGain

0.0 to 12.0 dB, 0.1 dB step

|--

MaxNegGain

- 12.0 to 0.0 dB, 0.1 dB step

|--

Data Port 1 Setup

|--

Port

Port Enabled / Disabled

|--

Baud Rate

2400 / 4800 / 9600 / 19200 / 38400 Baud rate

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Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | FRONT PANEL OPERATION

|--

Link Mode

Unidirectional / Bidirectional Auto / Bidirectional Req

|--

Data Port 2 Setup

|--

Serial Port

Port Enabled / Disabled

|--

Baud Rate

2400 / 4800 / 9600 / 19200 / 38400 Baud rate **

|--

Link Mode

MonoDirectional / Bidirectional

|--

Data Port 3 Setup

|--

Serial Port

Port Enabled / Disabled

|--

Link Mode

MonoDirectional / Bidirectional

|--

System Information

|--

Ind. Address

Site Address, Encoder Address

|--

Temperature

|--

Ext Inputs

IN1 (O/1), IN2 (0/1), IN3 (0/1), IN4 (0/1), IN5 (0/1)

|--

FW Version

Firmware version

|--

FW Code

Firmware code (13 alphanumeric characters)

|--

Tcp / Ip Addr.

Tcp / Ip address (IP address)

|--

Tcp / Ip Port

|--

Tcp / Ip S.Mask

Tcp / Ip SubNet Mask

|--

IP Gateway

Gateway IP Address

* enabled in the RDS version only

** set to 38400 Baud only with LAN option installed

WARNING! Baud Rate set for PC serial ports in the Tiger Shark Remoter software must match the one set for the corresponding Serial Port on the Tiger-hark. For example, if the serial port 1 runs at 4800 Baud, the same Rate must be chosen for the Tiger Shark Remoter communication through Pc serial ports.

11.2 HOW TO PREVENT THE ACCESS FROM THE FRONT PANEL MENU

The ‘Keyboard Lock’ option (in the TIGER TIGER-SHARK REMOTER ‘Settings’ window) allows you to block any access to the menu via the

front panel. Locking/unlocking can only take place via control software, by entering the password in the space provided in the Setup window.

To activate the lock function, type a password and then click on the corresponding button next to it (Lock). You may remove the connection to the PC. To unlock the panel, type the same password, and then click on Unlock. Note: the password may be changed during each access.

The ‘keyboard lock’ facility is available only when accessing the unt in a bidirectional mode.

11.3 HOW TO ASSIGN AN ID LABEL TO THE UNIT

In the Settings panel there is an ID label for the connected target (not to be confused with the target name). It is editable both from the field pointed in figure (GENERAL SETTINGS PAGE) and from the Configuration Editor (in [GENERAL_SETTINGS] section) and shown on the front display.

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Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE CONNECTIONS FOR

CONTROL

12 SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE CONNECTIONS FOR CONTROL

13 INSTALLATION AND USE OF PC CONTROL SOFTWARE

13.1 INTRODUCTION

The Tiger Shark Remoter is a powerful and reliable software running on Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional and XP, Vista, Seven platforms and specially conceived for equipment remote/direct programming and control.

The Tiger Shark Remoter software comes with the equipment. It allows the setting of every parameter and level by means of Bidirectional (i.e. local) serial links or Monodirectional (one-way) serial links. There is no limit in the number of units which can be controlled from a single software license.

The bidirectional (or local) mode allows either the visualization in real time of the equipment current configuration or its modification. This modality is very useful every time you need a real time direct and complete equipment control. A serial bidirectional Pc-target connection is needed.

The monodirectional connection mode doesn’t involve any return channel. It is possible to send commands to the equipment from remote sites, but it is not possible to have neither a remote monitoring of the machine, nor a confirmation of reception of controls. The unidirectional connection mode is used to control one or more units from a remote site, for example over a satellite link.

In this case, it will be possible only to send the commands or new values for operating parameters one way, without the ability to check whether the change has taken place or to monitor the target current status. A typical application is centralized remote control of coders installed at a scattered array of transmitting sites.

The Send button shown in each window allows you to send to the Tiger Shark the changes, once you have configured them on the software screen.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | INSTALLATION AND USE OF PC CONTROL

SOFTWARE

13.2 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

MAKE SURE A TIGER-SHARK REMOTER PROGRAM IS NOT ALREADY INSTALLED on Your computer. Uninstall OLDER versions before installing NEW ones. From release 5.8.0 it is possible to use the same Axel

Tiger Shark Remoter with different release.

When upgrading the firmware, do not forget to install the new associated software version of PC remote control. There is a direct correspondence between the firmware and software versions.

For example, the rel. 3.0 of Pc software requires the firmware version 3.0 installed on the unit and vice versa. More precisely, the two first digits must match, as possible sub-releases (identified by the third digit) are not involved in the firmware/software compatibility.

As general rule, software version X.Y.Z runs with firmware version X.Y.K

TIGER-SHARK REMOTER software runs on Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, Vista, Seven operating

systems.

TIGER-SHARK REMOTER software runs on operative System that get a Monitor resolution fixed of 96 dpi (as default) and need some System font like: MS Serif, MS Sans Serif, Courier New, Small Fonts. All that needing are for reading correctly the single elements in the software.

IF some condition are not allowed a warning is showed by the Tiger Shark Remoter

In Windows Xp that problem can be solved saving screen settings in Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Screen

-> Settings -> Advanced (new window) -> General -> DPI Settings and set as “Normal 96Dpi”

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | INSTALLATION AND USE OF PC CONTROL

SOFTWARE

In Windows 7 that problem can be solved in that way:

- Left mouse button on desktop

- Select “Custom”

- Select “Screen Settings”

- “DPI Settings”

- Check that “9 Segoe Point UI each 96 pixel / inch” is selected

- Flag “Use Windows Xp DPI resizing”

- Save pressing OK

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | INSTALLATION AND USE OF PC CONTROL

SOFTWARE

Stop all the applications currently running on the Pc

Double click the setup.exe file in the ‘Pc Control Software’ folder – click Next

On Windows 2000 and XP, the customer information screen is displayed. In the fields provided type in your User Name and your Organization (optional) . Click on either the Anyone who uses the computer (all users) or Only

for me radio button and click Next to continue

The Setup Type screen is displayed. Maintain the Recommended setting and click Next to continue

The Ready to Install the Program screen is displayed. Click Install to start the installation update. At this point, a status window displays the installation progress of the software

When finished the InstallShield Window Complete screen is displays. Click Finish to complete the installation. The Tiger Shark remoters soìftware runs from the ‘Programs’ folder. Alternatively, it can be accessed from the associated Shortcut on the desktop.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | INSTALLATION AND USE OF PC CONTROL

SOFTWARE

13.3 TWO DIFFERENT VIEW MODES

The software is able to detect your screen resolution and automatically set the most suitable interface between the available ones: 1024x768 or 1280x800.

With 1280x800 resolution the navigation tree is on the left and looks like Windows’ Explorer. That is very useful for people who must work with many targets and can use a high resolution monitor.

If you want you can switch between the two modes, thanks to the icon on the top right:

The selected resolution is saved in the status file.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | INSTALLATION AND USE OF PC CONTROL

SOFTWARE

13.4 READING OUT THE FIRMWARE CODE

Each Tiger Shark motherboard has its own univocal code, named firmware code and composed by 13 alphanumeric characters.

That code – calculated on the basis of the current version, its manufacturing batch, the firmware version and other elements – must be noticed to the manufacturer in the event of installation of new services or options.

The firmware code is displayed on the Front Panel menu (System Information menu / Firmware Code) and on the Pc Control Software (General Setting panel -

see picture). The Clipboard button copies the selected part of the picture to the clipboard. You can then `Paste' it into any program that texts (such as email, Word docs, etc).

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | BASIC CONNECTION TO A SINGLE CODER (DIRECT

LINK)

14 BASIC CONNECTION TO A SINGLE CODER (DIRECT LINK)

The Direct Link is the most immediate and easy way to connect the Tiger Shark to the Host Pc. It requires a bi-directional communication channel between the Host Pc and the Tiger Shark coder. That channel may be TCP/IP, SERIAL RS 232C type or via MODEM.

This is for a real time monitoring of Tiger Shark current status (audio levels, RDS services, etc).

 click Direct Link button

 click Open Panel: You will get a mask with a menu

listing all the available Tiger Shark versions.  From the Target Type menu, choose the specific

Tiger Shark version You are connecting to (Tiger Shark RDS, Tiger Shark MPX/LIM/RDS)

Make sure the current version of the real Tiger Shark unit You are connecting to matches the selected one

in the Target Type menu. If it doesn’t match,

connection will not be achieved.

 Click Work Mode button. At this moment, a very basic connection ‘tree’ will be displayed, showing just Yr Pc (local

Host), the serial communication channel (ComChannel 1) and the target equipment (yr current version of Tiger Shark). For example, the picture shows a Pc connected to a Tiger Shark version MPX+LIM+RDS through a generic Communication Channel named ‘ComChannel 1’.

To check or set-up connection parameters, click ComChannel icon: You will get a window summarizing all settings done / possible for that channel.

Three communication channel may be used: SERIAL RS232, TCP/IP or DIAL-UP MODEM. For settings of each of them, refer to following chapters.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | BASIC CONNECTION TO A SINGLE CODER (DIRECT

LINK)

14.1 DIRECT LINK THROUGH SERIAL RS232

Whenever connection to the Tiger Shark is achieved through Serial connection, choose

‘LOCAL RS 232’ in the communication channel configuration windows (ComChannel). Connection mode (‘Link Mode’) will be automatically set as ‘bidirectional’:

You will need to set parameters associated to the Pc Serial Port to be used and to its speed.

SERIAL PORT

It selects the Pc Serial Port to be used for the connection (from 1 to 255).

SERIAL SPEED

It sets the maximum Baud Rate for the selected Pc port. By default, the Tiger Shark Remoter will show the maximum value (38400 Baud)

The communication Baud Rate set on the Pc Control Software MUST MATCH the corresponding Baud Rate set for the linked Serial Port on the Tiger Shark For example, if Serial Port 1 on the Tiger Shark runs at 4800 Baud, the same speed must be set also for the Pc Serial Port involved in the link.

Enter a mnemonic comment / character string into the ‘User Note’ field (For example: TELECOM TOWER – Radio One). Click OK to confirm, ESC to leave without saving.

14.2 DIRECT LINK THROUGH UP-LINK MODEM

Whenever connection to the Tiger Shark is achieved through two Dial-Up modems,

choose ‘MODEM’ in the communication channel configuration windows (ComChannel). Connection mode (‘Link Mode’) will be automatically set as ‘bidirectional’:

Refer to the APPENDIX of this manual for physical connection between the Modem and

the Tiger Shark , at the Remote side (Tiger Shark Serial Port 1 must be used for that purpose). On the Tiger Shark Remoter software, You must set the Serial Port used for connection to the modem and associated connection speed (that usually is 38400 Baud for Pots/PSTN modems and 9600 Baud for GSM modems). You are also requested to enter a Modem initialization string.

SERIAL PORT

It selects the Pc Serial Port to be used for the connection (from 1 to 255). In the event of an USB modem, check which ‘virtual’ Serial port is automatically selected by the Pc.

SERIAL SPEED

It sets the maximum Baud Rate for the selected Pc port. By default, the Tiger Shark Remoter will show the maximum value (38400 Baud),

The communication Baud Rate set on the Pc Control Software MUST MATCH the connected Modem Baud Rate.

INIT STRING

Enter here the modem AT initialization string. The Tiger Shark Remoter offers two pre-set strings. The shortest one (at&f&k0&c0&r1s2=255) usually fits PCI internal modems, while the longest one (at&f0&k0&c0&s0&r1s2=255) usually fits external modems.

PHONE NUMBER

Enter here the number to dial, along with Country code, Area Code, Prefix, etc.

Click OK to confirm, ESC to leave without saving.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | BASIC CONNECTION TO A SINGLE CODER (DIRECT

LINK)

14.3 CONNECTING A DIAL-UP MODEM

Whenever a remote control through dial-up modem is required, connect the modem to Serial Port 1, on the back of the unit. Please pay attention to the Port 1 configuration: its speed must be set to:

- 38400 Baud for Pots dial-up modems

- 9600 Baud for GSM modems.

A ‘cross’ (NULL-MODEM) CABLE is needed for connection to the modem. The following table shows the wiring diagram for the cable in both case the Modem has 9 pins or 25 Pins female SubD connectors.

Also remember to:

 On a 25 pin plug connect pin 6 and 8.  On a 9 pin plug connect pin 1 and 6.

SHARK side (SubD9 Male)

Modem Side (SubD 9p M)

Modem Side (SubD 25p M)

2 3 2

3 2 3

6 and 1

6 and 8

5 5 7

Regarding the Receiving Modem (the one connected to the Shark serial port), it must have at least the following settings (modem commands are in brackets. They are related to the most common modem models):

- IGNORE CD (the usual command is &C0)

- IGNORE RTS (&R1)

- IGNORE DTR (&D0)

- Disable TX Flow Control (&H0)

- Disable RX Flow Control (&I0)

- Disable Data Compression (&K0)

You also to set the S0 and the S2 registers in the following way:

- S0=2

- S2=255

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | BASIC CONNECTION TO A SINGLE CODER (DIRECT

LINK)

S0 Register represents the number of rings before Auto-Answer. It sets the number of the rings required before the modem automatically answers a call. Range: 0-255 rings. Setting this register to zero disables auto-answer mode. S0 = n, where n is the number of rings. It is advised S0=2

The S2 register (Escape Code Character) specifies the ASCII value of the character used in the escape code. (The escape code is the escape character entered three times in succession.) When the modem is in connect state and it receives the escape code, the modem enters command state. Normally, setting register S2 to 128 or above disables the escape code character. It is advised to set S2=255

You should load those settings in the modem memory, so that they are automatically loaded at the modem start-up. Please refer to the modem user guide for further reference.

For proper configuration of Tiger Shark Remoter software in order to support modem communication refer to Part TWO of this manual.

14.4 DIRECT LINK THROUGH TCP/IP

Make sure the Tiger Shark already has a valid TCP/Ip address with relevant subnet mask and IP Port Number (see next Chapter for further help).

Choose ‘TCP/IP’ in the communication channel configuration windows (ComChannel).

You will get a mask summarizing data of current TCP/IP connection:

To enter the actual IP address and IP port of the Tiger Shark to connect to, click [EDIT]. The ‘Configuration Editor’ program will open. Refer to relevant Chapter for using the Editor.

Click button. The Configuration Editor screen will load the Data Base of existing Tcp/Ip connections and will list them. In particular, in the section [GROUP_START], the Editor gives the possibility to enter a ‘mnemonic’ name for the Group one is connecting to, plus a name for the specific unit in the Group, its IP address and associated Port.

[GROUP_START]

GROUP_NAME="Default Group"

TIGER-SHARK_1="Target 1", 000.000.000.000 , 1327

[GROUP_END]

EXAMPLE

For example, if You are connecting to three units, two belonging to the same group and one to a separated Group:

 One with address 192.168.0.55, assigned port 1329 and name Channel Four belonging to BBC ONE Group  One with address 192.168.0.56, assigned port 1330 and name Channel Five belonging to BBC ONE Group

 One with address 82.120.0.85, assigned port 1340 and name Channel Three belonging to BBC TWO Group

You will need to deselect ‘Read Only Mode’ option and edit the following lines:

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | BASIC CONNECTION TO A SINGLE CODER (DIRECT

LINK)

[GROUP_START]

GROUP_NAME=" BBC ONE "

TIGER-SHARK_1="Channel Four ", 192.168.0.55, 1329 TIGER-SHARK_2="Channel Five ", 192.168.0.56, 1330

[GROUP_END]

[GROUP_START]

GROUP_NAME=" BBC TWO "

TIGER-SHARK_1="Channel Three ", 82.120.0.85, 1340

[GROUP_END]

Refer to Appendix A for Configuration Editor synthax. Once entered the IP address with relevant Ports, save them by clicking and accepting DataBase modification.

Close the Configuration Editor by clicking and come back to ComChannel settings. For example, with reference to the previous example, the Connection Mask will resemble as follows:

The associated IP address + IP Port will be displayed in the bottom field. Click OK to confirm, ESC to leave without saving.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | MANAGING ACCESS RIGHTS TO THE ENCODER

15 MANAGING ACCESS RIGHTS TO THE ENCODER

By accessing Access Rights panel from the menu tree, you may set RDS services granted / allowed on each Connection Port.

Port 3 selection affects RS-485 connection (whenever available) in addition to Ethernet (Lan TCP / IP) connection.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

In Tiger Shark it is possible to set the Extended Port (COM 3) in UECP MODE.

So it’s possible to receive UECP Comands on this port.

But if you set COM3 in UECP MODE the UECP TCP/IP

it’s not available further.

It is possible to change this setting via Web Server.

Otherwise web server and SNMP are always working.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | HOW TO ASSIGN AN IP ADDRESS TO THE TIGER-

SHARK

16 HOW TO ASSIGN AN IP ADDRESS TO THE TIGER-SHARK

IP assignment to the Tiger Shark must be executed prior to connect to the Computer.

IP assignment to the Tiger Shark will be possible through Tiger Shark Serial Port 1 and Serial Port 2.

- Run the application Target Address Manager from Start/Programs/Axel Tiger Shark Remoter vers XX

- Establish a serial connection to the Tiger Shark unit to be assigned with an IP address. Set Serial Port # and Serial Port speed on the Target Address Manager interface. Make sure the chosen connection Pc speed matches the corresponding Tiger Shark Serial Port (see also Serial Port menu setup from the Front Panel).

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Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | HOW TO ASSIGN AN IP ADDRESS TO THE TIGER-

SHARK

Tiger Shark presents the following default settings:

IP Address

192.168.000.020

Subnet Mask

255.255.255.000

IP Port

1327

Enter new settings in the relevant fields. For example, the picture above shows Tiger Shark programming with address

192.168.0.64, SubNet Mask 255.255.255.0 and Port 1336. Click SEND DATA to up-load new settings into Tiger Shark memory.

Before disconnecting from the Target, it is advisable to check integrity and consistency of loaded data using the ‘Reload Data’ function, which access the Tiger Shark memory and shows its actual content.

Once the task is finished, click ‘Quit’ . You may always check current IP settings from the front panel menu on the Tiger Shark (SYSTEM INFORMATION,

submenu Tcp/Ip Address, Tcp/Ip Port and Tcp/Ip S.Mask). NOTE: refer to UECP normative for the use of ID List and Group List fields.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | GETTING CONNECTED - THE ‘CONNECTION

MANAGER’

17 GETTING CONNECTED - THE ‘CONNECTION MANAGER’

Once the configuration of Communication Channel is finished, You may run the physical connection to Tiger Shark. Double click the Tiger Shark icon You are going to connect to (for example Tiger Shark MLR 1 in the picture on the right).

The ‘Connection Manager’ window will open, that

summarizes all connection settings and configuration. In this example, connection is done through TCP/IP , Port 1349. The ‘Open Configuration Editor’ button open an ‘off-line’ configuration window, for editing data to be uploaded into the

Tiger Shark when connecting. (v. Chapter Errore. L'origine riferimento non è stata trovata.). Once checked the connection settings, click CONNECT to establish the link with the Tiger Shark.

If the connection runs properly, a Red Light with associated ‘Target Linked’ label will turn on.

If not, a proper message tells possible causes for connection errors (wrong serial port, no answer from the Target, etc).

In the event of IP connection over local network, More Info button offers further information on the reasons of missed link (for example, another user is already connected)

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | HOW TO SETUP A CONNECTION PASSWORD

18 HOW TO SETUP A CONNECTION PASSWORD

When connecting to Tiger Shark in BIDIRECTIONAL mode, a System Password may be setup, in order to prevent access from not authorized users.

System password must be setup from the Configuration Editor (see relevant Chapter).

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | HOW TO DISCONNECT FROM A TIGER-SHARK

19 HOW TO DISCONNECT FROM A TIGER-SHARK

To disconnect, double click on the icon of the unit to disconnect from or double click on the associated Com Channel icon.

For example, with reference to the picture, double click on the Tiger Shark MLR 1 icon or the ComChannel 1 icon.

A message will appear, asking to confirm disconnection.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | MANAGING TIGER-SHARK in GROUPS

20 MANAGING TIGER-SHARK in GROUPS

Tiger Shark Coders can be managed / accessed either as single Units, or in groups. To manage Tiger Shark in Groups, You will need to assign each unit with a identification code, composed by a Device Number and a Group Number.

This give the users the highest flexibility in controlling units individually or in groups, by sharing same commands among several units or forcing an individual unit with a specific address to execute a broadcast command.

The Device Number and the Group Name will be given to each Tiger Shark using a dedicated tool, called Target Edit Manager and included in the Tiger Shark Remoter – software suite.

The same tool allows also to provide each individual unit or group with a ‘Target / Group Name’, i.e. a ‘mnemonic’ field to

make control and connection much easier. For example, a national network could assign the Group Name field to the region where the unit is in operation, and give

the Target name the name of the town hosting the broadcasting site, or the city covered by that site. Suppose you have 3 coders in the Tuscany region (the first covers Lucca, the second Florence and the third Pisa) and 4 others in the Marche (Pesaro, Ancona, Urbino, Macerata). The Target name and Group Name will be programmed for the individual machines as follows: Group name = Tuscany, Target Name = Lucca for the first coder, Group name = Tuscany, Target Name = Florence for the second coder, etc.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | MANAGING TIGER-SHARK in GROUPS

Target Name

Group Name

Device Number

Group number

Lucca

Tuscany

0001

Firenze

Tuscany

0002

Pisa

Tuscany

0003

Pesaro

Marche

0004

Ancona

Marche

0005

Urbino

Marche

0006

Macerata

Marche

0007

Connection between remote Tiger Shark units and the central control Pc may be uni-directional or bi-directional, depending on the available communication resources and the typology of controlled units. For example, the picture above shows a Satellite channel, which is typically uni-directional, two serial RS232 connections, one monodirectional (because connecting a group of equipment) and one bi-directional (linking just one unit). Up to 5 Users can be managed, each one accessing its own system tree, i.e. its own portion of system. That means, it is possible to give to each user different rights in accessing the targets and their configuration.

Group Number and Device Number correspond respectively to UECP Site Address and Encoder Address codes

20.1 FIRST STEP: COMPOSE THE ‘TREE’ INTO THE TIGERSHARK REMOTE (EDIT

MODE).

As first step, You need to ‘edit’ (draw) the system tree like on a ‘blackboard’, starting from the central Control Pc, adding connection channels and, for each ‘branch’, the associated target(s) or groups of units.

Local Host Pc is the Pc running the Tiger Shark Remoter software (i.e. the Pc you are using!). At this time, each single

element composing the system will be not configured. We just place ‘blocks’ onto a virtual ‘blackboard’, to have a proper

representation of the actual system. Later, from the Work Mode, each unit will be assigned with ‘real’ operation parameters, such as Baud Rate, Com Ports, Address, etc.

You may edit / compose 5 different system trees, one for each USER listed in the Tiger Shark Remoter panel (USER 0, USER 1, USER 2, USER 3, USER 4).

Select the User access (for example. User 0) and then press the ‘Open Panel’ button: the User navigation Panel will be automatically displayed.

LOCK function: To prevent undesiderable access to

system configuration pages, enter a generic password

(which can be changed at user’s discretion) in the

blank field and click Lock button. To unlock, enter the SAME password and click ‘unlock’

Click Edit Mode button: Edit Mode Navigator Panel will

open ( and the ‘Edit Mode’ identificator appears at the

upper right corner).

Move the mouse pointer onto the Pc LocalHost icon and then click right: a

pop-up menu will appear. First, You have to add a Com Channel,

i.e. a serial link connecting the Control Pc to remote target(s). That Com Channel will be edited later.

Each Com Channel may be associated to Single Units (single targets) or Groups of Targets. Various ‘undo’ tools are also available for removal of inserted elements or system re-initialization.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | MANAGING TIGER-SHARK in GROUPS

20.1.1 ADDITION OF A SINGLE CODER

Having placed the communication channel, click right on ComChannel icon: a new pop-up menu will appear. To add a new single encoder, select Add New Encoder item and then select the Target version (MPX, RDS, etc)

Every time a new Target or a new Group of Target is added, a special window (Target Edit Manager) opens automatically.

It allows You to set two basic Target identification codes: a Device Number (4 characters) and a Group Number (2 characters). It permits also to associate an identification label (Target Name) which makes target identification easier across the network. The Target Name will be displayed next to the icon on the System Tree, as well as in the ‘Settings’ window in

the Tiger Shark Remoter. Please refer to paragraph “THE MNEMONIC IDENTIFIERS FOR SINGLE TARGETS

OR GROUPS”.

Be careful not to assign the same Target name or the same Group name to two different devices.

Group Number and Device Number correspond respectively to UECP Site Address and Encoder Address codes.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | MANAGING TIGER-SHARK in GROUPS

20.1.2 ADDITION OF A GROUP OF CODERS

After having created a new communication channel icon (see ComChannel2 in the picture), click right on that icon: a new pop-up menu will appear. To add a group of encoders, select Add New Encoder Group item and then select the coder type. A new group of encoder is a group of Targets which share the same Group number and are of the same type (i.e. they can be programmed in the same way and at the same time).

NOTE: Communication channel is automatically forced to Monodirectional (one-way) as soon as two or more

‘targets’ will share the same communication channel i.e. as soon as a New Encoder Group is added.

The ‘Group Edit Manager’ window will open automatically. It can:

 Assign a specific Group identifier (Group ID) or associate current

targets to all Groups (ALL)

 Assign a Group Name, i.e. a mnemonic identifier (max 20

characters).

 State which configuration commands (MPX settings, Audio

Control, RDS Settings) will be accepted by this Group (i.e. which configuration can be altered from the remote side). As You can easily understand, available command configurations will depend on actual version of Tiger Sharks belonging to the Group.

 In the event of RDS versions, the window will list those services

which can be altered from remote (DI, PS, RT, etc).

 SET ALL button sets all available services ‘on’  CLEAR ALL button set all active settings ‘off’.

Once the window has been edited, press Confirm to save data or ESC to quit without saving modifications.

The Group Edit Manager’ window can be recalled at any moment just

double-clicking on the associated Group icon.

Group Number and Device Number correspond respectively to UECP Site Address and Encoder Address codes.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | MANAGING TIGER-SHARK in GROUPS

20.1.3 THE MNEMONIC IDENTIFIERS FOR SINGLE TARGETS OR GROUPS

The fields ‘Target Name’ and ‘Group Name’ in the respective Target Edit Manager and Group Edit Manager windows may be loaded with a name or an equipment label (max 20 characters) in order to make coder identification easier. Typically, identifiers are geographic identifiers or they are associated to the name of the Network or to the Frequency/channel used.

For example, entering ‘New York – TV tower’ as

Target Name, that name will appear next to the device (see picture on the left).

The same name will appear in the ‘General Settings’ window / ‘Encoder Data’ field and in the connection

summarizing table of the Tiger Shark Remoter (see picture below), once the link with the target has been

established.

NOTE: ‘Target Name’ and ‘Group Name’ are saved on the computer running the Tiger Shark Remoter. They are never installed into Tiger Shark physical memory. They serve as ‘guide’ / hint for the connection task

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20.1.4 SYSTEM TREE – EDITING TOOLS

The menu items displayed whenever right clicking on the system Tree offer some helpful editing tools:

Removes the last coder, or last group of coders, inserted

Removes the selected coder or group of coders

Removes the selected Communication Channel

Removes the whole System Tree and let You start again from scratch.

Opens the Target Edit Manager or Group Edit Manager window, According to the selected Target (a single coder or a Group of them).

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20.2 SECOND STEP: THE ‘WORK MODE’

Once the system tree has been created in

‘EDIT MODE’, click CLOSE PANEL

button. The User will be asked whether to save or discard modifications done to the System Tree. Click Yes. Click Open Panel button: User 0 Navigation Panel will open. Click WORK MODE button.

The Tiger Shark Remoter will display the same System Tree just created in the EDIT MODE, but You will now be able to configure real operating parameters for each element in the system, such as ComPort, IP address, speed, etc and then establish a physical connection to the Target(s).

Follow the same procedures shown in the ‘BASIC CONNECTION TO A SINGLE CODER’ for proper configuration

of connection channels and targets.

20.3 CONFIGURATION OF A MONO-DIRECTIONAL COM CHANNEL

As already stated, a system composed by a single Pc at the head of the network and by several distant Tiger Shark units (Targets) may require mono-directional com channels, i.e. channels which do not support any data stream from the Target back to the central control Pc. Monodirectional Com channels are usually available over satellite links. In general, a Mono-directional channel may be RS-232 or Modem type. In both cases, You will need to configure which Serial Port and which speed must be used.

SERIAL PORT

It selects the Pc Serial Port to be used for the connection (from 1 to 255). In the event of an USB modem, check which ‘virtual’ Serial port is automatically selected by the Pc.

SERIAL SPEED

It sets the maximum Baud Rate for the selected Pc port. By default, the Tiger Shark Remoter will show the maximum value (38400 Baud),

The communication Baud Rate set on the Pc Control Software MUST MATCH the corresponding Baud Rate set for the linked Serial Port on the Tiger Shark. For example, if Serial Port 1 on the Tiger Shark runs at 4800 Baud, the same speed must be set also for the Pc Serial Port involved in the link.

In addition to connection speed, also a

‘packet redundancy’ factor may be set, in

order to increase robustness of the link against transmission errors.

In practice, no packet redundancy means

each transmitted racket contains ‘original’

information, not duplicated.

One packet redundancy means each data packet is followed by a second packet bearing the same information. If the first packet gets corrupted, the second is used to recover original transmitted information.

With the same philosophy, Two packets Redundancy means each data packet is followed by two redundant packets; Three packets Redundancy means each data packet is followed by three redundant packets, etc.

As one may easily understand, maximum link reliability is achieved by setting Four Packet Redundancy, even if it involves a ‘real’ (payload) connection speed which is one fifth of that selected in the ‘Serial Speed’ menu.

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Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | THE ‘CONFIGURATION EDITOR’: WHAT IS AND HOW

TO USE IT

21 THE ‘CONFIGURATION EDITOR’: WHAT IS AND HOW TO USE IT

The Configuration Editor makes viewing or changing the Tiger Shark current settings easier, as it allows you to edit a configuration file, through an easy-to-use TEXT ONLY interface like Windows "Notepad".

Complicated system parameter settings / changes can be simply accomplished in a ‘written’ mode, through

commands/values provided in a textual (ASCII) way. For example, a simple PSN programming may be ‘written’ as follows:

PSNAME_0= "BBC ONE ",Normal PSNAME_1= "LONDON ",Normal PSNAME_2= "UK ",Normal

Furthermore, any operative configuration of the encoder (input gain, pilot level, RDS messages, RDS DataSet status, etc) may be saved at any time and recalled at Yr convenience.

You may also ‘Import’ (download) the current configuration from Your target and:

duplicate it on a new Target print-out it in a textual (ASCII) format save it in a Pc directory

The Editor can run in two different modes: off-line (i.e. there is no direct link to the encoder) or on-line (i.e. the computer running the Tiger Shark Remoter Remote Software must be communicating with the Tiger Shark).

In the Off-Line mode, You may open one of the ‘Demo’ files or edit a file previously saved. Edited files can NOT be loaded into Tiger Shark memory.

In the ON-LINE mode, with a bi-directional link You may import from the Target its current configuration, edit it and then export it again to the Target. Using a mono-directional link export toward the Target will be only achievable.

The Configuration Editor is based on standard Windows tools for text editing (copy, paste, cut, find, undo, save, open, etc) and its us is therefore simple and intuitive.

To open the Configuration Editor in the ON-LINE mode: after accessing the target in Simple or User X mode, click right on the Target icon on the Navigation tree.

In the OFF-LINE mode click on Open Configuration Editor in the Connection Manager window before connecting to the Target.

A Warning box will remind You that You have chosen the off- line work mode. As the Target is not connected, Import / Export of current Target configuration are therefore not possible.

Click OK to access next Configuration Editor window.

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TO USE IT

21.1 EDITOR TOOLS

Starting the Configuration Editor opens up the Editor window. The buttons along the upper side select some typical file management options.

NEW command: It will display a default Configuration File, accordingly to the chosen Target.

OPEN command. It will open a window showing all the available configuration files (with extension tcf - target

configuration file). If Direct access is engaged, Tiger Shark Remoter provides You also with 8 different Demo files, helping to understand the right way to operate RDS Scheduler.

SAVE it saves current file (configuration) to the location the user specifies

PRINT command. A specific window will be displayed, helping You in choosing the portion of document to be

printed (only Target ‘hardware’ configuration, Hardware configuration + RDS DataSet 1, etc)

UNDO command. This function is available only with ‘Read Only Mode’ selection disabled

CUT command. This function is available only with ‘Read Only Mode’ selection disabled

COPY command. Function available when ‘Read Only Mode’ option is disabled.

PASTE command. Function available when ‘Read Only Mode’ option is disabled.

FIND command: To search for text in the file

JUMP TO DATASET. The 4 buttons DS1, DS2, DS3 and DSA instantaneously recall the portion of configuration

file associated to the desired Dataset.

IMPORT command. It reads the current overall Target configuration and displays it in the Editor window. Function available only with a single Target connected in Bidirectional Mode.

EXPORT command. It loads the currently displayed configuration into the Target memory and updates the

DataBase of the local files. Function available in ‘On Line’ mode only, regardless of connection mode (bi /

monodirectional).

UPDATE command. It updates the DataBase of the local files only, without loading the configuration in the Target memory

TEST command. It checks the syntax of edited file and highlights possible incoherencies/ errors.

EXIT command. It closes Configuration Editor window.

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TO USE IT

21.2 TYPICAL IMPORT / EXPORT TASKS

As explained, Configuration Editor allows You to import (download) current configuration from the Target in order to easily edit/modify it. Once the editing task is accomplished, the new configuration file can be easily exported to the file in order to make it effective.

This is the procedure to follow.

- With the Target connected in Bi-directional mode, click the IMPORT icon : data transfer from the Target to the computer will be engaged. This could take from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the link speed.

- Once the import has finished, the Configuration Editor window will display the current, full Tiger Shark configuration, starting from ‘hardware’ data (in/out levels, selected audio input, etc) and then showing RDS data for each DataSet. Keys DS1, DS2, DS3 and DSA (DataSet Alternative) give direct access to configuration data of associated DataSet.

- De-select the ‘Read Only Mode’ option

Every time a new file is loaded, it is displayed in ReadOnly mode, in order to prevent from accidental modifications. Uncheck ReadOnly box prior to start editing the file.

- Edit the file using the provided tools. Pay particular attention to text layout (spaces, punctuation, etc).

- Once finished editing the text, click TEST tool (magnifying glass ) to check correct text formatting: in the event of syntax or typewriting errors, relevant text line will be automatically highlighted in bold. Appendix A contains full syntax of the Configuration Editor.

Click EXPORT button : the edited configuration file will be automatically transferred to the Target. When file

transferring ends, Tiger Shark will be on-line again, according to new configuration loaded.

EXAMPLE

To Increase MPX output level to +5.6 dB (default is 0.0 dB) follow these steps:

With the Target connected, click IMPORT icon Wait for file loading

Go to [MPX_SETTINGS] section:

MPX_LEVEL=+0.0dBm PILOT_LEVEL=-19.8dB PILOT_PHASE=+0Deg POST_CLIPPER_GAIN=+0.0dB

Deselect the ‘Read Only Mode’ option

Type the new MPX output level:

MPX_LEVEL=+5.6dBm

Click TEST icon to check data consistency

Click EXPORT icon

In the meantime, the same configuration file my be saved (for example to load into another Target) by pressing icon

The same file can be also printed-out

Close the Configuration Editor window (Exit)

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Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | THE ‘CONFIGURATION EDITOR’: WHAT IS AND HOW

TO USE IT

21.3 EXPORTING ONLY SECTIONS OF A CONFIGURATION

The Tiger Shark Configuration file is composed by several sections, each of them ending with an ‘End Point’ marker. You may export to the Tiger Shark only one of more sections instead of the entire file, in order to preserve some crucial

operating parameters from tampering or risk of overwriting.

In other words, when clicking ‘IMPORT’ button, always the full configuration is downloaded but, when exporting back into

the Tiger Shark, You may exclude from transferring one or ore sections, thus forcing the Tiger Shark to operate on the basis of data already in its memory.

For example, in case of a Tiger Shark version LIM+MPX+RDS, You may prevent to export the entire section associated with ‘hardware’ settings (input adjustment, pilot level, etc) with the exception of the first 3 lines (see here below) and update the Tiger Shark only for the 4 DataSets.

As explained in Appendix A, the first three lines MUST be always present in a configuration file:

TARGET_MODEL={ Tiger Shark_Rds , Tiger Shark_Mpx, Tiger Shark_Mpx/Rds, Tiger Shark_Mpx/Lim , Tiger Shark_Mpx/Lim/Rds, Tiger Shark_Rds_Group , Tiger Shark_Mpx_Group , Tiger Shark_Mpx/Rds_Group , Tiger Shark_Mpx/Lim_Group , Tiger Shark_Mpx/Rds/Lim_Group }

FIRMWARE_VERSION={ 5.2.0 } TARGET_NAME="Nome Target " (this name is ignored by the Target)

Concerning the remaining part of the file, You may omit all lines following [END_+ SECTIONNAME] identifier Also Data Sets may be removed from the Configuration File, beginning from those of major index (for example, You may

export DS1, DS2 and DS3 only, or DS1 and DS2 only, etc).

Tiger Shark presents the following default settings:

IP Address

192.168.000.020

Subnet Mask

255.255.255.000

IP Port

1327

Enter new settings in the relevant fields. For example, the picture above shows Tiger Shark programming with address

192.168.0.64, SubNet Mask 255.255.255.0 and Port 1336. Click SEND DATA to up-load new settings into Tiger Shark memory.

Before disconnecting from the Target, it is advisable to check integrity and consistency of loaded data using the ‘Reload

Data’ function, which access the Tiger Shark memory and shows its actual content. Once the task is finished, click ‘Quit’ .

At every IP data change (address, Subnet Mask, Port), You will must wait 15 seconds before the new configuration becomes operative.

Whenever turning off/on the Tiger Shark, You must wait 15 seconds before the LAN board starts-up and becomes visible on the network.

You may always check current IP settings from the front panel menu on the Tiger Shark (SYSTEM INFORMATION, submenu Tcp/Ip Address, Tcp/Ip Port and Tcp/Ip S.Mask).

NOTE: refer to UECP normative for the use of ID List and Group List fields.

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BROWSER

22 HOW TO CONTROL THE UNIT FROM WEB BROWSER

Tiger Tiger Shark can be controlled and configured in three different ways: by PC Control Software, by Front Panel menu and by Web Browser. To establish a connection to the unit’s Web Browser follow these steps:

1) Make sure the Tiger Shark has an an IP address assigned to (SYSTEM INFORMATION -> TCP / IP ADDRESS in the

Front Panel Menu). If IP address is not already assigned, check the relevant Chapter ‘How to assign an IP Address’ via

the Pc Control Software.

2) Open your favourite Web Browser and type the IP address of the Tiger Tiger Shark you want to connect to. Once you type the correct IP address in the Web Browser the following window will show up:

NOTE: Web Browser do not allow the user to fully configure the Tiger Shark. It rather allows to check the current status

and make minor modifications to the configuration. Use the PC Control Software to fully configure the Tiger Shark.

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Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | STEREO GENERATOR – INPUT CHANGEOVER

23 STEREO GENERATOR – INPUT CHANGEOVER

23.1 THE MPX SPECTRUM

We assume MPX signal is composed by three major components:

audio signal (L and R channels)

pilot tone (19Khz)

RDS signal (57Khz)

The stereo encoding process modulates (double side-band suppressed carrier) the L-R or stereo difference signal onto a 38kHz sub carrier. Its side-bands will extend by +/- 15kHz. At the top end this will be 53kHz. Digital filter accomplishes all contents above 53 kHz are suppressed by the highest level. This precise spectral management contributes to loudness, since it ensures that no wasted energy is transmitted.

Please note that composite clipper does not degrade RDS signal quality because it is applied before the 19kHz pilot is added to the multiplex signal (if the pilot was present at the composite clipping stage, the third harmonic of the pilot caused by the clipping process will fall exactly on 57kHz, degrading the RDS).

Each component of MPX signal is generated digitally and therefore available at the highest quality.

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Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | STEREO GENERATOR – INPUT CHANGEOVER

23.2 AVAILABLE INPUTS

The Tiger Shark manages 4 input sources:

a stereo analog audio pair a stereo digital audio pair an input for external MPX an Mp3 Player on SD Card (optional)

NOTE: Mp3 Player replaces, according to user requirements, either the analog input or the digital input, according to Jumper J9, J10, J11 position on the audio input card.

Selection between sources may be achieved

manually, automatically, by internal changeover stage and silence detectors or by contact closure (GPI input).

23.3 CHANGEOVER STAGE – BLOCK DIAGRAM

the following scheme depicts Tiger-hark management of 4 audio sources. Two Silence Detector stages are applied to analog and digital input rails, in order to drive automatic changeover between them whenever an audio ‘blank’ is detected on either inputs, lasting more than the set ‘silence’ time.

Analog

Analog Output

Digital Output

J9 + J10

J11

Digital

AUX-1

AUX-2

MPX-1

MPX-1 Out

SD CARD PLAYER (optional)

Silence Detector

Audio Silence

Detector

RELAY 3

Time

(Auxiliary MPX)

PI check

Time

Silence Detector

MPX

CODER

RDS

CODER

DSP

A/D converter

Pilot detector

RDS quality

detector

peak deviation

detector

Sample Rate Conv.

A third, independent audio silence detector may be applied to AUX-1, AUX-2 or Tiger Shark’s output itself (by jumperselection – see MPX card settings – Jumpers ). Tiger Shark may pick-up an external MPX source and route it to its main MPX output.

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23.4 HOW TO SELECT THE INPUT SOURCE

In the General Settings panel of the Pc Control software, You may

select the (primary) source for the Tiger Shark stereo coder:

analog audio (stereo input) digital audio (AES/EBU input) MPX = pass-through of an external Auxiliary MPX signal (by factory

default connected to AUX-1 input).

In the event of digital sources, you are also required to set audio source resolution (16 or 24 bits / sample). Primary input audio source selection may be achieved also from:

Front panel menu Web server (General Settings page)

23.5 HOW TO TURN THE AUTOMATIC INPUT CHANGEOVER ON / OFF

TURNING OFF THE AUTOMATIC INPUT CHANGEOVER STAGE

To prevent the Tiger Shark from automatically switch over a back-up source in the event of fault of Primary source (by silence detection), set ‘Secondary Input’ drop-down menu in the Audio Control page to OFF.

TURNING ON THE AUTOMATIC INPUT CHANGEOVER STAGE

To get automatic switch over an alternative source, select the alternative (secondary) source from the ‘Secondary Input’ drop-down menu in the Audio Control page.

MPX stands for ‘Auxiliary MPX input (usually factory-associated to Aux-1 input)

You also need to enable audio changeover from the Audio Input Mask in the Audio Control page.

Make sure: Force Secondary Input from General Purpose Input 1’ in the MPX page is NOT ticked.

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23.6 DEFINITION OF CHANGEOVER PARAMETERS AND TERMS

NAME

DEFINITION

SET from:

VALUES

Primary Input

Default / main Tiger Shark input

Input Signal menu in the General Settings page

Analog, digital, Auxiliary MPX

Secondary Input

Alternative source. It may be picked-up in automatic mode (by automatic input changeover) or by external command applied to GP1 Logic Input

‘Secondary Input’ menu in

the Audio Control page

Analog, digital, Auxiliary MPX

Swicthing Time

Time delay between the loss of valid audio and switch onto the alternative (secondary) input source

‘Switching Time’ menu in the Audio Control page

1 to 120 secs, user adjustable

Recovery Time

Time delay between the return of valid audio and switching back onto the Primary source

‘Recovery Time’ menu in

the Audio Control page

5 secs or 5 minutes, user adjustable

Threshold level

Reference level to consider primary source as lost

Not user-adjustable

Factory preset.

23.7 AVAILABLE CONTROLS OVER EXTERNAL AUXILIARY MPX

NOTE: Detector stages for Auxiliary MPX input (Audio silence; Pilot, RDS; Peak deviation detectors) are

available with the Tiger Shark ‘DET’ option installed only. .See next Paragraph

The Tiger Shark may look after the following MPX parameters / parts and change to an alternative source accordingly to

user settings done in the ‘MPX’ page:

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Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | STEREO GENERATOR – INPUT CHANGEOVER

CONTROL NAME

DESCRIPTION

Check for Auxiliary Mpx Deviation

Changeover stage checks deviation of external MPX applied by default to Aux-1 input. Input signal is considered as not valid if deviation exceeds 80 kHz for repeated times.

Check for Audio Presence in Auxiliary Mpx

Changeover stage checks presence of audio part (Main + SUB) in the external MPX applied by default to Aux-1 input. Input signal is considered as not valid if audio part is lost.

Check for Pilot Presence in Auxiliary Mpx

Changeover stage checks presence of Pilot in the external MPX applied by default to Aux-1 input. Input signal is considered as not valid if Pilot is not present.

Check for RDS Presence and specific PI in Auxiliary Mpx

Changeover stage checks presence of RDS modulation in the external MPX applied by default to Aux-1 input. Input signal is considered as not valid if RDS is not present. Furthermore, if the PI box contains a valid PI (Program Identifier) code, Tiger Shark verifies that source PI equals PI stated in the box. If not, the source MPX signal is considered not valid. NOTE: to disable PI check, leave PI code = 0000.

AUX Reference

This parameter permits to insert the reference to use for for Monitor Aux, range from -9 dBm to 12 dBm in step of 0.1 dBm

23.8 SUMMARY TABLE FOR CHANGEOVER OPERATION

SWITCHING

CAUSE FOR

SWITCH

SETTINGS REQUIRED

BEHAVIOUR

FROM

ANALOG Audio input

DIGITAL Audio input

Audio loss = audio under threshold

Input Selection = Analogue Secondary input = Digital Check Audio Presence = ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

In the event of analog audio loss, changeover stage waits for a time equal to Switching Time prior to switch over the digital source. As soon as Analogue audio resumes, it waits for 5 seconds or 5 minutes (Recovery Time) prior to switching back.

ANALOG Audio input

DIGITAL Audio input

GP1 command

Input Selection = Analogue Secondary input = Digital Check Audio Presence = not ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

GP1 logic input drives input switching

DIGITAL Audio input

ANALOG Audio input

Audio loss = audio under threshold

Input Selection = Digital Secondary input = Analogue Check Audio Presence = ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

In the event of digital audio loss, changeover stage waits for a time equal to Switching Time prior to switch over the analog source. As soon as Digital audio resumes, it waits for 5 seconds or 5 minutes (Recovery Time) prior to switch back.

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DIGITAL Audio input

ANALOG Audio input

GP1 command

Input Selection = Analogue Secondary input = Digital Force Secondary input from GP1 = ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

GP1 logic input drives input switching

ANALOG Audio input

Auxiliary MPX

Audio loss = audio under threshold

Input Selection = Analog Secondary input = MPX Check Audio Presence = ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

In the event of analog audio loss, changeover stage waits for a time equal to Switching Time prior to switch over the Auxiliary MPX source. As soon as Analogue audio resumes, it waits for 5 seconds or 5 minutes (Recovery Time) prior to switching back.

ANALOG Audio input

Auxiliary MPX

GP1 command

Input Selection = Analogue Secondary input = MPX Force Secondary input from GP1 = ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

GP1 logic input drives input switching

SWITCHING

CAUSE FOR

SWITCH

SETTINGS REQUIRED

BEHAVIOUR

FROM

DIGITAL Audio input

Auxiliary MPX

Audio loss = audio under threshold

Input Selection = Digital Secondary input = MPX Check Audio Presence = ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

In the event of digital audio loss, changeover stage waits for a time equal to Switching Time prior to switch over the Auxiliary MPX source. As soon as digital audio resumes, it waits for 5 seconds or 5 minutes (Recovery Time) prior to switching back.

DIGITAL Audio input

Auxiliary MPX

GP1 command

Input Selection = Digital Secondary input = MPX Force Secondary input from GP1 = ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

GP1 logic input drives input switching

Auxiliary MPX

ANALOG / DIGITAL Audio input

Lack of audio components (MAIN / SUB) in Auxiliary MPX

Input Selection = MPX Secondary input = ANALOG (DIGITAL) Check for Audio presence in Auxiliary MPX = ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

Auxiliary MPX source is routed to Tiger Shark output being monitored at the same time. In the event MPX audio part (Main / Sub) is lost, changeover stage waits for a time equal to Switching Time prior to switch over selfgenerated MPX signal from analogue (digital) stereo input. As soon as Auxiliary MPX audio resumes, it waits for 5 seconds or 5 minutes (Recovery Time) prior to switching back.

Auxiliary MPX

ANALOG / DIGITAL Audio input

Lack of Pilot in Auxiliary MPX

Input Selection = MPX Secondary input = ANALOG (DIGITAL) Check for Pilot presence in Auxiliary MPX

Auxiliary MPX source is routed to Tiger Shark output being monitored at

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Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | STEREO GENERATOR – INPUT CHANGEOVER

= ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

the same time. In the event Auxiliary MPX Pilot is lost, changeover stage waits for a time equal to Switching Time prior to switch over self-generated MPX signal from analogue (digital) stereo input. As soon as Auxiliary MPX Pilot resumes, it waits for 5 seconds or 5 minutes (Recovery Time) prior to switching back

Auxiliary MPX

ANALOG / DIGITAL Audio input

Extra-deviation in the Auxiliary MPX

Input Selection = MPX Secondary input = ANALOG (DIGITAL) Check for Auxiliary MPX Deviation = ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

Auxiliary MPX source is routed to Tiger Shark output being monitored at the same time. In the event Auxiliary MPX Deviation exceeds 80 kHz, changeover stage waits for a time equal to Switching Time prior to switch over self-generated MPX signal from analogue (digital) stereo input. As soon as Auxiliary MPX Pilot resumes, it waits for 5 seconds or 5 minutes (Recovery Time) prior to switching back

Auxiliary MPX

ANALOG / DIGITAL Audio input

Lack of RDS in Auxiliary MPX

Input Selection = MPX Secondary input = ANALOG (DIGITAL) Check for RDS Presence = ticked, with PI = 0000. All remaining checks = not ticked

Auxiliary MPX source is routed to Tiger Shark output being monitored at the same time. In the event RDS is lost in the Auxiliary MPX, changeover stage waits for a time equal to Switching Time prior to switch over self-generated MPX signal from analogue (digital) stereo input. As soon as Auxiliary MPX Pilot resumes, it waits for 5 seconds or 5 minutes (Recovery Time) prior to switching back.

Auxiliary MPX

ANALOG / DIGITAL Audio input

Lack of RDS in Auxiliary MPX or PI (Program Identifier) code

incorrect

Input Selection = MPX Secondary input = ANALOG (DIGITAL) Check for RDS Presence = ticked,

with PI = Reference Code to be compared to the received one All remaining checks = not ticked

Auxiliary MPX source is routed to Tiger Shark output being monitored at the same time. In the event RDS is lost or the RDS carried PI code differs from the stated one, changeover stage waits for a time equal to Emergency Time prior to switch over selfgenerated MPX signal on the basis of analogue (digital) stereo input. As soon as Auxiliary MPX Pilot resumes, it waits for 5 seconds or 5 minutes (Recovery Time) prior to

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Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | STEREO GENERATOR – INPUT CHANGEOVER

switching back.

Auxiliary MPX

ANALOG / DIGITAL Audio input

GP1 command

Input Selection = MPX Secondary input = ANALOG (DIGITAL) Force Secondary input from GP1 = ticked All remaining checks = not ticked

GP1 logic input drives input switching from Auxiliary MPX to Analog / Digital stereo source

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23.9 HOW TO KNOW WHICH INPUT SOURCE IS CURRENTLY ON-AIR

ON THE FRONT PANEL

Stable LED indicates selected and valid Primary source Blinking LED indicates that an emergency input switching has occurred and which is the

Emergency source currently on air.

ON THE WEB BROWSER

A green mask indicates selected and valid Primary source A red and blinking mask indicates that an emergency input switching has occurred and

which is the Emergency source currently on air

ON THE PC CONTROL SOFTWARE

With the Tiger Shark unit connected in bidirectional way to its Pc Control software:

A green label indicates selected and valid Primary source

A red and blinking label indicates that an

emergency input switching has occurred and which is the Emergency source currently on air

ON THE OUTPUT RELAYS (GPO PORT)

Closing of 1° Relay -> Analogue source on air Closing of 2° Relay -> Digital source on air Closing of 3° Relay -> Auxiliary MPX source on air Closing of 4° Relay -> Emergency (Emergency / BackUp source on air)

See Appendix for Relay Port pin-out.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | STEREO GENERATOR –LEVEL AND WORKING

MODES

24 STEREO GENERATOR –LEVEL AND WORKING MODES

24.1 INPUT AUDIO LEVEL CONTROL

Input level control stage is actually based on two sub-controls: sensitivity adjustment and ‘fine’ tuning, independent for channels Left and Right.

Right Gain (applies to either analog or digital sources). It may adjusted in + /- 12 dB range with 0.1 dB step. Default: 0 dB.

Left Gain (applies to either analog or digital sources). It may adjusted in + /- 12 dB range with 0.1 dB step. Default: 0 dB.

Sensitivity: different for analog and digital sources, it may adjusted in 0.1 dB steps. Analog: + 15 dBm to – 9 dBm. Digital: from 0.0 dBfs to – 24.0 dBfs.

Two buttons allows to Return automatically to Zero (RTZ) level on Input L/R Gains.

Input gains controls are automatically disabled when automatic Working Modes are engaged (Clipper MPX and LogClipper)–see next paragraphs.

24.2 SETTING THE OUTPUT PRE-EMPHASIS

(MPX panel / Preemphasis): it may be set to Off, 50uSec (as in use in European countries), 75uSec.

NOTE: Only one pre-emphasis must be kept active in the transmitting chain. It is advisable to turn OFF the Tiger Shark pre-emphasis and enable the pre-emphasis generated by the audio processor. This because a pre-emphasis filter applied at the last

step of an audio chain emphasizes ‘payload’ signal along with possible noise, thus resulting

in a degraded performance of the whole system.

It is advisable to set the right Pre-emphasis as first step, as it affects the MPX generated level and thus the whole level tuning process described in these pages.

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MODES

24.3 SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE AUDIO WORKING MODES

24.3.1 INTRODUCTION

6 automatic modes plus 3 manual working modes are available. In automatic modes, Tiger Shark automatically adjusts audio input levels (L/R gains) and AGC level in order to ‘size’ the

portion of audio signal clipped by MPX Clipper (see ‘A’ amplitude portion in the picture here below, exceeding clipper trimming amplitude) and thus get control over resultant density of aired MPX signal. 3 modes (Safe, Normal or Aggressive) are available.

Clipper threshold applied to input signal. Depending on the chosen Clipper mode,

a variable portion of the signal will be cut-out by the clipper, resulting in an increased density.

In addition to a ‘brutal’ cut, user may choose 3 alternative clipping modes, described as ‘LogClipper’ modes, which

perform a smoother clipping factor following a logarithmic curve. LogClipper modes also may be set as Safe, Normal or Aggressive clipping modes, depending on the kind of desired clipping mode.

3 manual clipping modes are available (2 with no Clipper intervention, one with Clipper intervention). By choosing one

of those modes, Tiger Shark behaviour is identical to a traditional, non-automatic Stereo Generator. Input Gain controls are in these cases fully user-adjustable.

CLIPPING VS LIMITING

In addition to Clipping, THE Tiger Shark features a built-in audio limiter. While deviation overshoots are cut-out by MPX Clipper, fast changes in the input audio levels are ‘normalized’ by the Limiter stage, thus concurring to keep as much constant as possible the audio level at the MPX Clipper input. Typically, Limiter stage is proven helpful in presence of quick ‘jumps’ in input levels, such as those occuring when switching between different studios, when switching from normal audio program to Advertisement spots, etc).

2 Limiter modes are available: eee next chapter for further reference.

MODE

TYPE

DESCRIPTION / NOTES

Linear

Manual

Tiger Shark’ behaviour is totally similar to that of an analog,

traditional stereo encoder. There is no MPX clipper intervention. Max output deviation is 100 kHz. Input

headroom around 10 dB.

Linear Full Range

Manual

Tiger Shark’ behaviour is totally similar to that of an analog,

traditional stereo encoder. There is no MPX clipper intervention. There is no deviation limit. Input headroom is around 20 dB. All signal components (including filter overshoots) will contribute for the final deviation on-air.

Main signal deviation (and therefore signal ‘loudness’) will

be therefore significantly lower than by using a well-tuned Clipper.

MPX Clipper

Manual

MPX Clipper stage is enabled. Audio input levels are fully adjustable. The portion of clipped audio signal is userdefinable. being Clipper stage enabled, the generated signal

will have a strong ‘presence’ effect, as it exploits the entire

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MODES

deviation range available. This operating mode is always recommended.

MPX Clipper

SAFE

Auto

AGC stage is engaged and input levels are automatically adjusted, in order that only very small peaks (0.2 or 0.3 dB of amplitude) will cross the clipper threshold and they will therefore cut-off by the MPX clipper itself. This mode preserves in the highest degree original audio program.

MPX Clipper

NORMAL

Auto

AGC stage is engaged and input levels are automatically adjusted, in order that only medium peaks (0.7 or 0.8 of amplitude) will cross the clipper threshold and they will therefore cut-off by the MPX clipper itself. This will result in

an increased ‘mean’ volume, even if a slight distortion could appear with a ‘out-of-band’ energy.

MPX Clipper AGGRESSIVE

Auto

AGC stage is engaged and input levels are automatically adjusted, in order that large peaks (1.2 or 1.3 dB of amplitude) will cross the clipper threshold and they will therefore cut-off by the clipper itself. This will result in an increased density, even if distortion could appear with a consistent ‘out-of-band’ energy.

LOG Clipper

SAFE

Auto AGC stage is engaged and input levels are automatically adjusted, in order that only a ‘small’ portion of that signal is clipped smoothly, accordingly to a logarithmic curve. Input Gain controls are also automatically adjusted by Tiger Shark.

LOG Clipper

NORMAL

Auto AGC stage is engaged and input levels are automatically adjusted, in order that a ‘medium’ portion of that signal is clipped smoothly, accordingly to a logarithmic curve. Input Gain controls are also automatically adjusted by Tiger Shark.

LOG Clipper

AGGRESSIVE

Auto

AGC stage is engaged and input levels are automatically adjusted, in order that a ‘large’ portion of that signal is clipped smoothly, accordingly to a logarithmic curve. Input Gain controls are also automatically adjusted by Tiger Shark.

24.4 HOW TO ADJUST THE INPUT GAIN ON MANUAL WORK MODES

This section should be performed for both the analog and digital audio inputs. The Tiger Shark will store level settings for each separately allowing to switch between analog and AES/EBU inputs without resetting the input level. Note that there are different controls for calibrating digital versus analog audio inputs.

BEFORE CALIBRATION, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PREEMPHASIS SET TO THE APPROPRIATE TIME FOR YOUR APPLICATION AS THIS WILL AFFECT THE OUTPUT LEVEL.

At this moment, Warning LED on the front panel might flash due to Audio Input overload and/or MPX signal exceeding deviation limit. Proper overall Clipper stage tuning coincides with Warning LED turning off. Therefore Audio input calibration might be not able to accomplish this condition.

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MODES

Access the INPUT-MONITOR PAGE on the front panel Menu (or take a look to the left upper blackboard on the Pc control software and web browser screens). It can have 3 different graphic forms, depending whether the Clipper is active or not and which Linear mode in engaged (Full Range or Linear):

24.4.1 LINEAR MODE

With a 0 dB MPX level, Nominal Input Level reference indicates the input audio level (peak level) which corresponds to 75 kHz deviation. Sensibility and Gain controls should be adjusted so that the input program peak level coincides with the 100% modulation ‘ceiling’.

Note: Setup should be performed for both the analog and digital audio inputs. The Tiger Shark will store your level settings for each input

separately allowing you to switch between analog and AES/EBU inputs without resetting the input level. Note that there are different controls for calibrating digital versus analog audio inputs.

The Sensitivity Level (Analog or Digital) parameter sets the gain for both channels. After adjustment, peak indication

hitting the Nominal Input reference point on the display or a little higher (see picture here below) is proper. This corresponds to 10 dB system headroom.

If further gain or attenuation is required, the individual left/ right Gains can be adjusting using the Input Left and

Input Right controls

An optimal calibration of Left/Right input levels is displayed here- below.

Be aware that well-defined audio peaks are achieved only with processed audio signals. Otherwise, no precise calibration of input signal will be possible.

After digital or analog input calibrating, You may set the analog level of the composite signal on the BNC connector. Please adjust the Post Gain + MPX level controls until you reach the desired modulation level.

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MODES

24.4.2 LINEAR – FULL RANGE

If a better headroom / input dynamic range (than the Linear Mode) is required, LINEAR-FULL RANGE input mode is provided. No clipping and no deviation limit is applied to signal processing in this case. Input headroom ranges up to 20 dB and an overall MPX level control is not provided. Nominal input level reference is nearer to the left margin than in the Linear Mode – MANUAL .

Note: Setup should be performed for both the analog and digital audio inputs. The Tiger Shark will store your level settings for each input separately allowing you to switch between analog and AES/EBU inputs without resetting the input level. Note that there are different controls for calibrating digital versus analog audio inputs.

1) The Sensitivity Level (Analog or Digital) parameter sets the gain for both channels. After adjustment, peak indication hitting the Nominal Input reference point on the display or a little higher (see picture here below) is proper. This corresponds to around 20 dB system headroom.

2) If further gain or attenuation is required, the individual left/ right Gains can be adjusted using the Input Left and Input Right parameters

With Post Gain control set to 0 dB, the reference point displayed in the picture indicates the audio peak level associated to a 75 kHz deviation. After digital or analog input calibrating, You may set the analog level of the composite signal on the BNC connector. Please adjust the Post Gain control until you reach the desired modulation level.

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MODES

24.4.3 CLIPPER MODE

Metering scale is divided into three zones.

Linear Zone

This identifies the portion of audio signal that is affected only by Low-Pass / Preemphasis filters. No alteration due to the clipping is introduced. Signal is only affected by input filters and pre-emphasis.

Clipper Zone

This identifies the portion of audio signal being clipped.

Over Zone

This identifies a ‘distortion’ zone, which is related to a ‘out-of-band’ energy. Signal ranging in this zone

should be avoided.

With a signal ranging in the Linear zone, You will need to increase sensitivity or Gain in order to get a signal hitting the Clipper Zone. In the following pages two preferred ways are described: with 100% Modulation Tone and with Processed Audio Signal.

CLIPPER MODE - CALIBRATION THROUGH REFERENCE TONE

1) Apply a Reference Tone (such as the Ref Tone generated by Falcon 15, Falcon 35 and Falcon 50 by Axel Technology) at its maximum level to the Tiger Shark analog or AES/EBU inputs. This will ensure right headroom when using pre-emphasis. The Peak Tone identifies the maximum peak value of the audio and MPX signals reached by the equipment

2) Select the INPUT Module Setup menu and adjust the Sensitivity Level (Analog or Digital) control. After adjustment, peak indication hitting the left margin of Clipper zone is proper (see picture here below). This corresponds to a around 20 dB system headroom.

3) If further gain or attenuation is required, the individual left/ right Gains can be adjusted using the Input Left and Input Right parameters.

Following this calibration procedure, audio material will be kept unaltered and only spurious signal will be clipped.

4) Enable normal audio processing on the audio processor.

Depending on the input level and on the audio material contents, audio peak will range between 1 and 8 segments on the meter reference scale. This peak increase on dynamic conditions is due to overshoot of input digital filter. An overshoot of 3-4 segments (around 1 dB) may be deemed acceptable in case of disabled Tiger Shark preemphasis and an overshoot of 6-7 segments may be deemed acceptable in case of enabled Tiger Shark preemphasis. As practical rule, if the audio peak ranges in the left half of Clipper Zone, possible overshoots will be compensated by Tiger Shark filters.

The following picture displays two acceptable calibrations:

The following picture displays two unacceptable calibrations (please, adjust Gain controls until peak ranges in the left half Clipper Zone):

ENG

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MODES

An audio material which is Preemphasized-only (i.e. not processed) may create very high peaks (over 13 dB). In this case, no accurate modulation control can be accomplished.

CLIPPER MODE - CALIBRATION TROUGH PROCESSED AUDIO MATERIAL

This setup procedure presupposes no reference Tone is available and that Tiger Shark is fed by the output of an audio processor properly adjusted. As explained, this external audio processor must maintain program peaks at a ceiling value corresponding to 100 % modulation. Furthermore, it should add proper pre-emphasis.

Three Clipper calibration modes are possible: Protective, Normal, Aggressive.

Protective Clipper calibration is accomplished when audio peaks hit only the first two segments of the Clipper

Zone. This allows a very ‘clean’ modulation, without any

audible distortion

Normal Clipper calibration is accomplished when audio peaks hit the center point of the Clipper Zone. This allows a good ratio between loudness and distortion

Aggressive Clipper calibration is accomplished when audio peaks hit higher than the middle point of the Clipper Zone. This allows a very loud sound

REMARKS: For a safer modulation, audio peaks should never exceed the Clipper Zone.

ENG

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MODES

24.5 AGC STAGE - SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS

AGC STAGE is active only whenever an automatic working mode (either ‘Clipper’, or ‘LogClipper’) is engaged.

AGC controls are grouped in the Audio Control panel

GATE It sets the intervention AGC threshold. It is rated in dBr, with reference to an audio signal generating a 100 % modulation. Default value is – 6 dBr.

SPEED It sets the AGC action speed. It is rated in dB per second.

MIN GAIN It sets the max reduction factor applied by the AGC stage to the input signal. For example, -3.6 dB means

that the input signal will be reduced by max 3.6 dB.

MAX GAIN It sets the max amplification factor applied by the AGC stage to the input signal. For example, +2.8 dB means that the input signal may be increased by 2.8 dB at the maximum.

AGC MODE In UnLinked mode, the AGC stage acts separately on the Left and Right channel (and thus may compensate for difference in levels between them) while in Linked mode both channels are subject to a unified control.

24.6 STEREO ENHANCER CONFIGURATION

The Stereo Enhancer stage compensates, in a ‘virtual’ mode, for a stereo image partially corrupted or altered by the STL.

There are 4 levels available: Off, Low, Normal and High. It is recommended to set Low or Normal levels if a Stereo Enhancer is already provided

in the audio processor or the link between the audio processor and the Tiger Shark doesn’t alter in a strong way the original signal (for example whenever they are linked by a straightforward audio cable)

ENG

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CONFIGURATION

25 STEREO GENERATOR - LIMITER STAGE CONFIGURATION

25.1 INTRODUCTION

Even In presence of a well-controlled signal at the output of the audio processor, the STL (satellite link, terrestrial link, ISDN, etc) may introduce errors and distortions which usually appear as undesired peaks (as high as 100 or more KHz of deviation, assuming 75 KHz mean value). Those peaks (also called ‘overshoots’) never carry ‘payload’ information and they are usually cut-off by the clipper. The Limiter stage is recommended to control those extra-threshold components (such as sudden change in the mean audio levels) lasting longer than overshoots.

Each time a signal is clipped, an ‘out-of-band’ noise which affects MPX output is generated. In presence of short, fast peaks, that noise will be not very likely appreciable. But with overshoots lasting for sufficient time, then the Limiter will help in reducing the ‘out-of-band’ energy (small clipping) and keeping the MPX output as ‘clean’ as possible.

Limiter stage and AGC stage act in a different manner. As the AGC response speed is not comparable to the Limiter intervention time, the Limiter is recommended to correct fast input variations, while the AGC performs long-term corrections.

Audio

Clipper

MPX

Clipper

Pilot

Generator

Pilot

Level

Pilot

Phase

Sync

Out

Audio

Limiter

Limiter Visualization

Work

Mode

Selection

(L+R)

(L-R)

38KHz

Post Clipper Gain

Log

Clipper

Linear

mode

ENG

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25.2 OPERATING MODES

The LIMITER stage can be engaged at the user’ willing. It comes before the traditional Clipper or Logclipper stages and its benefits are described at the following page. Three LIMITER operating modes are available:

MODE

DESCRIPTION

OFF

The Limiter stage is disengaged

HIGH PROTECTION

Protection is given by combined action of a Limiter and a Compressor stage. Action range for the Limiter stage is around 1 to 1,5 dB. In the event the input signal has a larger level range, the Compressor stage helps reducing input level to the max one compatible with the Limiter stage. This mode privileges audio quality (= low distortion) in respect of increasing output density.

PROS: even in the event the input program is affected by unexpected changes in levels by 3 or 4 dB (such as those occurring in presence of switching between studios, advertisement breaks, etc), there are no distortions on the output.

CONS: output density can not be increased by more than around 1 dB.

LOW PROTECTION

Protection is given by Limiter stage only. Action range for the Limiter stage is around 1 to 1,5 dB. This setting is very effective when dealing with signals exceeding the Clipper threshold by 1 dB max

PROS: output density can be increased with (theorically) any limit CONS: If input signal has variations in its level of more than 1,5 dB, MPX signal density will increase

but with a noticeable distortion degree.

LOOKAHEAD

Tiger Shark introduce a Heavy-Hard limiting, using a predictive mode called “LookAhead”. This special mode allows to achieve the maximum protection over 60kHz-band, and the 19kHz and 57kHz maximum protection. This lookahead introduce a delay of 2ms, bringing the total group delay around 5ms. It is not really suggested if your target is Density and Presence in relation to the total signal quality. With Lookahead the Pilot (19kHz) is protected more than 80dB, for RDS more than 70dB and a total noise in band 60 – 100 kHz better than > 80dB

PROS: High pilot and RDS protection, low WB noise, if signal could be over 3dB CONS: Quality and Density modified.

ENG

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26 STEREO GENERATOR - MPX OUTPUT SIGNAL

26.1 CONFIGURATION OF THE OUTPUT: NORMAL, PEAK TONE

Output Mode : it sets the Tiger Shark operating mode:

The Normal Operation refers to the regular operating status, with all features available. In the Peak Tone Reference mode, the Tiger Shark outputs a reference tone consisting

of a 500 Hz / 0 dBm sinusoidal signal. This tone corresponds to the maximum frequency deviation. This is helpful for an easier transmitting chain set-up.

26.2 PILOT PHASE AND LEVEL + MPX SIGNAL LEVEL

Level and phase of the MPX Pilot are adjustable from the Pc Control softwar panel as well as from the Front Panel menu and from the Web Browser.

You may also choose between a Stereo or a Mono broadcasting using the relevant drop-down menu (MPX Mode). Mono mode will turn off the Pilot and associated controls.

MPX Level it adjusts the overall level of the Stereo Composite Signal (MPX) and/or RDS signal (with or without signals injected from Aux 1 and 2 mixed into). Factory preset: 0 dBm (2.2 Vpp).

In the RDS version only, the output may be magnified by an extra-gain of 6, 12 or 18 dB (from the Front panel menu only)

Post Clipper Gain it adjusts the Gain after the clipping stage (see block diagram). It may adjusted in the + / - 12 dB range, 0.1 dB steps. Default value is 0 dB. See next paragraph.

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26.3 MPX SIGNAL CALIBRATION – THE POST CLIPPER GAIN

The output MPX Composite signal is composed by:

RDS signal (whenever present) Audio components (L+R and L-R spectrums) Pilot 19 kHz

RDS and PILOT are fixed (invariable) parts in the MPX signal, while Audio Components are variable ones.

To adjust MPX output level it is recommended to start with setting desired level for fixed components in the MPX signal (Pilot and RDS) and then adjust the variable part (audio) to get 75 kHz peak deviation.

STEP 1: Adjust Pilot signal level via the MPX_Pilot Menu (recommended value: – 20 dB),

STEP 2: Adjust RDS signal level via the RDS Level menu (recommended value: –31.5 dB)

Pilot and RDS levels are expressed in Decibel (dB) with reference to the Reference Tone (500 Hz, 0 dB). If this tone is related to a Fm 75 kHz deviation, Pilot will cause a 7.5 kHz deviation (–20dB) and RDS will cause a 2 kHz deviation (–31.5 Db)

STEP 3: Once Pilot and RDS signals have been calibrated, adjust audio component via Post Clipper Gain control until the deviation hits 75 kHz reference :

The 100% modulation level (correspondent to 75 kHz with 0 dB Gain on MPX level control) is indicated by the second point in the ‘highlighted’ Zone (see picture).

75 kHz reference

The third point corresponds to a 80 kHz deviation with 0 dB Gain on MPX level control. Higher modulation levels will cause WARNING LED lighting on the front panel. That LED indicates a modulation level

exceeding 5 kHz the nominal one and/or a saturation on audio input stage.

STEP 4: Adjust the overall to apply the desired amplification / attenuation factor to nominal MPX level achieved at the Step 3.

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | RDS / RBDS GENERATOR – GENERAL SETUP

27 RDS / RBDS GENERATOR – GENERAL SETUP

All info provided on this Chapter applies to both RDS and RBDS generation, unless differently noticed.

RBDS operation on the Tiger Shark is achieved by installing the Tiger Shark Remoter control software in

its RBDS version.

The RDS controls related to phase and levels are available from the Front Panel, while any other configuration about texts, RDS data, etc is achievable from the Pc Control Software as well as from the UECP.

Tiger Shark encoder provides two different programming modes. The first one is fully compliant to the last UECP normative.

The second one ( ‘Extended’) provides a wider range of features, which have been customized in order to make Tiger

Shark encoder more versatile and suitable for the most part of user requirements. In this case some commands are not UECP compliant When using the Remoter software, data configuration may be achieved in a textual / ASCII form (trough the Configuration Editor) or from the regular Remoter pages.

Current status of on-air RDS services can be constantly monitored from the small black screen at the upper left corner of the Tiger Shark Remoter screen.

The contents shown in the next pages refers either to the Tiger Shark in RDS version only, or to the Tiger Shark in the LIM-MPX-RDS version. Anyway, there are differences between the versions.

In the version RDS-only you may magnify the ouput level by 6, 12 o 18 dB (extra-amplification) in addition to the regular level controlled by the RDS LEVEL menu

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27.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM – RDS / RBDS VERSION ONLY

A U X 2

A U X 1

I N P U T

U T P U T

I N P U T

Extra Gain*

0,+6,+12,+18 dB

RDS

Generator

RDS

Level

Sync

RDS

Phase

* it is the RDS AMPLIFIER control, which adds an extra-amplification to the RDS output by 6, 12 o 18 dB. The related control is available on the Front Panel only, RDS MODULE SETUP page. This extra-amplification helps in connecting the Tiger Shark to audio processors with input level for external RDS/SCA sources set at – 20 dB.

27.2 GENERAL RDS/RBDS ENABLING

Open ‘RDS SETTINGS’ windows from the Main three:

In the relevant panel, check ‘Rds On’ option to

enable RDS generation.

Tick the “Add generated Rds to Auxiliary Mpx’ option to enable the RDS generation on the Tiger Shark while an external Stereo Composite MPX signal is routed to the output.

ENG

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27.3 RDS PHASE AND LEVEL ADJUSTEMENT

The RDS Level cursor regulates the RDS generation level between – 43,9 and – 20 dB, where 0 dBm corresponds to 75 KHz deviation.

RDS modulator is turned off in the Off position.

For the TIGER-SHARK – RDS version only, is available an RDS AMPLIFIER control, which adds an extraamplification to the RDS output by 6, 12 o 18 dB. The related control is available on the Front Panel only, RDS MODULE SETUP page. This extra-amplification helps in connecting the Tiger Shark to audio processors with input level for external RDS/SCA sources set at – 20 dB

the following table lists the reationship between signal level and deviation. Default value is -31.5dB, which corresnponds to a D=2.0 KHz deviation.

-37.5 dB

D=1.0 KHz

-31.5 dB

D=2.0 KHz

-28.0 dB

D=3.0 KHz

-25.5 dB

D=4.0 KHz

-23.5 dB

D=5.0 KHz

-21.9 dB

D=6.0 KHz

For the TIGER-SHARK – RDS version only, the RDS level is expressed in mVpp units, as the level of the signal it will be mixed into is unknown. Default level is 60 mVpp (i.e. 2 KHz deviation, where 0 dBm = 2.2 Vpp).

27.4 RDS SYNC SOURCE (RDS VERSION ONLY)

The RDS Sync Source selection is available for RDS – only versions.

In the External mode, the RDS carrier locks to an external ref source. The Sync In connector on the rear panel allows synchronization of RDS signal to an external 19 KHz TTL reference signal (5 Vpp). Correct synchronization to the external reference signal will cause LED 1 on the front panel to light. Synchronization to an external MPX signal reference is achievable from AUX1 and AUX-2 connectors, too, depending on J3 jumper. TTL suitable levels: ‘0’ state < 0.5 V; ‘1’ state > 2 V See first part of this manual. Even if set on ‘External Sync’, the Tiger Shark switches automatically on the internal oscillator in the event of lack or poor quality of the external ref source.

ENG

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27.5 UECP OR NOT-UECP PROGRAMMING MODE

The Extended / not UECP mode carries a full-set of ‘customized’ features / controls wich represent a valuable ‘benefit’ of the Tiger Shark. In the following pages one describes the ‘extended’ mode, as it contains the UECP-compliant mode, too.

27.6 CHARACTER TABLES (FOR RT, PS, PTYN SERVICES)

The Tiger Shark allows the user to select (with ref to CENELEC Annex E.1,E.2,E.3) the character table used in all ‘textual’ services, such as PS, RT, PTYN.. It also allows to add control characters, according to EBU and ISO normative.

Available character tables are the following:

ISO 8859-1 (Latin 1) ISO 8859-2 (Latin 2) ISO 8859-5 (Cyrillic)

ISO 8859-7 (Greek) ISO 8859-9 (Turkish) ISO 8859-10 (Nordic Languages)

PAY ATTENTION TO THE CHARACTER SET IN USE. SOME LOW-PRICED RECEIVERS COULD NOT DISPLAY IN A CORRECT WAY ALL CHARACTER SETS.

ENG

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28 THE ‘STATIC’ RDS / RBDS

Double click the ‘Static RDS’ icon:

28.1 SYNCHRONIZE INTERNAL CLOCK AND ENABLE ‘CT’ SERVICE

Tiger Shark features an internal clock and calendar, that are used as reference either for PS, RT e PTY/PIN service scheduling, or for CT (Clock Time) service.

Real Time Clock panel allows the user to adjust the Target current time and date. If enabled (see CT On/Off button), this RDS feature can allow every receiver to automatically set its internal clock. Current time and date of Yr Pc is permanently shown at the center of the Panel. You can select two different time references for the Tiger Shark: the PC clock or an User-defined time. Selection is done through the dialog Box below the clock display:

COMPUTER CLOCK sinchronizes Tiger Shark internal clock to actual Pc clock USER SETTINGS allows the user to set a specific tame and date through the User Settings mask at the left of the panel

(see picture below). NOTE: in application of the relevant CCIR Recommendations, broadcast time and date codes should use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and Modified Julian Day (MJD). The listener, however, will not use this

information directly and the conversion to local time time and date will be made in the receiver’s circuitry. A coded local time-difference, expressed in multiples of half-hours can be appended to the User time and date codes (see Local Time Offset options)

Click ‘Synchronize’ to update Target time to the selected time reference. Make sure of the current Pc time prior to upgrade the Tiger Shark’ clock.

CT information is carried in the 4A Group. That Group is automatically managed by the Tiger Shark and is not user-enabled. For more information about Time Sync in Tiger Shark see Appendix A chapter 8.5

ENG

Axel Technology srl www.axeltechnology.com | DATASET 1 CONFIGURATION

29 DATASET 1 CONFIGURATION

29.1 INTRODUCTION

General Purpose DataSet 1 menu comprises all the settings related to the Main network (which is braodcasting the DataSet) and to up to 10 EON (Enhanced Other Networks). It is available also another page (Services) for enabling/configuration of RDS services supported in the DataSet

29.2 RDS GROUP CONFIGURATION (‘services’ PANEL)

As in UECP protocol, Service panel allows you to enable single RDS services/features (f.i. PIN, RT, etc) and to compose the Group Sequence carried by the RDS signal.

Tiger Tiger Shark accepts all the listed groups and reaches a maximum of 64 elements. Only group 4A (automatically generated) and 15A (not supported) are excluded. This feature matches with ODA management that allows to use any group for bridging the information.

When any group is specified, the Tiger Shark generates the 0A group as default, which carries all the RDS basic services (PS, DI, M/S, TP, TA, PTY, AF). The 4A group (which carries clock information) is automatically managed by the Tiger Shark and it is not user-settable.

In the event You would like to broadcast additional services to those included in the 0A Group, You will need to broadcast a Group sequence. That sequence may be generated manually with Drag And Drop catching the corresponding number group in “Groups” and dragging the number in “Group Sequence”

ENG

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29.3 EON / PSN SERVICES IN THE DATASET 1

The PSN (Program Service Number) List represents the reference List for all UECP index. It allows to associate the various PSN (i.e. RDS configurations) to Main networks and to EON networks, so that a same UECP command (for example the TA) can be brought at the same time to each Coder no matter of the network it belongs, resulting in the TA activation on the Main network and the EON-TA activation on the linked network.

To change the PSN assignment in the PSN List You just have to click the chosen PSN and drag it on the desired position. After that, enable each individual assignment by clicking on Enable box.

For example, to assign the PSN 5 to the Eon 2 (instead of the default PSN 3), click PSN5 and drag it in the current position of PSN 3. Then enable the Eon2.

NOTE: PSN List modification can be done only on Dataset unactive.

EXAMPLE If You have 3 RDS coders broadcasting 3 programs (Radio 1, Radio 2 and Radio3) and an unique TA - UECP command

brought at the same time to each coder, PSN Lists on the 3 coders will be the following:

RADIO 1

RADIO 2

RADIO 3

EON Fast Switch option (group 14B) shall be selected when a large number of groups (either Main or EON) is

braodcast, in order to make more timely a change in the status of the TA flag of a cross-referenced programme service. Some early RDS EON consumer receivers may need up to four correct type 14B groups for reliable functioning.

Therefore, if manual group mode has been selected, it is recommended to broadcast as many as possible of up to 8 type 14B groups, in order to ensure the detection of the TA switching under bad reception conditions.

ENG

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29.4 THE PI CODE (PROGRAM IDENTIFIER)

Main Network Panel contains all the settings related to the RDS signal that is currently being transmitted. A double click on Main Network icon will disclose a subtree providing the following panels: Basic Services, Alternative Frequencies, Rt (Radio Text) Edit, PinPtyEdit, PsnEdit, Scheduler.

Access the BasicServices page

29.4.1 THE ‘PROGRAM IDENTIFIER’ CODE IN THE RDS MODE

PI PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION contains four hexadecimal numbers ( see

‘Code’ box ): the first one assigns the

broadcast country and it is automatically provided from the Remoter software application by clicking the country acronyms (see Country Group). The second hexadecimal number assigns the coverage area profile (I.e. national , local etc.) Click on the most suitable item inside the Coverage Area window and the application provides the hexadecimal corresponding

number. The ‘Ref’ window contains a

number from 1 to 255 (normally assigned from the law authorities to the broadcaster).

If the entire hexadecimal code is already known, enter it into the ‘Code’ box.

29.4.2 THE ‘PROGRAM IDENTIFIER’ CODE IN THE RBDS MODE

PI PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION contains four hexadecimal numbers ( see

‘Code’ box ). . The hexadecimal code

must be typed into the ‘Code’ field: it will be broadcast ‘as is’.

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29.5 THE DI (DECODER IDENTIFICATION)

DI (DECODER IDENTIFICATION): this pull-down menu allows you to identify the kind of modulation (Stereo, Mono, etc).

Stereo modulation is assigned to STEREO, STATIC PTY, while mono is MONO, STATIC PTY. Click OK/Send to confirm or Esc to quit without saving.

29.6 ‘LINKAGE’ INFORMATION (LA, EG, ILS, LSN)

They are accessibile in the ‘Basic Services’ panel.

Linkage information provides the means by which several programme services, each characterised by its own PI code, may be treated by a receiver as a single service during times a common programme is carried. During such times each programme service retains its unique identity, i.e. the programme service must keep its designated PI code and its AF (Alternative Frequency) list(s), but may change programme related features such as PS, PTY, RT, TP and TA to reflect the common programme;

With LA=1, a service carrying codes TP=1 or TP=0/TA=1 must not be linked to another service carrying the codes TP=0/TA=0.

Linkage information is conveyed in the following four data elements:

1) LA - Linkage Actuator (1 bit)

2) EG - Extended Generic indicator (1 bit)

3) ILS - International Linkage Set indicator (1 bit)

4) LSN - Linkage Set Number (12 bits)

29.7 TP, TA, MS CONFIGURATION & THEIR REMOTE CONTROL

Open the ‘Basic Services’ page in the Main Network (see also previous paragraph).

TP - Traffic Programme is a flag to indicate that the tuned programme carries traffic announcements. The TP flag must only be set on programmes which dynamically switch on the TA identification during traffic announcements. It can be set as Disabled or Enabled.

TA - Traffic announcement identification is an on/off switching signal to indicate when a traffic announcement is on air. To enable it, see next lines.

TA and M/S ‘status may be:

- Fixed (enabled / disabled)

- Associated to relevant UECP command

- Associated to the status of one of 5 inputs on the Opto Input port or to impulsive commands (100 ms duration) applied to inputs 4 and 5.

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M/S - Music/Speech is a two-state signal to provide information on whether music or speech is being broadcast. The signal would permit receivers to be equipped with two separate volume controls, one for music and one for speech, so that the listener could adjust the balance between them to suit his indivi dual listening habits

Refer to Appendix A of this manual for OPTO INPUT interface pin-out.

TA, TP amd MS services are included in the Basic Services packet group

29.8 SLOW LABELING CODES

Slow Labeling Codes, as broadcast on 1A Group, are typed in Slow Labeling Codes in the Basic Services page.

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29.9 ALTERNATIVE FREQUENCIES (AF)

The list(s) of alternative frequencies give information on the various transmitters broadcasting the same programme in the same or adjacent reception areas.This facility is particularly useful in the case of car and portable radios.

NOTE: Overall 500 alternative frequencies max can be entered for each DataSet. The alternative frequencies (AF) list can be transmitted following two methods: A Method and B Method. In both cases, lists should only contain frequencies related to the closest transmitters (i.e. frequencies with overlapping between coverage areas).

NOTE receivers are able to get which Method (A or B) is used from their data organization (coupled frequencies

or single frequencies). There is any direct ‘identifier’ for that.

The Tiger Shark offers to the user the max freedom in using Method A or Method B in the list composition and, in particular, whether freq pairs are listed in descending or ascending order within the B Method.

Receiver’s behaviour could differ from one model to the other. The examples shown in these pages are for

information purpose only and to present Tiger Shark potentialities in the AF programming. Refer to Cenelec normative for a complete treatment on AF programming.

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29.10 HOW TO COMPOSE AF LISTS

First loading method (Drag & Drop) Select the AF from the available frequencies in the left window by clicking left it

and drag & drop it into the AF list. Release the mouse left button to ‘drop’ the frequency into the desired AF list.

Second loading method (preselected AF list) Highlight the AF list to be loaded by clicking on it. The selected column will turn red with a bright tone. At this point, double click desired items on the general list: they will automatically appear into the highlighted AF list.

- “U” button Arrange AFs

- “B” create Method B AF list

- “R” restore AF previous order

Clicking RIGHT You can remove ALL frequencies from the highlighted list or from ALL the lists. Lists containing at least one item (i.e. not empty) are shown in blu color.

To remove a frequency from the list, click LEFT and then drag it onto the ‘trash’ icon (alternatively,

click ‘Canc’ button). By clicking with the Right button of the mouse on the skeltor trashed it’s possible to

delete only a list of AF Frequency

Then it’s possible top selecrt the AF List to delete and pressing OK delete it.

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A Waring message is showed to remind that you are deleting ONLY in the DataBase Manager, so if you need to send information right now you have to Press SEND.

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29.11 AF METHODS A AND B

There are two ways to transmit lists of alternative frequencies: Method A and Method B. In both cases the lists should include only those frequencies for the nearest transmitters and repeaters (with overlapping coverage areas). Generally speaking, Method A is used when the list contains no more than 25 frequencies, and Method B when the list is longer (for a maximum of 24 lists). Method B is recommended when splitting areas or when different programs are broadcast.

NOTE: use of encoding method A or B is not explicitly assigned by a dedicated signal to the receiver, as the latter is capable of identifying which method is used by analyzing the transmitted data structure (whether or not they are organized in pairs).

METHOD A

Compile the AF1 list assigning the tuning frequency (i.e. the frequency carrying the list of alternative frequencies) in the first position, and then continue in strictly increasing order with the alternative frequencies transmitting exactly the same program.

We recommend recording the alternative frequencies (those of adjacent transmitters and repeaters with overlapping coverage areas) on each transmitter, being careful that the first position indicates the frequency carrying the list of alternative frequencies.

For example, in the situation shown in the figure three transmitters (B, D, E) intersect only in two coverage areas: between B and D, and between D and E. The following lists should be loaded in each transmitter:

Tx B lists

(tuning frequency: f Tx B)

AF1

AF2

Note that the frequency of transmitter C is not included

in the list, since the latter’s coverage area does not

overlap with that of transmitter A

f Tx B

f Tx D

f Tx B

Tx D lists

(tuning frequency: f Tx D)

AF1

AF2

AF3

Coverage area D partially overlaps that of both

transmitters B and E, and thus it is recommended to

load the lists for both adjacent transmitters. Be careful

to list all frequencies above the tuning frequency in

ascending order.

f Tx D

f Tx B

f Tx E

f Tx B

f Tx D

f Tx E

Tx E lists

(tuning frequency: f Tx E)

AF1

AF2

Note that the frequency of transmitter B has not been

included in the list, since its coverage area does not

overlap with that of transmitter E.

f Tx E

f Tx D

f Tx E

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METHOD B

As mentioned earlier, Method B is used with high numbers of alternative frequencies and/or when the transmitter also has frequencies that broadcast different radio program at various times of day (splitting, local programming, etc.).

In the latter instance, the mobile receiver should check whether the AF is broadcasting the same content before selecting another frequency.

Each list begins with the tuning frequency (for which the list is valid) and then contains up to 12 pairs of frequencies in sequence, each containing the tuning frequency and an alternate. If there are more than 12 possible alternative frequencies, the list continues in other lists in the same manner.

The order of the frequencies in each pair follow the rules below:

- If the order is increasing, the alternative frequency broadcasts the same programming as the tuning frequency.

- If the order is decreasing, the two frequencies have different programming.

Returning to the example of transmitters B, D and E in the previous paragraph (in which the coverage areas of D and E do not overlap), two more lists will be assigned to transmitter B, sorted according to the above criteria to take into account any different programming by some of the AFs.

Tx B

(tuning frequency: f Tx B)

AF1

AF2

Notice that the tuning frequency f Tx B is repeated twice in list 1: in the first position, then paired with f Tx D. Tx B broadcasts the same program as D if f Tx B < f Tx D, and different programs if f Tx B > f Tx D.

f Tx B

f Tx D

f Tx B

f Tx D

f Tx B

The AF lists for the other transmitters are compiled according to the same criteria, alternating the frequency pairs. NOTE: if the same tuning frequency is used by more than one transmitter within the same network, the corresponding AF lists must not be consecutive (for instance AF 1 and AF 2). Lists for different tuning frequencies must be placed between them.

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29.12 RADIOTEXT PANEL

Once You have selected the Radio Text panel, You can be enter up to 16 Radio Text messages, each one having up to 64 characters (spaces included). This refers to text transmissions, primarily addressed to consumer home receivers, which would be equipped with suitable display facilities. This feature can be used to display cyclic messages, too.

NOTE: only the MAIN RT field can be programmed accordingly to the UECP protocol. The other fields (from RT01 to RT15) are related only to the UECP Extended (custom) RDS programming mode

To enter RadioTexts:

- select a field (MAIN RT, RT01, RT02, etc) clicking on the ‘yellow’ zone: the selected field will be displayed at the bottom of the window

select and delete the text displayed by default (f.i. RADIOTEXT 04)

type the new Radio Text message (64 char max) into the field at the bottom

click the ‘Update’ button

to update the message or click

to discard it.

NOTE: Main Radio Text message (also indicated as RT 00) is broadcast by default. The SCHEDULER panel schedules many RT sequences.

Please, remind to enable RT group in the Main RDS SERVICE panel.

The group name for RT is 2A

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29.13 PIN – PTY SERVICES

PIN / PTY EDITOR allows you to set up to 32 different Pin / Pty / Ptyn items.

- PIN - Programme Item Number The PIN code should enable receivers and recorders designed to make use of this feature to respond to the particular programme item(s) that the user has preselected. Use is made of the scheduled programme time, to which is added the day of the month in order to avoid ambiguity.

- PTY - Programme Type This is an identification number to be transmitted with each programme item and which is intended to specify the current Programme Type within 31 possibilities. This code could be used for search tuning. The code will, moreover, enable suitable receivers and recorders to be pre-set to respond only to programme items of the desired type. The last number, i.e. 31, is reserved for an alarm identification which is intended to switch on the audio signal when a receiver is operated in a waiting reception mode.

- PTYN - Programme TYpe Name The PTYN feature is used to further describe current PTY. PTYN permits the display of a more specific PTY description (max 8 characters) that the broadcaster can freely decide (eg PTY=4: Sport and PTYN: Football). The PTYN is not intended to change the default eight characters of PTY which will be used during search or wait modes, but only to show in detail the programme type once tuned to a programme. If the broadcaster is satisfied with a default PTY name, it is not necessary to use additional data capacity for PTYN. The Programme Type Name is not intended to be used for automatic PTY selection and must not be used for giving sequential information.

NOTE: the MAIN PTY only can be programmed accordingly to the UECP protocol. The other fields (from PTY/PIN 01 to PTY/PIN 31) are related to the UECP Extended (custom) RDS programming mode.

To enter PTY/PIN:

select a field (MAIN PTY, PTY01, PTY02, etc) clicking on the ‘yellow’ zone: the selected raw will be displayed at the bottom of the window (f.i., the picture here above shows PTY 1 selection).

Select PIN Date/Time (Day, Hour, Min) and PTY from the list. Type an additional PTYN (8 char max) into the field at the bottom.

click the ‘Update’ button

to update the data or click

to discard it.

NOTE: Main PTY/PIN (also indicated as PTY 00) is broadcast by default. The SCHEDULER panel (see NEXT PAGES) allows You to schedule many PTY sequences.

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Please, remind to enable PTY and PTYN groups in the Main RDS SERVICE panel The group number are for PTY 1A and for PTYN 10A

PTY CODE

PROGRAM TYPE

PTY CODE

PROGRAM TYPE

No program type o indef.

Finance

News

Children’s programs

Current affairs

Social Affairs

Information

Religion

Sport

Phone In

Education

Travel

Drama

Leisure

Culture

Jazz Music

Science

Country Music

Varied

National Music

Pop Music

Oldies Music

Rock Music

Folk Music

M.O.R. Music

Documentary

Light classical

Alarm Test

Serious classical

Alarm

Other Music

Weather

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29.14 PROGRAM SERVICE NAME (PSN)

PSN - Program Service Name is a text consisting of not more than eight alphanumeric characters which is displayed by RDS receivers in order to inform the listener what programme service is being broadcast by the station to which the receiver is tuned. An example for a PS name is "Radio 21". The Programme Service name is not intended to be used for automatic search tuning.

NOTE: MAIN PSN only can be programmed accordingly to the UECP protocol. The other fields (from PS1 to PS59) are related to the UECP Extended (custom) programming mode.

To enter PSNs:

select a field (MAIN PSN, PSN1, PSN2, etc) clicking on the ‘yellow’ zone: the selected field will be displayed at the bottom of the window (f.i., the picture here above shows PSN 4 selection).

select and remove the text displayed by default (f.i. PSNAME 03) from the field at the bottom

type the new PS Name (8 char max)

click the ‘Update’ button

to update the message or click

to discard it.

NOTE: Main PSN (also indicated as PS 00) is broadcast by default. The SCHEDULER panel allows You to schedule many PS sequences.

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29.15 VARIABLE PS - BASIC OPERATION

Here below are provided some basic tools for the management of variable PS. For an advanced PS scheduling / programming please refer to Scheduler panel (next paragraph).

29.15.1 PS SEQUENCES

UECP Extended mode of Tiger Shark allows You to easily create and broadcast sequences composed by up to 60 PS Names. For each PS, You can also set its ‘display speed’ (related to the time it will last on the receiver display).

To enter the single PSNs componing the sequence, plese refer to the previous page.

A different ‘display rate’ can be set for each message. Available options are listed in the PSN SPEED

pop-up menu (slowest, slow, normal, fast and fastest). NOTE: the time needed for a receiver to properly receive and display a message is dependent upon

the following:

- numbers of characters in the message

- repetition rate of data group / overall number of groups carried out by RDS signal

- reception conditions at the receiver

- software implementation of PS feature Further to these conditions, it is not possible to set a precise time duration for each PSN (i.e. number

of seconds). Any way, ‘normal’ rate factor corresponds to an average display time of around 3

seconds. Please remind that fast and fastest rate factors are advisable only whenever a large

number of groups is carried out by RDS signal. See also ‘Warning’ note at the end of this Paragraph.

The ‘Stopped’ option allows You to keep constantly displayed a specific PSN. This feature is very

useful when many PS sequence are scheduled through the Scheduler panel (see next paragraph). Please make sure no stopped PSN are set in the middle of a PS sequence.

Default PS Sequence window allows to configure a PS sequence (or PS carousel) in a very easily and quickly way. Please note that this Sequence can not be scheduled (i.e., it can not be automatically changed during the day, the week, etc ).

It is intended to be on-air whenever no PS Event are scheduled (i.e. it should be used to ‘fill’ possible lacks in Event overlapping

To create a default sequence, You have just to select the last item of it, as the first item is set by default (Main PSN).

F.i., accordingly to the settings as in the picture here closed the PS sequence broadcast at all time will be: RADIO 1 / RAI / RADIO/TV / ITALIANA

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29.15.2 PS SCROLLING

The Dynamic Program Service Scrolling is a special feature that bring in PS Name a Scrolling message. For setup this message enter in the

Dynamic Rds section and set the message in PS Scrolling Message. It’s

possible to set le Scrolling Repetition, the Number of Character per Step and the Scrolling Speed in the

Please, make sure PSN is enabled (Basic Tuning group) in the Main RDS SERVICE panel. The Group is 0A

WARNING: if the PS is constantly changed (as in the PS Scrolling mode), it is possible that some receivers will

display a mixture of old and new PS message on the same display. In some cases, no PS will be displayed at all. This may occurs as message byte group order is not univocally recommended by the CENELEC RDS standard and strictly depends on the coder/decoder physical implementation. Neither the RDS encoder nor the car receiver are faulty. In case of PS Scrolling selection, we therefore suggest to choose low display speeds.

Services panel provides GENERAL ENABLING of every RDS Service. Once You have configured PSN

messages MAKE SURE the related Group (Basic Services) is ‘checked’ on the Services Panel and included in

the outgoing RDS Group sequence.

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29.16 THE SCHEDULER

Scheduler enables you to organize RDS broadcast on a ‘round the clock’ daily, weekly, and monthly basis. You use Scheduler to make Tiger Shark broadcasting / changing specific RDS features (PS, PTY/PIN) at specific times and dates.

The changes to a schedule are immediately saved and implemented. Your scheduling work goes into effect (i.e. ‘on air’) in max 1 minute.

The basic unit of the Event Scheduler is the event, which is an RDS feature (PS, PTY/PIN) that can be configured to launch automatically at a specified time and date or to launch cyclically at a specified interval.

The Events have two properties that define how they work: operational properties and chronological properties. Operational properties determine what the Event does (i.e. the type of event) and Chronological properties determine when the Event launches.

Scheduler programming capabilities are very flexible, allowing you to set the duration of each event, from 1 minute to 365 days per year, in 1 minute increments. Up to 64 events can be stored in the Tiger Shark memory. Event Scheduler provides the capability to configure four types of event (PS, PTY/PIN) to occur at any time.

Some examples are listed below:

- You can schedule a new PSName to be on air at a aspecified interval (f.i. form 6:00 to 12:00).

- You can schedule a specific PTY to launch at 14:00 every morning

Tiger Shark will investigate every minute for a new scheduled event and will activate it. A new scheduled event may be therefore broadcast within 1 minute. Please note that Tiger Shark will scan scheduled events from the bottom to top of the Scheduler table. It means: if two events are partially or fully overlapped in the time, Tiger Shark will execute the event

with the highest index (see NEXT pages). YOU WILL NEED THE TIGER-SHARK CLOCK ALWAYS ‘ON-TIME’ TO GET THE MOST RELIABLE SCHEDULER OPERATION

You can activate or deactivate any single event at any time using the Enable option provided for each event. NOTE:

- Change between 12- and 24-hour format is not available

- A cross-referenced Preview Bar is provided: this is a quick way to find out which item You are scheduling

This section provides you with a general working knowledge of the Scheduler features and a step-by-step programming instructions. In particular, it describes how to insert the items (PS Names, etc) that you have already created into blank event slots (raws) in the Schedule Table.

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100

To open Scheduler, click the Scheduler icon on the Navigation tree.

SCHEDULER OVERVIEW

Event raws

Each Event raw provides complete information about the event type, and scheduled day, month, date and year.

Edit Bar

The Edit Bar allows you to set/edit properties of the highlighted event (event type, launch time and date, etc)

Item Type

2 different RDS features (PS, PTY/PIN) can be scheduled. Item Type menu allows You to assign a new event to one of these four features.

Item 

It indicates the specific RT, PS, PTY item scheduled (f.i. PSN number 6)

Ps End

In case the Event is a Ps Sequence, Item  field shows the first element of the sequence and Ps End field the last one

Calendar

The Calendar is a collection of menu allowing you to set a specific time and date or at a specific interval for the selected event. Daily scheduling facilities are also provided.

General enabling

It shows the general status of the event. If not enabled, the Event is not taken into consideration by the Scheduler application.

Update button

Once You have programmed a new Event, Update button allows You to update it into Target and Scheduler table (Event raws)

Delete button

Deletes all the properties of the Event currently displayed on the Edit Bar.

Preview Bar

It is cross-referenced to PTY and PSN Editor, so that it shows the contents of the item to be scheduled.

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Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual