Digital Alert Systems DASDEC-II User Manual
DASDEC II
Digital/Analog Emergency Alert
System
Encoder/Decoder
User Manual
Model DASDEC-1EN
Version 2.6-0
March 27, 2015
Digital Alert Systems
A Division of Monroe Electronics Inc.
100 Housel Ave
Lyndonville, NY 14098
www.digitalalertsystems.com
FCC Information
FCC ID: R8VDASDEC-1EN
The DASDEC is fully compliant with FCC Part 11.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which c ase the
user will be required to correct the interference at his/her own expense.
Copyright © 2004-2015
Digital Alert Systems
A Division of Monroe Electronics Inc.
All Rights Reserved
DASDEC is a Trademark of Digital Alert Systems
Chyron CODI is a Trademark of Chyron Corporation.
NDU is a Trademark of Vela Inc.
Cable Envoy and CEMS are Trademarks of Monroe Electronics
VDS-840 is a Trademark of Keywest Technology.
SAGE & ENDEC are registered Trademarks of Sage Alerting Systems, Inc.
SqueezeMax is a Trademark of Utah Scientific Inc.
All other Trademarks are hereby acknowledged.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Digital Alert Systems
A Division of Monroe Electronics Inc.
100 Housel Ave
Lyndonville, NY 14098
Sales & Technical support:
Office: 585-765-1155
TableofContents
INTRODUCTION TO THE DASDEC II and the USER MANUAL ............................................................... 1
The Formatting of this Manual ................................................................................................................. 2
Organization of Manual for Setting up your DASDEC II .......................................................................... 2
Conventions used in this Manual (Symbols, Links, Screenshots, Notes) ................................................ 2
*****App-notes to help you configure your DASDEC***** ....................................................................... 3
1 DASDEC II Hardware ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Front Panel ................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2.1 LCD ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2.2 Status LED .......................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Back Panel .................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Setup: Hardware ................................................................................................................................ 6
2.1 Audio Wiring ................................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 AES Digital Audio Wiring .............................................................................................................. 6
2.3 Video Wiring ................................................................................................................................. 7
2.4 General Purpose Input / Output (GPIO) ....................................................................................... 7
2.4.1 Optional Expansion GPIO ................................................................................................................... 8
2.5 Serial Port Wiring .......................................................................................................................... 8
2.6 MPEG Encoder Card Wiring ......................................................................................................... 9
3 DASCEC II Server Interface ............................................................................................................. 10
3.1 Power Up, User Interface and Initial Setup ................................................................................ 10
3.1.1 Directly connecting a networked host computer ................................................................................ 10
3.1.2 LAN connection with a networked host computer ............................................................................. 11
3.2 Web Server Login ....................................................................................................................... 11
3.3 DASDEC II Page Organization, Web Interface and Navigation ................................................. 12
3.3.1 DASDEC II Page Header .................................................................................................................. 12
3.3.2 Interactive DASDEC II Page ............................................................................................................. 12
3.3.3 Standard Links at Bottom of Page .................................................................................................... 12
3.3.4 Web Interface and Navigation ........................................................................................................... 13
3.3.5 How to Make Changes and Update .................................................................................................. 13
4 Setup: Web Interface ....................................................................................................................... 15
4.1 Setup > Server: Setup Server ..................................................................................................... 15
4.1.1 Main/License: Server Name & License Key Configuration ................................................................ 15
4.1.2 Configuration Management: Server Configuration Management ...................................................... 20
4.1.3 Upgrade: Server Software Upgrade .................................................................................................. 22
4.1.4 Options .............................................................................................................................................. 24
4.2 Setup > Network: Setup Network ............................................................................................... 24
4.2.1 Configuration: Server Network Configuration .................................................................................... 24
4.2.2 Security: Server Network Security Configuration .............................................................................. 29
4.2.3 Proxy ................................................................................................................................................. 31
4.3 Setup > Time: Server Date and Time Configuration .................................................................. 31
4.4 Setup > Users ............................................................................................................................. 32
4.5 Setup > Email ............................................................................................................................. 35
4.5.1 Email Server ..................................................................................................................................... 35
4.5.2 Event Email ....................................................................................................................................... 36
4.5.3 Decoder Email .................................................................................................................................. 37
4.5.4 Encoder Email ................................................................................................................................... 38
4.6 Setup > Audio ............................................................................................................................. 38
4.6.1 Audio Output Levels/Tests: Direct Audio Output Levels and Tests ................................................... 39
4.6.1 Radio Tuners .................................................................................................................................... 42
4.6.2 Decoder Audio: Alert Decoding Audio Configuration ........................................................................ 44
4.6.3 Encoder Audio .................................................................................................................................. 50
4.7 Setup Video/CG > Video/Character Generator Configuration .................................................... 53
4.7.1 Main Serial ........................................................................................................................................ 53
4.7.2 USB Serial 1 through 4 ..................................................................................................................... 54
4.7.3 Serial port protocols .......................................................................................................................... 56
4.7.4 Video Out .......................................................................................................................................... 59
4.8 Setup > Decoder: Setup Decoder Forwarding Options .............................................................. 60
4.8.1 Forwarding: Decoder Forwarding Configuration ............................................................................... 61
4.8.2 Local Access Forwarding .................................................................................................................. 71
4.8.3 Custom MSG Forwarding .................................................................................................................. 74
4.8.4 Demo Decode/Forwarding ................................................................................................................ 75
4.8.5 Other: Setup Decoder Option Links .................................................................................................. 76
4.9 Setup > Encoder ......................................................................................................................... 76
4.9.1 General: Main Encoder Configuration ............................................................................................... 76
4.9.2 Required Tests .................................................................................................................................. 82
4.9.3 Other ................................................................................................................................................. 84
4.10 Setup > Net Alerts: Setup Network Alert Protocol Options ........................................................ 85
4.10.1 DVS 168 ............................................................................................................................................ 85
4.10.2 EAS NET ........................................................................................................................................... 87
4.10.3 CAP Decode ..................................................................................................................................... 95
4.10.4 DVS644 (SCTE18) ............................................................................................................................ 99
4.10.5 Stream MPEG ..................................................................................................................................104
4.10.6 Net CG .............................................................................................................................................106
4.10.7 Net GPIO: Configure NET GPIO Clients ..........................................................................................106
4.11 Setup > GPIO: Setup General Purpose IO Options ................................................................. 110
4.12 Setup > Printer: Setup Printer ................................................................................................... 114
4.12.1 Connecting to a Network Computer or Via USB ..............................................................................114
4.12.2 Configuration ....................................................................................................................................115
4.13 Setup > Alert Storage: Setup Storage Management Options .................................................. 116
5 Decoder ........................................................................................................................................... 118
5.1 Incoming Alerts ......................................................................................................................... 118
5.2 Incoming/Decoded Alerts .......................................................................................................... 119
5.2.1 Incoming & Incoming/Decoded Alerts: Multistation Mode ................................................................126
5.3 Forwarded Alerts ...................................................................................................................... 128
5.3.1 Forwarded Alerts: Multistation Mode ................................................................................................128
5.4 Originated/Forwarded Alerts ..................................................................................................... 129
5.5 All Alerts .................................................................................................................................... 130
6 Encoder ........................................................................................................................................... 131
6.1 Send EAS ................................................................................................................................. 131
6.1.1 General EAS ....................................................................................................................................131
6.1.2 One-Button EAS ..............................................................................................................................138
6.1.3 Custom Message .............................................................................................................................141
6.2 Originated Alerts ....................................................................................................................... 143
6.3 Originated & Forwarded Alerts ................................................................................................. 143
6.4 All Alerts .................................................................................................................................... 143
7 Server .............................................................................................................................................. 144
7.1 Server > Help: Server Help ....................................................................................................... 144
7.1.1 About DASDEC II-1EN .....................................................................................................................144
7.1.2 About EAS: The Emergency Alert System .......................................................................................144
7.1.3 EAS Message Protocol ....................................................................................................................144
7.1.4 EAS Codes: EAS Code Table ..........................................................................................................144
7.2 Server > Status: DASDEC II Server Status .............................................................................. 144
7.2.1 Main .................................................................................................................................................144
7.2.2 Network ............................................................................................................................................144
7.2.3 Operating System ............................................................................................................................145
7.2.4 USB ..................................................................................................................................................145
7.2.5 CPU .................................................................................................................................................145
7.2.6 PCI ...................................................................................................................................................145
7.2.7 IO .....................................................................................................................................................145
7.3 Server > Logs: Server Logs ...................................................................................................... 145
7.3.1 Web Session Log: DASDEC II Emergency Alert System Encoder/Decoder Platform ......................145
7.3.2 Operation Log ..................................................................................................................................145
7.3.3 Operating System Log .....................................................................................................................145
7.3.4 Security Log .....................................................................................................................................146
7.3.5 Boot Log ...........................................................................................................................................146
7.3.6 Email Log .........................................................................................................................................146
7.4 Server > DebugLogs: Server DebugLogs ................................................................................ 146
Typical Tasks .......................................................................................................................................... 147
When Your DASDEC Receives (Decodes) an Alert ............................................................................ 147
Originating/Encoding an Alert .............................................................................................................. 150
Retrieving the Logged Alerts in your DASDEC .................................................................................... 153
Retrieving your DASDEC OpLog .................................................................................................. ....... 154
Installing a license key ......................................................................................................................... 154
Backing up the DASDEC configuration file .......................................................................................... 154
Uploading an audio file in a DASDEC .................................................................................................. 155
Appendix ................................................................................................................................................. 156
DASDEC II Hardware and Software Specifications ............................................................................. 156
An Emergency Alert System Analog/Digital Encoder/Decoder Platform ...........................................................156
Hardware Specs ...............................................................................................................................................156
General Software Features/Specs ....................................................................................................................156
Decoder/Forwarding Features ..........................................................................................................................157
Encoder/Origination Features ...........................................................................................................................157
The Emergency Alert System .............................................................................................................. 157
Purpose 157
Operation 158
Management .....................................................................................................................................................158
What you need to do as a Broadcaster .............................................................................................................158
DASDEC II Peripherals ........................................................................................................................ 158
Vela NDU 159
Monroe Electronics Cable Envoy and CEMS 500/1000 ....................................................................................159
Keywest VDS-830/840/Starmu/Star-8 ..............................................................................................................159
Chyron CODI ....................................................................................................................................................159
Evertz Keyers ...................................................................................................................................................159
XBOB CG 160
BetaBrite LED sign ...........................................................................................................................................160
Other Character Generators .............................................................................................................................160
Utah Scientific SqueezeMax .............................................................................................................................161
EAS Protocol ........................................................................................................................................ 163
INTRODUCTIONTOTHEDASDECIIandtheUSERMANUAL
The DASDEC II is an Emergency Alert System (EAS) Analog and Digital Encoder/Decoder platform. It is easy
to use and relatively easy to learn. Generally, DASDEC Web interface screens (web pages) are selfexplanatory. Some users may be able to experiment with features with satisfactory results. However,
DASDEC offers a large number of features and automated functions, plus a variety of shortcuts. Referring to
this manual frequently will increase understanding and decrease learning time for successful, customized
operation.
All DASDEC II features are licensed. The full range of licensing permissions enables uses all available
features. Limited licensing permission allows use of only the limited features. This manual reviews every
DASDEC II screen and explains all DASDEC II features and options, regardless of the user's licensing
permissions.
We suggest you first review the manual's Table of Contents for an overview of features and tasks you need to
complete. The Table of Contents presents the SETUP chapters in the most efficient way to configure
DASDEC II step-by-step. To further assist you in setting up the DASDEC II platform, the manual has a
checklist of tasks for DASDEC II Setup, in the order they should be completed. For best results, we strongly
suggest first time users follow the instructions in order they are presented.
Besides the Table of Contents, other Chapters of the manual will improve efficiency in set up for you like:
An explanation of how DASDEC II screens are organized and how to navigate within DASDEC II. (Refer to
Chapter 3.3 DASDEC II Page Organization, Web Interface and Navigation)
An electronic version of the DASDEC II Manual is on the DAS website www.digitalalertsystems.com in both
PDF and HTML formats.
New features continue to be added to the DASDEC II platform. This manual is updated either in entirety, or by
addendum, as new features become available.
Your comments!
Your comments on the usefulness of the manual, or suggestions for improvement, are welcome. Please let us
know how we can serve you better. Send comments to Digital Alert Systems; specifics are on the second
page of this manual
A Note to the User: There are a lot of customization settings that are available for the DASDEC. Just because
they are there does not mean they need to be turned on or enabled. KEEP YOUR DASDEC AS SIMPLE AS
YOU CAN. Do not blindly turn on settings without knowing exactly how they will influence the operation of your
DASDEC. There are many major settings that need to be turned on in order for the device to run properly, but
there are many more minor settings that are there for the very specific needs of customers. Those minor settings
should be watched with care as they will directly change the outcome of emergency alerts.
Thank you for purchasing a DASDEC
Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
1
The Formatting of this Manual
The manual describes all DASDEC II features, gives step-by-step instructions, and includes sample screen shots for quick
reference. Chapters are organized starting with information and configurations of the hardware, and then leads to explaining
the individual features of the software of your DASDEC II.
Organization of Manual for Setting up your DASDEC II
The SETUP chapters are in the order the tasks should be completed. The order guides a first time user through basic setup in
the most efficient way to configure DASDEC II step-by-step and set up the DASDEC II platform. Common functions have stepby-step instructions. Example screen shots are included for quick reference. The SETUP chapters also thoroughly explain the
individual parts associated with the DASDEC II.
For best results, we strongly suggest first time users follow the setup instructions in the order or close to the order
presented.
After basic setup instructions, the manual continues with advanced configurations. When you complete b asic set-up a nd the
DASDEC II is operating successfully, you may wish to explore advanced features. These include detail ed discussion of
customizing features and integrating DASDEC II with other software applications.
Conventions used in this Manual (Symbols, Links, Screenshots, Notes)
To assist you in using this manual, we explain the following conventions.
The symbol > indicates selecting a major tabbed page in the standard page header, foll owed by selecting a radio button and
then a sub-tab. For example, Setup > Server > Upgrade means to first select the Setup tabbed page, then click the Server
button, then click the Upgrade sub-tab.
Screen names, or page titles, are in bold text.
Different buttons and links will be presented as they are shown in a screenshot or as you would see them on the screen. For
example, or and likewise, could be referenced to give direction to the user.
Features on the interactive web page are typically presented fr om top to bottom within each section of the page. Many
DASDEC II screens are divided into sections by one or more horizontal lines. The lines are intended to assist the user by
grouping related functions similarly to the way a manual is divided into sections. A feature on the interactive page is typically
presented in bold type, followed by a discussion of its use and instructions.
A screen shot is an image to show the visible items on the monitor when certain DASDEC II selections are made or activity is
ongoing. The image demonstrates a feature or particular setup. A screen shot is generally the result of following the
instructions in the manual for a particular task. Each screen shot is labeled underneath with the name of the DASDEC II
screen, or web page.
A NOTE offers general information about the feature discussed or a suggestion to avoid problems. It looks like this:
NOTE: This is an example of a Note.
2 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
*****AppnotestohelpyouconfigureyourDASDEC*****
As of August 2012, here is a list of the available app-notes online to help you configure your DASDEC. Theses app-notes
were created as quick guides to do certain configurations and work with the user manual to give you an adva ntag e towards
setting up your DASDEC correctly. To access them, go to
http://www.digitalalertsystems.com/resources_application_notes.htm
note topics listed.
Interfacing your DASDEC™ with a Cayman Graphics® Power CG™
Configuring a DASEOC to send alerts to IPAWS
E-Mail Configuration
Expansion GPIO Specifications and Configuration
DASDEC™/One-Net™ TCP/IP Port Table
Disabling Text-To-Speech (TTS) on the DASDEC™
DASDEC™ EAS Monitoring Inputs Quick Wiring / Configuration Guide
Step-by-Step Guide to Programming Your DASDEC™-II
DASDEC™ Interfacing to Monroe Model R198 Networked Multichannel AES/EBU Audio Switcher
. There you can open a PDF file for each of these app-
EAS-Net Provisions for EAN and EAT
Interfacing DASDEC with CAP Servers
Setting up a Printer on the DASDEC™-II
DASDEC™ interface with Inovonics 730 RDS Encoder
MultiStation 2 and MultiStation 5 Setup
DASDEC™ Interfacing to Broadcast Devices Inc. GPM-300 Series General Purpose Matrix
Switcher
DASDEC™ - Fox® Splicer™ Integration
DASDEC™-II & SpectraRep® AlertManager™ Integration
Development / Interface Requirements for DASDEC™ RS-232 Serial Protocols
DASDEC™ Postscript Printer Setup using "printconf"
Alert Forwarding over IP with EAS-Net™
PuTTY SSH Client on Windows® to remote DASDEC
DASDEC™ Digital Audio Insertion with BDI AES-302
Multichannel Crawls and Digital Audio/Switching for DASDEC™ with MultiStation™ Option
Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
3
DASDECIIInstallationandConfiguration
1 DASDECIIHardware
1.1 Introduction
The DASDEC II is a 2U rack mounted unit built with the latest digital PC computer technology. It is an embedded PC
platform. The front of the DASDEC II, pictured below, provides a very simple face for a very sophisticated platform. The
DASDEC II exposes the PC motherboard connectors and single PCI slot in the rear of the unit.
Front panel of the DASDEC II
1.2 Front Panel
The front panel features a 2 x 20 character backlit LCD that indicates power-on and real-time device status. There are two
LEDs - one red, one green - to indicate specific types of status. A small grill provides space for audio from the internal
speaker. One push-button can initiate a simple weekly test.
1.2.1 LCD
The backlit green LCD shows real-time status of the DASDEC II. The LCD has numerous purposes indicating
system and/or encoding/decoding and active alert and button action status. Here is a list of information available
from the LCD.
When the DASDEC II is powered on, the LCD lights up, indicating power-on state.
When the DASDEC II begins to boot load system software, the LCD displays three phases of power up
disk check status, eventually moving on to display a busy booting indicator and the clock time. After all
system startup software is loaded, the LCD displays a startup message, eventually arriving at the ready
state where the first line displays DASDEC II: ON, followed by a crawling display showing the
programmed unit name, the software version number and the IP address. The second LCD line
continues to display the current clock time.
If the system software is manually stopped or temporarily restarted due to an internal problem, the LCD
will display a Server Stopped message until the software restarts into a ready state.
During decoding of an incoming alert, the LCD displays information about the source and the stage of th e
decoding.
While decoded, forwarded or originated alerts are active on the DASDEC II, the top line repeats,
displaying pertinent identification for each active alert.
If the front panel button is pressed, the bottom row of the LCD will display information about the button
push action. When the button push is to start a Weekly test, the display instructs of the need to push the
button once more in order to confirm the issue of the Weekly Test. When the button push is to
acknowledge an unforwarded decoded active alert, the display briefly displays the acknowledgment.
When a backup configuration is loaded or when the server software is restarted, the LCD will indicate
when the server is down or running again.
During a software upgrade, the LCD display will progress through server down states and eventually will
display "Upgrading'. When the upgrade is finished, the LCD will progress back to the original ready
state.
4 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
1.2.2 Status LED
The DASDEC II's two LEDS are used for a variety of status indications, making it easy to see the state of certain
important system information.
System Status - Green LED
When the DASDEC II is first powered on, the green LED is dark.
When the booting process advances far enough, the green LED begins to blink.
When the DASDEC II nears a ready state, the green LED blinks more rapidly. When the DASDEC II is
ready, the green LED light is on solid. A solid green LED indicates the DASDEC II is operational.
If the green LED starts blinking, the DASDEC II server has become non-operational. This can happen
during software restart or upgrades.
Alert status - Red LED
When the DASDEC II is first powered on, the red LEDs are dark.
After the DASDEC II becomes operational, in a ready state, with the green LED solid, the red LED
indicates decoding, alert sending status, and unacknowledged, unforwarded active d ecoded alerts.
If the red LED is blinking quickly, with pauses, the DASDEC II server is decoding an incoming alert. If the
red LED is solid, the DASDEC II is sending an EAS alert. If the red LED is blinking slowly and regularly,
an active alert has been decoded and has not been forwarded or acknowledged. Alerts are
acknowledged by pressing the front panel button or by pushing the Acknowledge button for the alert on
the Web browser. If the red LED is blinking quickly and regularly, an active alert is being held pending
GPI 1 input closure.
1.3 Back Panel
The back of the DASDEC II provides all of the connection ports. In addition to the standard PS/2 mouse and keyboard
and VGA monitor ports, the DASDEC II provides an RS-232 serial port (COM1), two RJ45 LAN ports, four USB ports,
main audio line in, out, and microphone jacks, optional auxiliary audio li ne in, out, and microphone jacks, radio antenna
jacks, GPIO, and a TV video out connector. The DASDEC II provides software support for the TV out as a licensed option.
The optional second audio sound card likely also has an unused MIDI interface port.
Back panel of DASDEC II with labels
Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
5
2 Setup:Hardware
2.1 Audio Wiring
Audio wiring on the DASDEC II has some flexibility due to the option of adding a second sound card and because of builtin software control. Here are a few rules:
EAS decoder input uses the analog audio line inputs or internal radio receivers.
Each available analog line input can be used for decoding audio provide d from an external receiver or another
EAS encoder. The web interface must be used to set an audio device input source from internal radios to line
input. Line input is NOT available on the AES digital card.
An audio line input supports two (2) EAS decoders. The left side of the input is decoded separately from the right
side. So two line inputs provide four (4) EAS decoders.
EAS alerts are selectively played out of the analog and/or digital line output ports. Software is used to select which
audio ports are used during alert origination and forwarding.
NOTE: The standard balanced audio hardware disables the main a udio line out mini-jack.
The Main analog audio output is instead routed out through the balanced audio output port. This output is
available on the screw terminal connector. The balanced audio hardware also features balanced stereo analog
audio input pass through for routing analog program audio through the DASDEC II. The inputs are also available
on the screw terminal connector. EAS alert play-out overrides the main audio output during the alert notification
(this is software configurable; the DASDEC II can be made to always override the input pass through source).
Audio pass through continues to operate when the DASDEC II is unpowered.
The main or aux microphone inputs can be used to record EAS audio messages. The ALSA sound software
option is required for these recordings to be clearly audible. DASDEC IIs come equipped with both OSS and
ALSA sound system options. The option can be selected from the Web interface by the Admin user.
AES Digital audio output is available as a hardware option. The AES option occupies one of the two PCI slots. It
provides both analog and digital audio output via two breakout cables. It also provides a separate output
monitoring analog mini-jack. The AES hardware option requires the ALSA sound system.
NOTE: Audio input and digital audio pass-through is NOT available w ith this hardware option.
See Section 1.5 later on in the manual.
For decoding, each side of the stereo input of any audio input can be selectively used as a singl e decoder source. In other
words, one stereo input supports two EAS decoders. A dual RCA to 3.5 mm jack input adapter can be used to connect
two separate mono input signals to a DASDEC II line input jack.
For alert encoding/origination, an audio cable is run from the main balanced audio output or from software selected 3.5
mm line output jack into your systems alert audio wiring. Only analog audio output is supported.
NOTE: The SPDIF digital audio output port is not used.
2.2 AES Digital Audio Wiring
The DASDEC II includes the capability for an AES digital audio output, and a Failsafe AES audio loop through. Refer to
the diagrams below for cabling of the AES audio inputs and outputs.
6 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
Diagram for Digital Audio Wiring
2.3 Video Wiring
Video output from the DASDEC II is an optional feature. When enabled, an NTSC analog composite vide o signal is
available from the RCA jack. This will provide a full details page during alert forwarding and /or alert origination. The video
page display takes a few moments to initialize. It will be steady when the GPO Audio or Video Output Relay is closed. It
will also be held until at least the Audio or Video relay is opened.
2.4 General Purpose Input / Output (GPIO)
The DASDEC II comes standard with two General Purpose Output relays and two General Purpose Input contact
closures. These are located in the upper middle of the back panel via a screw terminal connector. See the picture for
wiring info.
GPIO Terminal Connector
For DASDEC II's licensed for Broadcast features, both GPO relay outputs are programmable and triggering can also be
filtered against specific alert FIPS and EAS codes. GPO 1 is limited to Audio and Video events while GPO 2 supports
many other types of EAS events.
For non-broadcast DASDEC IIs, GPO 1 is non-programmable and is used as an Audio On-Air relay, being closed for the
duration of the EAS alert audio envelope play-out during alert origination or for warding. GPO relay 2 is still programmable,
but supports fewer options.
Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
7
Examples of events that can trigger a GPO relay are EAS audio or NTSC video play-out of an alert, or when an alert has
been decoded but not forwarded, or when an alert is held or delayed pending a GPI action.
The DASDEC II comes with two General Purpose contact closure inputs. GPIO input 1 can be programmed to trigger
forwarding of an un-forwarded alert or hold/delay the play-out of an active alert. Depen din g on the DASDEC II option
licensing, GPIO input 2 can be programmed to a variety of actions, such as (1) issue a Required Weekly test; or (2) to
trigger origination of an alert header/attention signal, pausing for voice dub of the audio messag e, followed by trigger of
the EOM audio; or (3) review of audio portion of an active alert; or (4) active alert acknowledgment; or (5) re-enabling of
active alert forwarding capability; or (6) forwarding of a Monthly test with original audio.
See Chapter 4.11 Setup > GPIO: Setup General Purpose IO Options
2.4.1 Optional Expansion GPIO
The DASDEC II supports three different Networked GPIO hardware options. These modules provide a very
convenient and practical way of adding programmable relays and inputs to a DASDEC II system. T he DASDEC
II supports the Titus Technology WR-300 module with four relays (the same hardware as the Monroe Electronics
rack mounted R190 Hub Controller), and the Control-by-Web Web-Relay Quad with four relays (the same
hardware as the Monroe Electronics rack mounted R190A Hub Controller) and Control-by-Web Web- Relay Dual
module with two relays and two low voltage driven inputs. Web Relay Dual inputs require applied 3 to 12 VDC
(some industrial models 11 to 28VDC).
See Chapter 4.10.5 Setup > Net Alerts > Net GPIO.
2.5 Serial Port Wiring
The DASDEC II is equipped with one RS232 serial port on the back panel. In addition, one USB connect ion can be used
with a USB/serial port expander to provide up to four (4) more RS232 serial ports. The USB port expander requires an
FDTI chipset for compatibility. Digital Alert Systems can provide compatible adapters.
The serial ports are used to connect to and drive a variety of video character generators and Beta Brite LED signs. The
DASDEC II supports a wide variety of serial protocols, including the most commonly used protocols in legacy EAS
equipment such as TFT Standard and Sage Generic.
For configuration of serial port protocols, see Chapter 4.7 Setup > Video/CG.
Each serial port has the same PC pin-out as described below.
8 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
2.6 MPEG Encoder Card Wiring
For DASDEC IIs equipped with the optional MPEG2 Encoder card, see the illustration below for wiring the MPEG2. The
video output needs to be loop cabled back into the video input of the Encoder card. Likewise, one audio output needs to
be cabled to the MPEG audio input port.
Optional MPEG2 PCI Encoder Card Audio/Video connections
Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
9
3 DASCECIIServerInterface
3.1 Power Up, User Interface and Initial Setup
The DASDEC II uses a standard AC power cord. It uses a single power toggle switch to power on.
NOTE: Power is supplied to the unit electronics while the external cord is plugged and
supplied with power.
There are two other ways to wire a network connection in order to use a Web browser user interface on a remote host.
The DASDEC II can be connected directly to another computer's Ethernet port using a network crossover cable, or can be
connected to a hub or router using a standard network cable. Network cabling may be d one at any time. The DASDEC II
is given a default static network address of 192.168.0.200.
No matter which way is used, the standard interface for configuring and controlling the DASDEC II is a browser based
Web interface.
NOTE: the DASDEC II must be fully booted before it can provide a network connection.
Once the DASDEC II is correctly wired; power up by pressing the power switch or rocker on the upper left corner of the
backside. The LCD screen will light up if power is applied. Allow the DASDEC II time to boot. The LCD screen and the
green system status LED will indicate when the DASDEC II is ready.
While the DASDEC II can operate with the KDE desktop enabled, the KDE desktop consumes much memory and extra
CPU speed. The provided KDE desktop applications are meant as conveniences and tools during DASDEC II
configuration. These should not be used indiscriminately during normal DASDEC II operation. Using applications from the
desktop during normal operation can interfere with the reliable performance of the decoder software.
3.1.1 Directly connecting a networked host computer
Once the DASDEC II is powered up, booted, and operational, it can be accessed via a Web browser from a
directly connected computer on the default DASDEC II network of 192.168.0.0.
Connect a CAT-5 network crossover cable, supplied with the unit, to the RJ45 port at the back of the DASDEC II
and to the RJ45 port of the network interface card (NIC) of a standalone PC or notebook computer. Configure the
standalone PC to use the static IP address 192.168.0.2 with a net mask of 255.255.0.0. After DASDEC II power
up and booting, it can be accessed via a Web browser on this host computer.
Now launch a Web browser application and direct the URL to http://192.168.0.200/. The DASDEC II will provide
a gateway page and quickly redirect to the DASDEC II login page. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3.2 Web
Server Login for logging into the DASDEC II using the Web login page. After login, the DASDEC II is ready to
use, although typically it will be desirable to reconfigure the network address. If the network address is changed,
subsequent logins need to use the new address in the http URL.
Follow the directions in Chapter 3 for general DASDEC II Decoder/Encoder setup via the Web browser
interface.
10 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
3.1.2 LAN connection with a networked host computer
Connect a standard CAT-5 network cable from the RJ45 port at the back of the DASDEC II into a routing hub or
other network switching device. You will likely need assistance from a network administrator to insure the
DASDEC II's default network address of 192.168.0.200 will be visible on the network, or will not clash with an
existing node (optionally, you will have to change the DASDEC II IP address using one of the methods described
above in section 3.1.1). Once the DASDEC II is powered up, booted, and operational, it can be accessed via a
Web browser from any remote computer on the LAN routed to see the address 192.168.0.200 (or whatever
address has already been used for the DASDEC II).
Follow the instructions in Chapter 3.2 Web Server Login for logging into the DASDEC II using the Web login
page. After login, the DASDEC II is ready to use, although typically it will be desirable to reconfigure the network
address. If the network address is changed, subsequent logins will need to use the new address in the http URL.
Follow the directions in Chapter 4 for general DASDEC II Decoder/Encoder setup via the Web browser interface.
3.2 Web Server Login
The DASDEC II features a built in Web Server that provides the user interface for all operations. This means the DASDEC
II can be operated over a LAN via any popular Web Browser. It also means that no special interface software or operating
system is required. When the DASDEC II is operated from a directly connected monitor, a built in Web browser is used
DASDEC II Web Browser Login Screen
To reach the DASDEC II Web interface from a browser, make sure the DASDEC II is on the same LAN as the browser
host and type http://<DASDEC II IP Address>
you must use https and a browser that supports 128-bit SSL encryption. When the DASDEC II successfully connects for a
Web session, it presents the following page in the Web browser.
Type Admin as the default user name
Type dasdec as the default password
Click the button. With the correct user name and password, the DASDEC II will login. If the user or password is
incorrect, the DASDEC II will display a message indicating the problem. If the DASDEC II is left unattended for 10 minutes
the idle logged in account will automatically logout. A message indicating session timeout will be displa yed on the login
screen. Multiple login sessions are allowed at the same time.
At the first login, DASDEC II will show the main tabbed page Setup with the radio button page Server in your web
browser (Setup > Server page). Subsequent logins will start at the last page displayed prior to logout.
(for example, http://192.168.0.200). If secure access has been configured,
Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
11
3.3 DASDEC II Page Organization, Web Interface and Navigation
Each DASDEC II page has three sections:
TOP: the standard page header
MIDDLE: the interactive page
BOTTOM: a row of standard links
3.3.1 DASDEC II Page Header
The top section of every screen, or web page, has a standard header area with the following information:
DASDEC II Server Name
Four top level tabbed menu selections: Encoder, Decoder, Server, and Setup. A DASDEC II licensed as
both decoder and encoder displays four tabbed pages, including Encoder. A DASDEC II licensed as
decoder-only has three tabbed pages in the header; the Encoder page tab does not display.
A set of radio buttons on the selected tabbed menu.
and buttons.
NOTE: The DASDEC II does not rely on the browser's back and reload commands located in
the browser main menu. DASDEC II has its own Back and Refresh buttons. See Chapter
3.3.4.1 Back
and Refresh Buttons.
"User IP address in dot notation" <=>. The current user's host computer IP address is displayed here.
User: Name (and optionally the number of times this user is currently logged on and the total number of
active user sessions if other users are logged on),
Server time.
button
Page Title (Page Name).
Software Version. The DASDEC II software version number is located in the box on the top right side of the
page. The software version indicator provides a quick hyperlink to the Server Help page (Chapter 7.1
Server > Help: Server Help).
Standard DASDEC II Web Interface Page Header Display
3.3.2 Interactive DASDEC II Page
Below the standard page header is the interactive section of the DASDEC II page. This manual discusses each
section in detail.
3.3.3 Standard Links at Bottom of Page
At the bottom of each DASDEC II web page is a row of standard links. The links are:
12 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
Back to the previous DASDEC II page
Refresh
Current Status
OpLog
Web Session Log
or reload the current page
to the DASDEC II Server > Status > Main page
to the DASDEC II Server > Logs > Operation Log page
to the DASDEC II Server > Logs > Web Session Log
3.3.4 Web Interface and Navigation
The DASDEC II uses a Web interface to setup, control, view status, and monitor all activity. Common web
interface commands are used. These include selecting radio buttons, toggle boxes or check boxes, entering text
in fields, pull-down menus and following active links. Commands can be entered with a mouse or the ke yboard.
The DASDEC II has three navigation levels. The first level is one of the three or four tabbed menus at the top
of the header: Encoder, Decoder, Server, or Setup. The second level is one of the selected radio buttons under
the tabbed menu. The page selected will show a darkened radio button. Most pages selected with a radio button
have a third level of navigation, which is a series of tabbed sub-pages. Some pages selected with a radio button
do not have multiple pages with sub-tabs.
To navigate, select one of the tabbed menus at the top. Then select a radio button. Then, if a level of sub-tabbed
pages is displayed, choose the page desired. When moving between top level tabbed menus, such as from
Setup to Server and Back
to Setup, the last selected location is remembered.
3.3.4.1 Back and Refresh Buttons
IMPORTANT! In general, DO NOT use the back button or the Refresh/Reload buttons on your browser.
Instead, ALWAYS use the DASDEC II and buttons. These are conveniently located in
both the standard header at the top of each DASDEC II page and in the row of links at the bottom of
each DASDEC II page.
Because the DASDEC II is a password protected Web interface, use the DASDEC II and
buttons when you want to go back one screen or reload the current page to current values. Although
using the browser's back or refresh buttons might appear to work, the DASDEC II page displayed as a
result may have misleading, out-of-date server state information. Also, in some cases, this can result in
unintended actions being performed.
3.3.5 How to Make Changes and Update
This manual informs how to make changes on each web page. Changes are typically made with toggle or check
boxes, selection boxes, buttons and text entry fields.
Toggle boxes are labeled as to the name of the feature the box controls. The feature is ei ther "Enabled" or
"Disabled". When the feature is "Enabled", a brief description of the feature usually follows, and the web page
instructs the user to click to disable the feature if it is not wanted. When the feature is "Disabled", the web page
instructs the user to click to enable the feature.
Many pages have an button, typically at the bottom of the screen. These pages allow users to
cancel changes before they are accepted.
Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
13
3.3.5.1 Pages with an Accept Changes Button
On pages with an button, you must use the button to submit changes. Clicking on
the Accept Changes button updates the page information. If you exit the page without clicking on it, any
changes made are lost. When you return to the page, the page will still have the original settings.
On pages with an Accept Changes button, there will also be a button. Use this button
when you have made changes to the page, have not clicked the Accept Changes button, and want to
return all settings to the original settings.
3.3.5.2 Pages without an Accept Changes Button
Pages without an button make changes immediately through automatic page
submission. Changes made to check boxes, selection boxes, and by clicking buttons are immediate; the
page updates instantly. Pages with options that must change rapidly to be useful are the ones featuring
immediate updates. For example, changes on the Setup > Audio and Setup > Decoder > Forwarding
pages are immediate.
For text entry fields, generally you type the change in the field and then click the mouse anywhere on
the page, outside the text field box. The page updates immediately. (In this manual, the instructions for
text entry fields say, "Click page to change and update.") Some browsers also accept text entry
changes when you press the Enter key on your keyboard.
14 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
4 Setup:WebInterface
One of the four top level tabbed menus is Setup. The Setup pages present the DASDEC II server configuration suboptions as a set of "radio buttons'. Only one radio button can be selected at a time. In left to right order the buttons are:
At the first login, before the DASDEC II can be used, the server must be set up and pre-configured. The recommended
order is to first set up the Server, then Network, Time, Users, Email, Audio, Video/CG, Decoder, Encoder, Net Alerts,
GPIO, Printer and Alert Storage. The subsequent manual sections are presented in this order. Each one reviews
information on the web page and provides additional information.
You may wish to review Chapter 4.3 DASDEC II Page Organization, Web Interface and Navigation; Chapter 3.3.4 Web
Interface and Navigation, and Chapter 3.3.4.1 Back
to Chapter 3.3.5 How to Make Changes and Update.
4.1 Setup > Server: Setup Server
Before the DASDEC II can be used, the server must be pre-configured. Go to Setup > Server. There are three tabbed
sub-pages on the Setup > Server page. Only one of these, the Server Main/License page, needs to be reviewed during
initial configuration. The other two pages, Configuration Mgmt and Upgr ade, support making and installing backups of the
Server Configuration and Server Software Upgrade. The three sections that follow review all three sub-pages under
Setup > Server.
and Refresh Buttons. For pages with an Button, refer
4.1.1 Main/License: Server Name & License Key Configuration
Use this page to set the Web Interface name, enable licensed features and restart the server. There are two
main sections on this page: DASDEC -1EN Platform ID and License Key Configuration. The first task is to check
the License Key configuration. The core DASDEC software will only run if it has been enabled using a Master
license key. Most DASDECs are delivered pre-configured in the factory, so this task already may be complete.
NOTE: To restart the DASDEC II server software, click the button at bottom of this
page. This is used during License Key configuration. It can also be used at any time the DASDEC II
appears to be functioning incorrectly. A confirmation page is displayed before the restart is actually
run. All logged-on users will be forced out of the system and will be required to log back in. Alert
decoding will be temporarily paused during the restart. This is not a system reboot, but nonetheless:
USE the Restart Server OPTION WITH CARE!
Reboot Server?
process when it starts back up automatically.
Power Off Server?
: This option is a full system reboot. The unit will power down and go through the entire boot
: This option powers down the DASDEC.
Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
15
Setup > Server > Main/License Web Page, top half
DASDEC II-1EN Platform ID
This is a unique identifier for the actual DASDEC II hardware. This identifier is different for every DASDEC II. It
cannot be edited. This identification string is needed for DAS to generate a license key to enable an unlicensed
feature.
Server Name
The DASDEC II server name can be edited. This is the name the DASDEC II presents through the Web browser
interface. This name can have spaces. Do not confuse the Server Name with the server network hostname (see
below). To change the name, click the button.
Web Interface Security
A text link displays whether the DASDEC II Web interface is configured for both unencrypted HTTP and SSL
encrypted HTTPS access, or only SSL secured http access. To change this setting, click the link "Follow this link
to change." The link takes you to the Setup > Network > Security page.
The Server Network Security Configuration page has a section Web Interface Access Security where you can
modify the Access security checkbox. If this box is checked, web access to the DASDEC II will be forced to be in
128 bit SSL secured https. Use this if the DASDEC II is ever on a public LAN. Left unchecked, the access allows
both http and https.
License Key Configuration
The DASDEC II controls availability of many features by using a license key interface. These include Ma ster,
Encoder, Analog Video Out, TV Features, Plus Package, Broadcast Features, Multistation 5, Multistation 2, CAP
Standard, CAP Plus, CAP Canada NAAD Decode, EAS_NET Decode, EAS_NET (includes DVS168), EAS_NET
CAP Send, EAS_NET Mediaroom, EAS_NET Minerva, EAS_NET Automation, DVS168 Single Client, DVS644
(SCTE18), Stream MPEG 1/2, Stream MPEG 3 /4, Custom Messaging, Expansion GPIO, Network Expansion
and TDX. There are also available features for advanced text-to-speech voices, David and Allison. A description
of each license key follows the screen shot below.
Every DASDEC II requires a unique key for each specific feature. Licensed software copied from one DASDEC II
to another will not carry along the license. To purchase a license key for a feature, contact Digital Alert Systems.
Green license entry box: When a feature is correctly licensed with a valid key in associated text key field on the
16 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
left, the license key display is green. The word VALID is shown to the right of the license key name.
Yellow license entry box: For options that also require specific hardware, the key display is yellow when the
text key entry is valid but the hardware is not installed. The word VALID to the right of the license key name
indicates the key is OK. A message states what hardware is not yet installed.
Red license entry box: When the text field is incorrect or blank, the feature display box will be red. The words
NOT VALID are to the right of the license key name.
Verify the license key configuration and make changes if needed. Submit changes to license keys using the
button. See NOTE before concerning use of the button.
Setup > Server > Main/License Web Page, License Key Configuration
Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
17
Master
The Master license key should be pre-configured. If not, you need to obtain a Master key from DAS enter it
in the field on the left side of the Master License Key box.
When the Master key is valid, you can configure the DASDEC II decoder.
Without a valid Master key, you can only configure a subset of the basic DASDEC II features. This
includes the network, a new server name, and security features, like the Web interface login
password and forced https access.
Encoder (Origination)
A second product license key controls the Encoder alert origination functionality. Once a valid Encoder key
is enabled, you can configure and use the DASDEC II encoder to run general alert origination. Decoder-only
configurations do not need this feature enabled. Decoder only configurations can only iss ue Weekly tests.
Analog Video Out
This option unlocks DASDEC II Video Details page output feature.
TV Features
This option unlocks support for television specific features. This includes specific serial port protocols geared
toward video display.
Plus Package
This option unlocks support for a set of features specific to broadcast. This includes various options for
handling Manual forwarding and using GPIO for forwarding control. Together with the TV Features license,
features specific to broadcast TV are enabled. This includes Manual Forward Text review/edit and network
control of Chyron CODI Digibox character generators.
Broadcast Multistation 5 and 2 Features
When Broadcast features are licensed, two more options are available for licensing Multistation mode.
Multistation 2 supports EAS control and management of two radio and/or TV stations from one DASDEC II,
while Multistation 5 supports up to five radio and/or TV stations from one DASDEC II.
Cap Standard
Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) Software Option for DASDEC directly handles CAP v1.2 messages to
ensure compliance with FEMA/IPAWS profile 1.0 requirement for text and audio processing.
CAP Plus
Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)-Plus Software Option for DASDEC directly handles all currently specified
CAP v1.2 messages; (text, audio, images, etc.) as well as 2 full years of in-version upgrades to ensure
compliance with FEMA/IPAWS profile 1.0 requirements “ includes support for automatic Text-To-Speech
translation of alert text, and basic, single-voice, Text-to-Speech license.
CAP Canada NAAD Decode
This allows you to decode National Alert Aggregation & Dissemination System (NAAD System) national
alerts in Canada.
EAS NET (Incudes DVS168)
This option unlocks EAS NET decoding on the DASDEC II. EAS NET Decode allows EAS alerts to be
received over a network from another DASDEC II configured for EAS NET alert forwarding. EAS-Net is
Digital Alert Systems exclusive communications protocol software enabling EAS data and audio
transmission over a TCP/IP network for up to eight (8) EAS-Net compatible platforms. Also incorporates
multi-client DVS-168.
EAS NET CAP Send
This software addition allows you to be able to originate/encode CAP alert messages.
EAS NET CAP Send to IPAWS Open
Software addition allows you to originate/encode and forward a CAP alert message directly to the FEMA
server.
18 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
EAS NET Mediaroom
Adds EAS NET support for Microsoft Mediaroom
EAS NET Minerva
This option unlocks EAS alert network forwarding via the Minerva EAS LAN protocol. The option is bundled
with DAS EAS NET protocol support.
EAS NET Automation
EAS NET support for Wide Orbit (broadcast automation software for television stations, radio stations, cable
television stations, cable operators, web television, digital television and out-of-home ad vertising) and RCS
Nexgen (provider of scheduling and broadcast software for radio, Internet and television stations).
DVS168 Single Client
The DASDEC II presents this option as a stand-alone licensed feature if the EAS NET protocol is not
licensed. It unlocks EAS alert network forwarding via the original SCTE DVS168/EARS specifications to a
single DVS168 server.
DVS644 (SCTE 18)
This option unlocks EAS alert network forwarding via the SCTE-18 / DVS 644 standard. Both standard
MPEG2 and Advanced DSG delivery is included for up to 32 client interfaces to SCTE-18 servers.
Stream MPEG 1, 2
This license option unlocks MPEG 1 and 2 streaming video/audio from the DASDEC II. This feature requires
special MPEG2 encoder hardware to operate.
Stream MPEG 1, 2, 4
This license option unlocks MPEG 1, 2, and 4 streaming video/audio from the DASDEC II. This feature
requires special MPEG4 encoder hardware to operate.
Custom Messaging
This license option unlocks the Custom Messaging feature of the DASDEC II. With Custom Messaging, your
DASDEC II can be used to generate non-EAS messages and Administrative and Civil Alert EAS messages
on DASDEC II peripherals, such as character generators. Text to speech capabilities are optionally available
to allow written text to be automatically converted by the DASDEC II into a spoken voice. Presently, one
female and one male voice are available. Each voice can be installed via an RPM package using the
DASDEC II Web upgrade interface, but each requires a separate licensed key after installation. The voice
license key interface will appear under the Custom Messaging key field.
Expansion GPIO
Expanded GPIO Inputs and Outputs. Internal hardware and software option to add 8 more GPIO Inputs and
8 more GPIO Outputs, for a total of 10 Inputs and 10 Outputs onboard. Uses internal expansion port,
therefore cannot be combined with MPE2-4 or EXP-EAS options.
Network Expansion (3
Triple Port Gigabit Ethernet Expansion option (DASDEC-II ONLY). This FACTORY INSTALLED option adds
three (3) 10/100/1000bT Ethernet ports for a total of four (4) unique Ethernet network links (Note: The
standard DASDEC Ethernet port remains 10/100bT). Please contact the factory regarding upgrading in-field
units.
TDX
This option unlocks the EAS Textual Data exchange option. TDX allows extra details to be encoded into
alert messages.
Licensing info for text to speech voice: David, Allison, William, and Jean-Pierre
This package provides a free simple text to speech engine and a commercial licensed advanced text to
speech engine. This package is currently only used for the OneNet Custom Messaging package. Later
versions of OneNet software will support further uses of Text to Speech. This package will be pre-installed
on systems purchased after Aug 15, 2008.
rd
and 4th Ethernet)
Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
19
David voice
option. This voice must be separately licensed within the OneNet before it can be used. The
current license key for the 6.2-1 speech synthesis package is NOT compatible with the 2.0-0
packages. Licensing for one voice is given with the Custom Messaging license. This package
will be pre-installed on systems purchased after Aug 15, 2008.
Allison voice
Speech option. This voice must be separately licensed within the OneNet before it can be
used. The current license key for the 6.2-1 speech synthesis package is NOT compatible with
the 2.0-0 packages. Licensing for one voice is given with the Custom Messaging license. This
package will be pre-installed on systems purchased after Aug 15, 2008.
William voice:
option. This voice must be separately licensed within the OneNet before it can be used. The
current license key for the 6.2-1 speech synthesis package is NOT compatible with the 2.0-0
packages. Licensing for one voice is given with the Custom Messaging license. This package
will be pre-installed on systems purchased after Aug 15, 2008
Jean-Pierre:
Text to Speech option. This voice must be separately licensed within the OneNet before it can
be used. The current license key for the 6.2-1 speech synthesis package is NOT compatible
with the 2.0-0 packages. Licensing for one voice is given with the Custom Messaging license.
This package will be pre-installed on systems purchased after Aug 15, 2008
: This package provides a realistic male voice for the Advanced Text to Speech
: This package provides a very realistic female voice for the Advanced Text to
This package provides a realistic male voice for the Advanced Text to Speech
This package provides a realistic male French Canadian voice for the Advanc ed
Follow Link to restart or change Sound System
Audio > Decoder Audio web page where the Linux sound system can be restarted or changed from OSS to
ALSA or ALSA to OSS.
. At the bottom center of the page is a text link to the Setup >
4.1.2 Configuration Management: Server Configuration Management
The interface on this page is used to manage configuration backup files. You can create a copy of the c urrent
configuration of DASDEC II settings and review previously saved configuration files. Each config uration backup
is stored in an encrypted ZIP file. The file contains all settings selected in the Setup process. The backup
configuration file does not
release 1.8-0, sound level settings are stored when a configuration backup file is created and are optionally
restorable. Configuration files made prior to 1.8-0 will load but do not contain audio level information and cannot
be used to set audio levels.
A recent backup configuration file is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for a number of reasons. Backup configuration
files serve as a safety precaution. They provide a way to restore your DASDEC II settings in case of catastrophic
disk failure, or in the case of an upgrade error, or to restore the state of former DASDEC II settings when
experimenting with new settings. The backup allows you to easily and quickly return to the previous settings if a
serious configuration mistake is made. The backup configuration file can also be downloaded to another
computer for offline saving. Later, the backup configuration can be uploaded and reinstalled. The same
configuration file can be used to configure another DASDEC II EAS server.
When the DASDEC II is being configured for the first time, and before a backup configuration file is made, the
page states, "There are no backup configuration files yet." REMEMBER to return to this page to create a
save Network setup, the email server name, user accounts, and license keys. As of
20 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
backup configuration file after you have completed setting up the DASDEC II or after you make
significant changes.
Creating the First Backup Configuration File: Click the button to create the first backup
configuration file. After the first backup file is made, a pull-down list with the new file appears. All other standard
configuration management options appear as well.
"No previous configuration yet”: This message is displayed before any backup configuration files have been
installed. A previous configuration file is created automatically whenever a backup configuration fil e is installed.
When a previous configuration exists, the date of the file is presented along with a button for reinstalling this
configuration. The previous configuration backup allows you to easily and quickly return to the previous settings
before installation of a backup configuration.
Server Configuration File Management with Backup Files
The screen shot of this page shows a DASDEC II with both a current and previous backup configuration files.
There are three main areas to review on the Server Configuration File Management page: Previous
Configuration, Configuration Backup Files, and Upload DASDEC II Configuration File.
A software upgrade results in the creation of two configuration update files. These serve as a precauti on in the
rare event that an upgrade mangles an existing configuration. Either can be used to attempt to restore settings to
the pre-update state.
Setup > Server > Configuration Management Web Page
Previous configuration
If available, the button is displayed. This allows the DASDEC II to be restored
to the state it was in prior to the last configuration file installation. The previous configuration option becomes
Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
21
available after a backup configuration file is first installed. The date of the configuration is listed.
Configuration Backup Files
This section provides all controls needed to manage DASDEC II configuration backup files. Using the controls,
you can save the current DASDEC II settings as configuration files, view a list of the stored configurations,
rename any configuration, delete a configuration file, download a co nfiguration to a remote computer, and install
a configuration.
NOTE: We recommend that you return to this page and make a new backup file each time a
set of significant, satisfactory changes are made to the DASDEC II settings.
Backup the Current Configuration: Click to create a backup configuration file of the current
DASDEC II settings.
List of Configuration Backup Files: The number of DASDEC II backup configuration file(s)is listed. Use
the pull-down menu to view and select a file. The selected file will be reflected in a n umbe r of other options
described below. To add a file from a system accessible to the Web Browser host, use the bottom section
on the page (Upload DASDEC II Server Configuration Backup File
Download selected configuration file: The file selected above displays as a link. In the screen shot, the
file is ‘default_dasdec_config’, but yours will be '2012_04_05_08_39_59_DASDEC II_config.zip
something like that, it varies by the date. Selecting this link will cause the Web Browser to try to Save File.
Make sure you actually save the file on your computer. Do not unzip the file. You may have to configure your
browser to allow ZIP files to be saved.
Selected Config File Rename Interface: To rename the configuration file, type a new name and select
button
Selected Configuration Dated: The button will install the currently selected configuration file. The
date of the selected file is displayed above the button. Installation will restart the server software.
Delete File: You can delete the selected configuration file.
is NO confirmation opportunity!
Upload DASDEC II Server Configuration Backup File
This section provides an interface to upload a configuration file from a file system accessible to the Web Browser
host. Once uploaded, the file appears in the configuration backup file list. Then it can be managed as described
above (renamed, installed, deleted, etc.).
Type in full path of DASDEC II Config Backup file on your host computer, or use Browse to find DASDEC II
Config Backup file. Click . The file will be added to the list of
configuration backup files.
).
Warning! The deletion is instantaneous. There
' or
4.1.3 Upgrade: Server Software Upgrade
DASDEC II software can be quickly and conveniently upgraded using the Web interface with this feature. T his
page displays the current DASDEC II software version, provides the interface for loading an upgrade pa ckage
from the Web Browser host device into the DASDEC II, and provides a button for
optional display of other packages that can be upgraded using the interface.
22 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
Setup > Server > Upgrade web page
Upgrade DASDEC II Server Software from a DASDEC II RPM release file.
DASDEC II software upgrades are achieved by installing RPM package files. New DASDEC II software upgrade
files are periodically available and can be obtained from Digital Alert Systems Customer Service.
IMPORTANT: Always backup your DASDEC II server configuration before installing an update. Go to Setup >
Server > Configuration Mgmt page and click on the button. If you want, you can also download
any backup configuration file from the same page to a host computer for safe keeping. The 1.8-0 or later installer
automatically creates two configuration update files, one immediately before upgrade and one midway through
upgrade just before the current configuration files are modified by the upgrade. After the upgrade, these will
appear in the backup selection list on the Setup > Server > Configuration Mgmt page and are named
preinstall_2.0-0_config_1.zip and preinstall_2.0-0_config_2.zip. In case anything irregular happens during
the update, use your backup configuration file or one of these automatically created backups to re-install the
DASDEC II configuration settings.
The upgrade RPM file must be available from or on your local host computer’s file system to use this feature.
Type the path name of the file into the text box, or use the provided button. This will pop up a
browse dialog of your local computer's file system that will allow you to locate the RPM file and fill in the path
information. Select the correct RPM file once it is found. Then, click .
A confirmation page allows you to continue with or cancel the upgrade. After accepting the upgrade, an error
status is returned about the file if it is not an acceptable DASDEC II upgrade file. Otherwise, you will be logged
off the DASDEC II Web interface and will be directed to log back in after a short waiting period. The upgrade
should only take about a minute to complete. And to just emphasize the obvious but important, do not power off
the DASDEC II during the upgrade! The front panel LCD will display a message during the upgrade process. It
will also indicate when the DASDEC II is back to a login ready status.
Show Auxiliary Package Information
The main DASDEC II RPM software package is named 'DASDEC. Clicking on the button
expands the upgrade page to display auxiliary feature/securit y related packages that
can also be upgraded using the upgrade interface. Each auxiliary package is displayed along with an explanation
of its function, the currently installed version, and the latest known version (as known to the currently installed
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DASDEC II package).
This expanded view also includes a special button for repairing the internal
package database. Use this button to repair the RPM package database in case of package installation f ailure
due to RPM database corruption. THIS COMMAND SHOULD RARELY, IF EVER, BE NEEDED!
Once the packages are reviewed, click the button to set the page back to the simple
upgrade interface display.
4.1.4 Options
Platform Configuration Options
Use this interface to set various platform options.
Server Debug Log Interface: This option enables or disables the DASDEC Debug Logs. This log is another
way for customer service at Digital Alert Systems to be able to view what is happening inside of the
DASDEC. If this option is enabled your DASDEC will keep track of these logs.
Select USB Port Speed Option: This option allows you to change the speed at which data is transferred
via USB in the DASDEC. This feature is important for some USB to Serial applications, where the USB to
Serial device may only support USB 1.1 and not USB 2.0. USB 1.1 Serial Adaptors need to run with USB
1.1 speed.
4.2 Setup > Network: Setup Network
There are two tabbed sub-pages on the Setup Network page: Configuration and Sec urity. Use the sub-pages to
configure the DASDEC II to operate on a network by entering such information as:
DASDEC II main and auxiliary network addresses
DASDEC II network server hostname
Static IP address
DHCP to automatically acquire an IP assignment
Netmask, optional DNS (domain name services), and an optional gateway value.
Force use of secure http when using the Web browser.
Management of ssh keys over a group of networked devices.
4.2.1 Configuration: Server Network Configuration
This page displays the current network state of the DASDEC II and provides interfaces to configure Server
Network Hostname, network Ethernet IP addresses, network gateway, and the static routes. It also displays four
informational sections about the current network configuration. These are the current network routing table, static
routes, network address configuration, and the contents of the /etc/hosts file.
The DASDEC II server can be configured to have static IP addresses or can use DHCP to automatically assign
network addresses. A second network interface can also be configured with a static or DHCP address. The
second network interface will only be enabled if the correct hardware is installed. Presently, the plug and play
USB-Ethernet Adaptor "Belkin F5D5050" is supported. Specific Ethernet PCI cards have not been tested or
approved, although many will work. The second network is usually meant to provide control and management
into a system that will use the main network for streaming MPEG, SCTE-18, or for sending other network based
alert data.
When a DASDEC II network interface is valid and operational, the web interface configuration box is dis played in
green and labeled "Enabled". Else, the interface box is the backgroun d color and labeled "Disabled". In the
example above, the main network interface is configured and enabled but the second network interface is
disabled, although it is fully configured, and is selected to be available. This would happen if the Ethernet adapter
is not present (for example, the USB-Ethernet adapter is unplugged).
24 Digital Alert Systems: DASDEC User Manual
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