TECHNICAL OPERATIONS
August 2014
7
IDC Receiver Installation Guide
Introduction
These notes describe the installation and operation of the receiving equipment, a digital audio
satellite receiver from International Datacasting Corporation. The system uplinks audio in the
DVB-S2 standard. The transponder is Number 1, on Optus Satellite 2, D-series. Transmission
from this transponder covers Australia and New Zealand. It requires a Low Noise Block
Downconverter, LNB, PLL type. The SFX Pro Audio satellite receiver delivers two stereo audio
streams and corresponding contact closures for IDs, sweeps, jingles etc.
The Main Output (Channel/Audio 1) is usually configured to supply the correct audio for a live
broadcast feed. However, the Auxiliary Output (Channel/Audio 2) may, on occasion, also be
used. To provide maximum flexibility we recommend both Channels are wired through to all
on-air and production studios and your automation system.
The internal configuring of these outputs is controlled from Macquarie Media Syndication, the
particular mode being dependent on the program format, channel usage, stereo, mono, dual
mono etc. The Receiver also provides 4 relay contact closure outputs to control station
equipment for local insertion of material into program presentations. The system provides the
"News Maker" wire service which is supplied to authorised recipients through the RS–232
Receive Pin 1 on channel 2 relay connector.
The receivers also have the ability to replay, forward and store content via the Ethernet ports
on the receiver.
Antenna Requirements
We recommend a dish size between 2m and 2.7m (location dependent). IDC satellite
receivers demand input RF signals to be tightly controlled in frequency, which requires highly
stable conversion within the Low Noise Block Converter (LNB) of the antenna. For reliable
performance, LNB Local Oscillator stability must be better than +/- 25kHz, which is usually
achieved only in LNBs based on phase-locked-loop design. Check your LNB and if required
replace with a PLL type. The LNB can usually be replaced without upsetting the feed focus.
Your antenna system should be regularly checked for overall alignment, including pointing,
focus and polarisation (vertical), and the condition of the lead-in cable and RF connectors. If
you wish to provide split antenna feeds to the IDC receiver or other receivers, isolate the LNB
power feed from one or the other receivers, using a splitter with DC-isolation.
