Trilithic EASyCAST, Hardware Installation Manual

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EASyCAST - Installation Manual
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Chapter 4
4. Installing and Wiring the EASyCAST
Overview
Much of the EASyCAST installation requirements depend on the capabilities of the station, the
options installed on the EASyCAST, and the types of operator and equipment control desired.
Prior to installation, determine what options are needed and disregard references to undesired
options. The installation of the EASyCAST Encoder/Decoder may involve the following steps:
• Connecting EAS monitoring inputs - These are usually off-air radio stations assigned
by the state and listed in the state EAS plan for any given location.
• Connecting a computer - The EASyCAST can be connected ot a computer for EAS log
maintenance, future configuration changes, and operator control over the EASyCAST.
• Connecting the base band or AES/EBU audio switch - Base band or AES/EBU
switches are used to intercept the normal station audio prior to the transmitter or MPEG
encoder. Alternatively, control lines or data protocols may be used to cause station
equipment to switch audio.
•
Connecting the base band NTSC character generator - The base band NTSC
character generator intercepts the normal station video prior to the transmitter or MPEG
encoder. Alternatively, EAS text data can be sent to the stations video generation equipment
(such as a character generator) via an RS-232 serial line or Ethernet connection.
•
Connecting a line-level microphone - The microphone is connected to the EASyCAST
if the station is an EAS origination point.
•
Connecting control lines and studio indicators - The control lines and indicators are
connected to the EASyCAST if hard-wired (contact-closure) control is desired. This may
include connecting commercial-insertion equipment as a control input to the EASyCAST.
• Installing the software - The software necessary for configuration, control, and log
maintenance; configuring the EASyCAST; and configuring station equipment that
interfaces with it must be installed.
Wiring Recommendations
• Shielded audio wire for all TTL, contact closure, and audio connections
• Shielded RS-232 and printer cables
• Shielded (coaxial) video cables
• Shielded RS-485 data cable