Archive
Summary of Life
Oh there is so much to write about. I’ve been on vacation, and now back this week to much to do. Twitter has been good for updates. I sure would like to drill down and give you guys some substance, but here we are summarizing the fun we have had this week.
HVAC. Finally, after 6 or so years, we have air conditioning at our Class A transmitter site. The R2D2 type units just were not cutting it and when I had the vendor out to get the quote, one of the units would not stay on. Now that the new unit is in, the room is consistent and hopefully will be much cleaner as it is a closed system. We had a Fujitsu 2.5 ton split system installed. It is quiet; almost too quiet. The residence at the house will appreciate that. It is rated at 19 SEARS, so it is efficient. Let’s see how efficient over time. Check that off the list.
I received my RF load for a station that had one under-sized since the HD installation. That needs to go. The thing showed up the day before I left on vacation. I will squeeze that in shortly. Should be straight forward. Of course I plan on making the project a bit more complicated as the RF coax switch on that station needs to be rotated 90 degrees as the interlocks do not line up properly with the controller, position-wise. Now that will be fun. Drop switch, rotate it, and make plumb again.
New Avaya phone system was installed. Some minor adjustments are required, but we had the first phones up and running 1 hour after the old system was turned off. We’re good. I congratulate the IT dude on his planning and the folks at GSolutionz for providing a good installation experience. Can’t wait to play with the new features. I do have one thing we are attempting to solve: Connecting the system to the Telos 2101. I have Green, but I do not have the numbers and the two systems are not quite talking with each other. I’m waiting for a call from Telos now (been 2 hours already) on the error codes that are showing so I can get the techs to adjust the Avaya to provide what Telos needs. Anyone else connect a phones system to the Telos? Any luck, trouble, solutions?
I continue to find the time to run tests and evaluate the Orban 8600. Stay tuned for a user report somewhere. Hint: I like it. Now will Omnia step up and let me dig on that one?
I continue to rotate 6 year old Aphex 230 processors through as they fail. All the same vintage and all getting capacitors replaced. I am still not told which ones, but at least I know they get recalibrated when sent in for service. Believe it or not, one unit had a tube replaced. I need to dig up the type and get a couple replacements in house. My oldest is 7 years old.
Keeping busy is good. Makes the days fly by. If there is a subject you would like to hear about, let me know. I appreciate all comments, good and bad.
Have a great 4th of July weekend!
Why We Like Tieline
In a nutshell: Because they work. In the last week we had one day, last Sunday, three live broadcasts or some feed via Tieline. One was our weekly show utilizing a POTS connection, one was an extended broadcast utilizing IP through a resort, and one was feeds from a concert utilizing IP via Verizon 4G modem. Meanwhile a fourth unit was in Mexico ready for a week of morning show broadcasts utilizing IP. Needless to say everything worked just fine with minimal issues.
If that was not enough, we helped a fellow broadcaster stay on the air while tower work occurred at their site. We provided our Aux site for use and we used a Tieline to provide audio from their studios to ours via IP. Once again, all worked just fine.
If you have not noticed, and you have read the trades, audio delivery via IP is our number one choice. We prepared for and accepted the Internet as a viable option, even international. Latency has not been an issue. Quality is quite acceptable and actually superior. The one caveat is the occasional data hit. This is kept to a minimum with the right combination of data rate and error correction. Of the worst offenders was the resort hotel right in our backyard. Our experience is they have minimal bandwidth shared with many guests. The kicker is the broadcast from Cabo had less errors than the local resort!
The ease of use and the flexibility of the Tielines keep us on top of our live broadcasts. We are sticklers on quality. We like to tinker with the latest (4G). We are successful because of it. Our oldest Tieline iMix-3G is coming up to at least 5 or 6 years old now. We work them hard, and we will be working them harder.
Busy Is Good, Too Good?
I realized I did not update last week. The highlight was an AT&T pole that came down removing Telco service for 3 site users. We faired well as our T1 stayed active, but dial-tone, audio for client, and other data went down. On top of that we had a root-kit invade a VoxPro machine (thanks guys), and a file corruption on an Audition machine. Between Jeremy and myself we cleaned that right up. We were one hand short, too.
We continue our busy schedule with a failed R2D2 air conditioner and much to-do planning our big NexGen migration. I also have orders in for the EAS-CAPS upgrade. The ball is rolling and soon won’t be able to stop. I have been working with Burk Technologies to upgrade our 20 year old ARC-16 units. I am redesigning the system.
Speaking of redesign I have been working up options for a new server room to house the RCS system. It is changing constantly, but finally coming to light. I like the Vision blocks from Middle Atlantic as that is making things easier. I discovered I do not like their RackTools application. It seems lacking. I was hoping for something that smoothly let’s me change between front and side views, but nothing ever lines up nor can I rotate an accessory like a power strip.
Work is scheduled for this weekend as I engineer one of our live broadcasts. This sure is turning into a busy year!
Cheers!
Thorn of the Week
Why not mention that I love the Aphex 230 Voice Processor. I find it an awesome device. Yet, this week it has been a thorn in my side. I am having a rash of failures among some of my older units. It is not the tube. When sent in for repair it comes back with a packing list stating 2 capacitors and 1 IC replaced. It does not tell me which ones and why.
The symptoms of the failure: 1. Power LEDs behind the Aphex logo do not light; 2. Audio does not pass; 3. Clip/mute LED either flickers or is on solid; 4. The De-ess LED is lit with flicker. I suspect a power supply issue, but no definitive answer to that question. I await a phone call to find out more details and if I can do field repairs to the units. As a “precision” voice processor I do not want to make repairs and have not way to calibrate the unit, so part of the phone call is to determine feasibility.
If you have one of these units I am curious at what the age it is, and if you had/have any other issues with it. I will begin a routine replacement of tubes on the oldest units as they are pushing at least 7 years if my calculations are right. I figure that is a good amount of time plus I want to find out if there is an audible difference between before and after.
Many minor items are burning in the background. I am making progress on the Orban 8600. I am still in the poking around stages. Plan on some review in a trade near you soon. Have a great weekend!
USB to Serial Crash
Have you run into this fine crash on a Windows XP computer using an USB-to-Serial converter: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL?
Not a nice thing as it restarts the computer. Had it happen on our SAS RCS computer thus causing a slight panic when timed automation events stopped running. The error refers to the ser2pl.sys driver as the cause.
So far I have not found any solutions to this and it is a random occurrence (3 times in 9+ months). My next attempt will most likely be a different manufacturer of said USB to Serial device.
The other interesting point is how much broadcast related equipment and processes still require the tried and true serial port and how many, like all, computers do not come with one; thus, forcing us to use these converters as manufacturers catch up and make IP based control and monitoring the norm.
Another one of those “all in a days work” thing. A simple reboot to make sure all is restored and running is all it takes.
Social Media Returns and In the Works
We seem to have some response to social media. The bad news is that the old dragonbill twitter account was slashed and dashed. The new twitter is Eisenhamer_Eng, so look for that.
Facebook seems to be OK. That account did not have any issues.
So if you wish to follow on twitter, look for the new account.
Some stuff in the works:
Preparing for EAS-CAPS, Continued. Yes, the plans and orders are about to begin.
Installation of RCS NexGen. The true story as we begin our installation of this beast.
Troubleshooting Part 1 Zillion. Yes, most of you know how to, but why not reiterate, right?
Hope to see you on Twitter and Facebook again!
Social Media
I am posting here as I have no other outlet at this time. My Twitter and Facebook have been terminated. If you find either of these helpful I will create a new twitter and reactivate Facebook.
For some these means work well, for me I see no movement and not worth the up-keep. That said, maybe I can spend more time writing in-depth posts more frequently here.
My NAB Round-up
If you were looking for something new and cool, you may have been dissapointed. For me it was refreshing to not be bombarded with” it’s new and fresh” sales pitches. I saw more to my liking the” we have improved this or made this” better in our product. When you purchase products that are meaant to last several years you cannot purchase the latest and greatest, so you look for the improvements.
Sierra Automated Systems showed me the improvements to their routers. IP audio and redundant MCU capability. Nautel previewed a bit of the AUI and I was unable to return for some in-depth insight to a couple of NV questions I have, so a phone call is going to be made. Harris will be providing me another software/firmware update to the Flexstar as I continue to have issues. At least theyare responsive to my needs.
There was one item that I thought was cooland innovative. It belongs to Pelican, the road case guys. It was an LED light that packs within a case. Bright, battery operated, it was exactly what I need for them dark morning show remotes outside. Shoot even in dark venues pop one of them out. The batteries last 8-10hrs. I saw two and four light versions. Switches file each light. Very handy and in its own case. Nice job. That gets my cool stuff vote!
These are the 9400 series remote area lighting systems. I really liked the 9470 package, but may be overkill.
I made my customary stops and expressed my opinions, be that what it may. Some vendors are quite receptive and others think I’m a freak. In either case it was a good show for me this year. Till next time!
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NAB Convention Preview
Well, not really a preview as I have not really seen anything new. I attend the Nautel User Group (NUG) meeting this morning. I will have to say I did not come out of it with new new knowledge, but did receive some reinforcment knowledge. Most of that came from Mr. Jeff Welton. After lunch was at was supposed to be an in-depth view of the AUI, and again it de not move me. It turned out to be a showing of AUI changes and development. To me I felt a bit underwhelmed. Love the product, but not impressed by what is being worked on.
As I think of my strategy for tomorrow, I thing it will be humbling and tediuous. I need to look at the NexGen product as that is the system being mandated. I will dig a bit and see what I like and dislike. I have certain expectations which I think will not be fulfilled.
I want to visit Burk Technology and look at their latest remote control system. With that I will visit Audemat ad see their offering though I have seen and heard horror stories. I do like their concept which falls in line with that of Davicom, another vendor I wish to visit. That will round out the day.
If I see or hear anything of interest I will surely pass it on.
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NAB Convention Is Upon Us!
I sit here gathering up my “notes” and listening to my Blues channel on Pandora; NAB is around the corner. No way, it is here! I leave tomorrow! Wow. I have an agenda. The company has an agenda. The show has an agenda. My job is to make them all mesh. Of course it will not prevent me from doing some “vendor disruptions”.
I need to visit vendors regarding remote controls. Burk, Audemat, and Davicom come to mind. Any other suggestions? I’m familiar with Burk. I like the concept and white paper by Audemat, though some reports from the local boys across town will curl your hair. Davicom I’ve seen via web meeting and should be usable. How far do I want to go? This could be fun.
We will attempt to crash the NexGen, so be prepared RCS. We like to dig and we want to push buttons; simultaneously. We did this to WideOrbit and they passed. Others failed in an endless loop in the past, so maybe everyone is robust compared to then. Should be fun.
I will be at the NUG (Nautel Users Group) on Sunday. Hey, that app you posted in the Waves newsletter does not work through VPN. I look forward to seeing what’s new and how things are. I also want to see the advanced AUI presentation.
To bad Verizon won’t be there. Maybe even HTC and Samsung. No VPN through hotspots? NAT issue? Come on, now. How do we run our stuff securely, leave it on an open network? Security first, people. If WiFi is available on the floor or nearby, I will be happy to show you a VPN connection w/VNC to my Nautel transmitters on an eReader, a.k.a. cheap tablet.
I will be talking with SAS (Sierra Automated Systems) regarding my system and integration with our next automation system being mandated by the company. (I’ll elaborate later, and will be a subject of review) I have a studio upgrade coming.
Tieline will get a visit. I see a new box and they did not send me one to play with. Does that mean I can break it at the show? Also I noticed an application to manage the Tieline remote gear. Well, where is it? I know I have 8 boxes I could manage. I like pushing updates. I also like to add and subtract profiles as necessary. Let’s have at it! Oh, and where is the Android app?
I will visit Sage and ask to tear about the Digital Endec. EAS and CAPS is coming and we are to upgrade this year anyways. Just a few questions and a look at the box. This is the one we have decided on.
I’ll visit with Studer as they want to meet with me regarding consoles. This is not a formal thing, but would be cool if it led somewhere. I am quite happy with my SAS Rubicons and SLs. If it leads to anything, it is design, like I know anything about that; I install and make ’em work.
It just piles up. I notice a hard time for Audemat. Hopefully we are discussing remote control and not that stupid Golden Eagle box. I had to reboot that thing 3 times yesterday just to get diversity delay readings! Ouch. The multipath at the studios isn’t much help either.
I think I will swing by Harris and tell them that my Flexstar dropped off once again without any reason. Once in 1 year is a major improvement! Of course a week after that occurred I get an email talking about their new transmitters. WT>>>> I have a “young” transmitter, I cannot get another. There is other competition out there! 😉 (See my article in the Waves newsletter….) I want to see the STL solutions provided by these guys, too. This means I will be visiting Moseley, too. I have Moseley and Intraplex.
Gosh, I just remembered I wanted to look at some audio test gear and modulation monitors that work. The ones I have are in a word, worthless. They will make good air monitors for HD, though.
I will hit the usual suspects as time permits. I have a lot to do with only 2 days on the floor. I’m a bit disappointed I may not get to see interactive and video. I want to delve into some of that and see what ideas I can come away with.
Hope to see you all at the show! Walk up and smack me if you wish to talk.
Cheers!
Tech Notes from the Field 