Archive
Quick Update
I love it when the application asks “what’s on your mind?”
I’ll tell you what’s on my mind: Has it been that long since I posted! Crazy. Busy? Pretty much. Between life and family, and work, it has been busy.
Symetrix update: I have four Symetrix Radius-NX units now. I just installed a Dante module in one for the next test in the works. Looking for a decent, yet not too expensive, Dante enabled mic preamp for the test. I’ve adjusted settings, so maybe I need to update what I like and dislike.
Aphex: I still get emails regarding the Aphex 230 and Channel. Yes, the power supplies continue to drop off, and thus the above update of 4 units now. No power supplies are available as far as I know. Rode is not helpful on discrete hardware. They still support the Aphex product within their devices like the Rodecaster. I have pretty much placed the Aphex branded hardware on my do not buy list until I know someone will continue enhancing the technology and supporting the hardware.
Burk Technology: I have installed and updated to the latest version of the ARC Plus Touch firmware, Autoload, and Autopilot. I was the first in our company to do so, and I continue to test intermediate releases. I am pretty happy with how our remote control system is working, and we continue to work out bugs.
Wegner ACP satellite receiver: I am providing information to WW1 and Wegner on random relay occurrences. Random is the key word.
And I can go on, but now I need to focus. I think I’ll pursue a Symetrix update soon. I may even try that new NotebookLM by our Google friends. LLM AI is taking over everything, so maybe I’ll poke at that a bit.
Cheers!
Thoughts While NexGen Updates
How’s that for a generic title? And, WOW, it’s February already!
Anyhow, I’m still working on my Future of Radio series, but it has been tough concentrating on that while doing the daily grind, and I must admit keeping the motivation up. Now that we are in the midst of a NexGen update, going to version 2.13, I am relaying general items that have popped up in the last couple of weeks.
My first interesting conversation was from Burk. I placed a “feature request” in. Not really a feature, but I figured I would ask since I’m dabbling in Linux. The answer is no, they are not working on a Linus version of AutoPilot. Would you believe of all you engineers out there, they claim to have received NO requests for this? My reasoning: Running a monitoring critical operations with a Windows-based system seems a bit disturbing. One would think that having a strong, stable platform running software would be high on the list of requirements. So, I hope I get a call to test out a new package, but something tells me until more of you make the request, no move will happen in the short term.
As I type this, I’m working on my Linux VM. I had to fight, actually learn how to install a plug-in that was not automatic as I am used to. I have a lot to learn on this stuff. Once I get a handle on it, watch out Nautel, I know you guys use Linux for the AUI!
How many of you have MPLS “private” networks across your city, region, or at all? We are in a valley, so our primary STL is T1. AT&T is just the worst now at maintenance and reliability. Seems to me they are taking the same route with point to point T1 circuits as they are with ISDN; slowly letting them die. I figure we would research MPLS and the response from manufacturers like WorldCast is that is the best way to get quality IP connections for audio. Of course this is true if the provider can guarantee bandwidth. This bothers me as many of they companies must lease line segments from the such as AT&T. If I can’t get reliable service from them direct, how can a third party provider? So, if you have something like this, please feel free to chime in with your thoughts.
A couple of years ago I started research for a licensed, high bandwidth data microwave using a combination of 11Gb, 18Gb, and possible 22Gb links. That fell flat when money was shut off. Now I wonder if I can even get a licensed link. I guess it may be time to start that research again. Hopefully the economy improves a bit to make things happen.
Well, better go back and check on that update, and after that check on an air duct to see if it has any dampers or diversions in it. Ah, the life of a radio engineer.
Networking, IT, IP, and RF
Been spending a lot of time in the modern world of broadcast engineering. As we keep moving forward we keep doing more of what people call IT. What do we do as broadcasters, we pass information. Why not group us into IT?
First I have been spending time with Burk and Nautel on a Burk PlusConnect-NV disconnect issue. Seems the PlusConnect is working fine. Nautel does say there is a little issue with the SNMP agent as it is slow to respond at times. I understand a few customers have this issue. Rest assured both parties are aware of this and both parties are working together to resolve this issue. I’m glad I get to work with both. Right now I have been informed there is a new version of the Nautel AUI in the works. This version will address many concerns including the SNMP agent. As they are being so diligent on making sure all the “bugs” are worked out, we all must be patient on the release date as there is none at the moment. I say great, make sure it works before getting it out there. Anyone beta testing? I’m not.
As for the Burk system, it is working pretty well. I did have them re-write the version 3 of the ARC Plus, so ask about the latest version that is not posted on their website. 😉 I see 3.0.0.25 still there. I am still waiting on a new build of the AutoLoad Plus to address another minor issue.
As for the overall problem I am going to seriously look into the RF situation and network cabling. Though I use shielded cable, I suspect a bit of RF causing some headaches. Not sure exactly how I will attack this, but as we move more into the networked systems realm, I want to make sure future installs do not exhibit RF issues. What is very interesting is the shielded cable is actually giving me more problems than unshielded. This makes me wonder about the integrity of the connectors on the former cable.
More RF fun is my old Moseley Starlink. Seems I have a “special” unit. For one it shows a received signal in the mid- -50’s. WTF? When a different receiver is installed it shows a more realistic -75 dBm. The spectrum analyzer shows a -80 dBm. I think the dish that the landlord relocated needs to be re-sighted. The fun never stops. I’m working with Moseley regarding this odd reading and I suspect they will take the unit back and have it calibrated.
Next week we dive deeper into our network as we install a new Layer 3 switch. This is going to be great!
Cheers!
Travels, Work, and More Work
Wow, it seems to be forever since I posted. Forgive that. I bet you expect juicy details on super secret stuff. Well, not exactly. Recently I did travel, and since being back I have been busy. Shoot, I was busy before the travel. Does work get in the way of vacation or does vacation get in the way of work? Will we ever know?
Vacation was great. Part of that was to visit the Elenos factory in Italy. I enjoyed meeting the crew out there and talking shop. What I saw was quite impressive and the dedication and passion behind the product is amazing. With that we may see Elenos become a player in the transmitter market, so stay tuned. From what I understand I may be receiving one to test. Did I mention they did win a Cool Stuff award at NAB this year?
Of course I get back from vacation, IT Dude goes on vacation. This always equals some trouble. In this case it is Marketron vs. Windows 7 and a Ricoh printer. After a whole week, we still cannot print from the new machines. They print locally, but not through Marketron. I think I am overlooking something that IT Dude will notice right off. That is the true difference of dealing with something day-to-day versus only on occasion.
Do I dare mention the Harris Flexstar? I should write a whole post on just this. Yes, I continue to have Exciter muting issues, though not as bad as before. To make a long story short, we know for a fact that the Flexstar cannot handle too much data. It bogs down and eventually chokes. The only way to recover from the mute is to reboot. I wired up my remote control to the Flexstar restart input. This is pin 13 on the Remote User Interface of the Flexstar itself. A contact to ground and the Flexstar will perform and cold boot.
I have been fine tuning my Burk ARC Plus installation and utilizing the AutoPilot program a bit more. Now if we can only get Burk to support SNMP within the ARC Plus removing the need for AutoPilot they may be on to something. In the meantime I have created a fine custom view that shows the basics of all my transmitter sites. Attached to the touch screen monitor, all it takes is a touch of the screen to execute a function like STL switching or rebooting the Flexstar exciter. In addition I am utilizing SNMP with my Eaton-Powerware UPS’s by adding a network management card to the UPS. Currently four are up and running and I monitor on AutoPilot input and output voltage, UPS load, time remaining, and battery charge level. As I learn more about SNMP I may have status notifications if a self test fails or whatever else I can find!
Maybe my next post will get into some dirty details. If there is a subject you wish to see covered, drop me a line.
Cheers!
Hell Week or Just Plain Busy
As promised a recap of a busy week. If you follow my tweets, your sure already know we had a busy week. Harris, RCS, AT&T, and the regular stuff just piled on.
My Harris Flexstar RF mute issues sprung up on me this week. It has been on hiatus for a couple of months and then an outage on Monday and two within 15 minutes on Tuesday. So, in answer to a phone call today, no there is nothing really to do but make sure the latest and greatest in software/firmware release is installed. If you do not have that, you will not get much in return from tech support. I updated the Flexstar to Exgine 4.40 and DSP to 8.33. Since this had to be done, I had to upgrade the Exporter to 4.3.1 and the Importer to 4.3.2. This now sets the clock on if I continue to have issues, and knock on wood I have not had an issue since the update. On that note I still need a good answer to why HD data should be able to knock me off the air? So if you have issues with your Flexstar, update it. Then document exactly what the issue is. Once you have all that ammunition, give tech support a shot and see what answers you get. Do not be surprised if you feel a bit helpless. The HTHD+ as an RF amplifier is great, they just need to fix the most critical piece, the exciter.
While transmitter issues were occurring we were hit with an RCS NexGen crash. All 3 station decided to play the game. Console control stopped, database communications became sketchy, and the whole system was just sluggish. No apparent reason. We noted it had to do with network traffic, so some box is flooding the network or we have a physical device that has an issue. On that assumption we changed out the brand new Cisco switch purchased from RCS with an old 1GB Dell switch used on the old DAD network. Everything began to run much more smoothly. IT and RCS check the switch and all seems good. We still have yet to switch back.
If this was not enough, concurrent failure of a T1 to a transmitter site happened. I was on the phone with AT&T when the Flexstar decided to drop off. It must have been a funny picture having me on the phone with AT&T while I was poking the remote control switching us to our Aux transmitter. Multitasking at its best. AT&T replaced a repeater and a snap-jack in the CO. No dispatch to the site. This particular CO seems to be having many issue of late. We seem to cycle through which T1 goes down. Annoying, but they were on it and problem is solved for now.
In addition to running around dealing with this, I still am working details on the Burk remote control system. I have the sites up and in theory they should all see each other. Reality is a different story. I can see one site from the shop, but not another. While at the “offending” transmitter site, I was unable to see the other sites from the ARC Plus. Here is the odd part. With AutoPilot I can see all the sites. I get readings and all the good stuff. With AutoLoad I can see all the sites. Even at the transmitter site I had to visit I was able to see all the sites. Why the ARC Plus does not see the others, and the site list is in it, is beyond me. I have an inquiry to Burk on that one. I am also going to contact Moseley to delve into a potential issue with the LanLink. I need something a bit more robust. A 6 mile shot should not be that difficult.
I can say at least I was busy and not bored. Mix this with home life and it was quite a week. I’m glad to be able to sit down and spew this out. If you have experience with any of the items discussed or have any items you wish to see a discussion, please drop a line, leave a comment, or give a call. Now let’s see what next week brings!
Cheers!
One Busy Year and a Happy New Year!
Sitting here on the last working day of the year for me and reflecting on the busy year that just occurred and the upcoming year. I hope the economy improves a bit for the radio industry. Though we did good by corporate in terms of being able to clear some much needed projects, the operating side needs a bit of economic help as I suspect many of my peers may agree. Anyways, let’s see what we did this year.
Recently Tweeted events was the RCS NexGen installation. Not a huge installation, nor a small one. Let’s say moderate in size at 18 computers and all the fun that goes with installing them. We met our deadlines having all our stations on the system before the end of the year. We will continue to work out the little bugs as they pop up. The most recent bug, as that is the only term I can reference at this moment, is the Export data can only be assigned to a single network. Our audio servers have 2 NICs (Network Interface Card) to keep NexGen traffic separate from other data and external sources. Exported data such as RDS, HD PSD, and streaming must be sent out. We happen to keep our transmitter network separate from house and streaming, and we keep streaming off the house and transmitter networks. While configuring Export data for a station we are lead to believe you fill in the appropriate information and if TCP/IP one types in the port and IP address of the receive machines. Well, this works pretty good for the data we send to the transmitter network (RDS and HD PSD), but not so good with the streaming network. We find that the export data can only feed one NIC. Ouch! Next week we decide if we install a basic router or we press the issue with RCS. Other than little things like this the system appears to be working as advertised. Now if Programming and Traffic departments can play nice. The last accomplishment of the RCS install is we are connected for console control and EAS (Sage ENDEC) control via IP. No GPIO devices are used (for the time being). Now that is cool.
We installed a new remote control system. We decided on the Burk ARC Plus system along with various peripherals they provide. I will say the overall project was a success. I will also have to say I may want to rethink some of the work I did. I also must say that 2 ARC Plus units had to be returned for factory repair due to memory corruption of which I updated 3 units to a new firmware version that should take care of this. I am also going to help Nautel and Burk troubleshoot a SNMP error that is occurring with, between, or something the PlusConnect-NV and the Nautel AUI. The PlusConnect-NV talks with the AUI (Advanced User Interface) via IP, so I have no more physical relay closures to the remote control, it is all done via IP. These errors are not causing trouble, but it fills my Burk Event Logs, so it is annoying. Also, no occasion I will receive a false alarm of an NV output power is below lower limit which is most likely due to the error and time-out of the SNMP request. This will be interesting to troubleshoot because it is an area I do not normally get to play: SNMP, Agents and Traps. Another fun time is the network between studio and transmitter sites. All are slow connections in some way or another. Part of two sites depend on the Moseley LanLink which I have noticed is not the most reliable, but works.
On the line of Burk and the remote controls, the series of devices help connect many items. One site has the IIU (Integrated Input Unit) and ICRU (Integrated Command Relay Unit), all sites have at least one Plus-X 300 which is an input/metering/relay box, and a site with 2 PlusConnect-NVs and 2 PlusConnect-HZs. The PlusConnect-HZ box connects to the Harris Z10 controller board via a serial connection and then talks to the ARC Plus via IP. Pretty cool on both accounts. In a way you may say that we are nearly all IP connected in some way or another.
We ran a firmware update of our SAS 32KD and RioLinks before the RCS installation. We updated all the RioLinks to work via IP. We also added the capability to change show configuration on the Rubicon consoles. If that was not enough, the firmware allows us to add silence sense to outputs. With this I plan to wire some alarm statuses to the remote control for various silence events. Another micro-management and troubleshooting tool.
Early in the year we upgraded our old Nortel PBX phone system to a new Avaya. This phone system is capable of using digital phones (which made our transition easier) and VOIP. We will be testing and implementing a bit of this here in the future. We also took advantage of the Avaya and integrated it with our Telos 2101 Hub. Now we have in-house extensions in the studios.
We continued to study and test various ways of doing live remote broadcasts. Verizon 4G LTE has been a live saver in some cases and has been a defacto go-to for other broadcasts. In all cases we had at least, if not better, a 98% success rate using this method. We use Tieline Technology codecs and an external 4G router and 4G LTE USB modem. I won’t mention that Tieline has developed an USB module which we plan on testing for them in the near future. Speaking of Tieline we decided to purchase the Report-IT application for iPhones and iPads. We have done a couple of successful long form broadcasts using just an iPad on WiFi. We plan on future testing of the Mic Adapter and Genie. Speaking of iPhones, we are using the iPush to get surf reports to our NexGen system. No more calling in and recording. Audio quality is much better and the reports are seamlessly inserted in the logs along with beds.
Lastly I want to mention that my Nautel NV20’s were delivered 12/24/2008. They are 3 years old!
As we wrap up this year, I wish my readers a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
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!
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!
Week of Fun
So you all saw the updates of the week via Tweets. Some also have seen the latest post regarding the STL. Here is a summary of stuff that will help those troubleshooting (STL) and planning (software updates) in the coming weeks.
1. The STL. The symptoms were quite surprising on the Moseley aural STL. We noticed the failure via audio drop outs. It was somewhat periodic, too, which was quite interesting. As we had planned to drop the system to 32 quam from 64 quam to make it more robust in the first place, we began to do that from the far end (receivers at transmitter sites) back to the near end (studios). No bit errors were being received at the transmitter site, so there was no real need to worry, yet the problem was there. When we got to the transmitter at the studio, and after visiting the mid-point, we noticed the issue after making our Quam adjustment.
As we are running 32 Quam now, an issue like this will not show itself unless you are diligent on routine maintenance. Now we are going to schedule monthly tests of the backup STL system by placing it on air for at least 1 hour. We will also make sure we check the units themselves for any parameters out of range.
2. Harris HTHD+: Amazingly this thing will drop when you least expect it. After spending a better part of the day Friday with tech support we are experimenting with the Exgine buffer. The premise is the buffer is overflowing or having some issue causing a system restart. During the restart RF is muted. I will know more tomorrow when I hit the site and see how are buffer is doing after doing recommended adjustments to buffer timing. If we remain unlocked, then we are looking at some issue. If it is a data stream issue, then we may have something up with our Intraplex STL. It would be odd if this was our issue and I would conclude that the Flexstar processing system and Exgine would need some sort of overhaul. On a side note it also shows how critical a good network path to the transmitter site is for iBiquity HD radio. Nuts considering many transmitter sites have little or no network access.
3. UPSs (Uninterruptible Power Supplies): Never purchase a consumer grade UPS even if it is a “true” UPS. If possible purchase an online UPS large enough to handle the plant or a section thereof. I have 15 more batteries to replace in the next day or two. They are running my budget up and it is killing me. It is worth the money to protect your systems, but a maintenance nightmare. Try to keep it simple.
4. Remote Controls: More monitoring is a definite requirement for major markets. Reliable, too. I need something reliable, versatile, and flexible. Will it be Davicom, Audemat, Burk, or Statmon? I am tending towards Statmon, but the cost may be too steep. I’ll keep you posted on my progress on this one.
Enough rambling, back to more fun!
Tech Notes from the Field 