Installation manual

Engineering - 23
(Install LAN, cont..)
It is very important that the LAN cable be run as a ‘line’ in a daisy-chain fashion instead of the ‘hub &
spoke’ concept. The ‘hub & spoke’ wiring configuration will not work with this LAN Network. In
addition, it is important that only RG58-U be used as cable, and that each end of the line is capped with
50 ohm terminators.
Once the LAN is connected, all of the computers may be turned on. As soon as all of the computers are
on-line, the Lantastic software will initiate the Networking software.
Rebooting with Generation 2000
In the advent that a computer on the LAN Network needs to be rebooted, care must be taken. There are
two reboot scenarios in which a computer can be powered down, and back on. In the first scenario, one
computer needs to be reset, and all other computers on the Network are up and running. In this case, it is
safe to exit this computer out to the main SMARTCASTER menu, and reboot. The other computers on
the Network know when the rebooted computer is back on-line.
In the second scenario, computer A needs to be reset, but a second computer, (computer B), on the
Network is currently powered down. It is ok to reset computer A when computer B is powered down, but
when computer B is powered back up and running, please reboot computer A. While computer B
was off, computer A booted up and checked to see what computers were on the Network. Computer B was
not on the Network, and hence computer A did not know that it should be on the net. Therefore, it does
not bother checking later to see if computer B ever comes back on-line.
SMARTCASTER Nodes
Each node of the Network can be configured in different ways depending on the type of system purchased.
Each audio node uses the ACE Apt-X audio card. (A description of connections for this audio card can be
found in the section labeled, ‘AUDIO CARD CONNECTIONS’ found in this engineering manual.) After
the Network is up and running, installation continues like any other SMARTCASTER described in this
manual.
Simultaneous Playback & Record Node
Generally purchased for the control room of the station. This node has the capability to Record or
Audition while playing audio on the air. Like most Simultaneous Playback & Record systems, it has one
audio input, and two audio outputs: Audition and Air. This is very useful for doing Unattended
Recordings while other production nodes on the Network are in use by station personnel.
A Playback Only Node
is often purchased for use in the control room. This node has only the capacity to
Playback audio on the air. It cannot Record audio. It may Audition audio, but Playback to air must be
halted. Obviously, with this system, there must be another production node on the Network. For audio
connections, it simply has one audio output.
Production Node
This unit has the capability to Record and Audition. However, it cannot perform Simultaneous Playback
and Record. This unit is usually placed in the production room. It has one audio input and one audio
output.
Traffic Node
By installing a Network card in an MS-DOS, IBM Compatible computer, any traffic & billing system can
be added to the Network. This makes for efficient downloads of the daily log to the SMARTCASTERS on