Installation manual

Engineering - 9
SMARTCASTER is then wired to these relay closures in order to accept commands from a satellite
service.
It is very important that the SMARTCASTER be wired only to the dry relay contacts of the satellite
receiver, and that these contacts never be wired to cart machines, or any other piece of equipment! If the
SMARTCASTER is replacing an existing automation machine, take care not to wire the system with the
cart machines or other equipment in parallel. If it is absolutely necessary, contact SMARTS for
information on isolating these devices from the SMARTCASTER.
One more warning
Damage due to improper hookup is not covered by the warranty. If you have ANY questions, please call
the toll-free support line.
Locating the SMARTCASTER
The location of the SMARTCASTER needs to be determined by three factors: the way the radio station is
operated, accessibility to the unit, and the defense against any extraneous signals that might introduce
noise in the system.
If the station is on satellite virtually all the time, it may be best to place the computer in the production
room. The unit can be wired to that satellite receiver, yet be in a convenient location for production
purposes. The disadvantage to this arrangement is that it makes it virtually impossible to use the unit in a
“live assist” mode, without adding a remote terminal to the system.
If the station is live for a portion of the day, and the computer may be intended for live assist, the best
location is in the control room. We suggest the unit be located next to the control board, in the position
usually occupied by cart machines, and fed from either a dedicated cart, reel to reel, or the audition side of
the control board.
With a Remote Production Terminal, life is made easier. The additional computer can be placed in the
production room, and the SMARTCASTER can be located in the control room.
The third consideration is extraneous signals. The SMARTCASTER has worked in extreme fields with
very little problems. However, we have discovered that very close proximity to composite STL
transmitters and Optimod processors can introduce noise in the system. Simply relocating the unit a few
feet away from the noise source eliminates the problem.
To keep RF problems to a minimum, ALL CABLES IN AND OUT OF THE UNIT SHOULD BE
SHIELDED, WITH THE SHIELD GROUNDED AT ONE END. This is true of both the audio lines and
the control lines. Without Opto-Isolation, the trigger voltage on the SMARTCASTER control lines is
only about one volt. Any small transient voltage, exceeding the trigger voltage of the unit, introduced into
the control lines will cause a Break or Function to misfire. It can also be advantageous to Ground the
SMARTCASTER chassis to station Ground.
It is VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE SMARTCASTER BE WIRED ONLY TO THE DRY RELAY
CONTACTS OF THE SATELLITE RECEIVER, AND THAT THESE CONTACTS NEVER BE WIRED
TO CART MACHINES OR ANY OTHER PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. If the SMARTCASTER is wired
for Opto-Isolation, the satellite contacts will switch a twelve volt power supply as opposed to the dry
contacts. If the SMARTCASTER is replacing an existing automation machine, take care not to wire the
system with the cart machines or other equipment in parallel.