ASTi Telestra 4 Target and Studio Training Manual Document: DOC-01-TEL4-TM-1 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
Product Name: Telestra 4 Product Suite ASTi Telestra 4 Target and Studio Training Manual © Copyright ASTi 2010. Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013. This material may be reproduced by or for the U.S. Government pursuant to the copyright license under the clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 (1994).
Title of Contents 1.0. Introduction and Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1.1. Summary ........................................................................................................... 1 1.2. Course Goals .................................................................................................... 1 2.0. Hardware Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Figure 1: Hardware Layout .........................
3.0. Protocols, Services, and Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Figure 14: Network Overview ...................................................................... 11 3.1. Abstraction of Protocols................................................................................ 12 Figure 15: Layers of Abstraction................................................................... 12 3.2. ACENet ............................................................................................
6.0. Model Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 6.1. Intercoms ........................................................................................................ 33 Figure 19: Intercom Example........................................................................ 33 6.2. Sound Repositories........................................................................................ 34 6.3. Math Plan.....................................................
9.0. ACE Studio Model Building (with hands-on exercises) . . . . . . . . 62 9.1. Sine Wave........................................................................................................ 62 Step 1: Building the Model ................................................................................. 62 Step 2: Connecting an ACU to the Model ......................................................... 65 9.2. Mixer ...........................................................................................
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 1.0. Introduction and Agenda 1.1. Summary ASTi’s Telestra 4 suite of products provides comprehensive sound and communications simulation software and equipment. Offering a wide range of capabilities and scalable solutions, the Telestra 4 products are designed to meet complex, high-fidelity, network distributed applications in today’s training.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 2.0. Hardware Overview The diagram below displays the typical system hardware setup. This system will vary in complexity from program to program. Studio ASTiNet/ DIS Target Target Eth1 Eth1 ACENet Switch Advanced Simulation Technology, Inc. CAT 5 Cable ACENet Compatible Amp (4ch.) ACENet Switch ACU2 2 Channel ACU Advanced Simulation Technology, Inc. ACE-RIU CHAN A CHAN B CHAN C CHAN D Advanced Simulation Technology, Inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 2.1. Target ASTi’s Target consists of a high performance, network scalable, Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® based hardware platform. The Target runs as an embedded realtime platform, providing high fidelity radio and communications and environmental cue modeling using ACE software. The Target BIOS are setup based on each system’s specific board, see the Target Cold Start Procedure for more information (DOC-02-TEL4-TCS-1).
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) USB Ports Mouse 0000 ASTI PROPERTY OF Power Connection Monitor Ethernet Ports Keyboard Figure 3: Target Rear Panel 4 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 2.2. Studio The Studio is available on an ASTi Telestra 4 platform with a removable hard drive or as a software-only application that runs on a virtual machine on a customer-furnished computer. ACE Studio is a suite of software tools incorporating sound and communications model development, Project management, communications monitoring and fault analysis, and equipment status and configuration.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 2.3. Audio Distribution Devices 2.3.1. ACU (ACENet Communication Unit) The ACU is a remote interface for audio and input/output (I/O) unit for ASTi’s Telestra 4 suite of products. The ACU provides the AD/DA conversion. All audio and I/O is digitally distributed between ACUs and Targets for maximum noise rejection and reliability. This unit may be connected directly to the Target or more typically through an ASTi approved ACENet switch.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 2.3.2. ACU2 Expanding on the ACU device, the ACU2 audio and I/O distribution device features stereo operation for independent left and right output support on a single connector, a reduced footprint for easy fit on a desktop or two units fit in a 1U 19” rack space, and convenient power daisy chain connection for two units. The ACU2 has a sample rate of 48kHz ensuring high fidelity audio processing with adjustable amp/preamp gains and mic power.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 2.3.3. ACE-RIU The ACE-RIU is a compact DSP-based interface module that connects remotely located operator headsets, speakers, and control panels to a central Target via the ACENet architecture. The ACERIU provides low-noise analog-digital conversion and low-latency distribution. The ACE-RIU has a sample rate of 48kHz ensuring high fidelity audio processing. The hardware is available with a 19”, 1U high rackmount kit, each kit holds three ACE-RIUs.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 2.3.4. CrownTM Amplifiers The CrownTM Power Amplifier provides the user with the power levels and features to meet audio requirements for aural cue simulation. Each amplifier is a network component that integrates with ASTi’s ACENet architecture. ASTi offers the CT 4200 4-channel amplifier in a 2U chassis and the CT 8200 8-channel in a 3U chassis. This platform is for audio out only and is generally used for aural cue programs.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 2.3.5. Peripherals In addition to the Telestra 4 audio hardware, there are also audio peripherals and user interfaces that connect to the equipment. These include but are not limited to: • Headsets, microphones, and speakers • PTTs (press-to-talk) • Touchscreen Panels – The Touchscreen panel is the generic solution for a radio control panel. ASTi provides software configured custom models.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 3.0. Protocols, Services, and Networks Figure 14: Network Overview The models can connect to the protocols in ACE Studio using Helpers. Simulated networked radios use standards such as ASTiNet, DIS or HLA parameters. • DIS is a simulation standard that uses defined PDUs (protocol data units) to pass data between two sites. • Simulated radio communications use DIS protocols specifics for transmitter, receiver, and signal PDUs.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 3.1. Abstraction of Protocols In ACE Studio, models are developed independent of network protocols. All networking information is completed outside of the model. The Domain acts as a gateway that maps the protocols to the model, which makes it available to the outside world. Figure 15: Layers of Abstraction 12 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 3.2. ACENet The Audio Communications Environment Network (ACENet) is part of ASTi’s latest generation Telestra 4 product family and provides a low latency, network-based audio and I/O distribution architecture for ASTi’s ACE communications and sound modeling equipment and software.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) ASTiNet/DIS Target Target Advanced Simulation Technology, Inc. Eth0 Eth1 Eth0 Eth1 ACENet Switch ACENet Compatible Amp (4ch.) ACENet Switch 4 Channel ACU ACE-RIU CHAN A CHAN B CHAN C CHAN D Advanced Simulation Technology, Inc. PTT Hand-Held Terminal Powered Speaker Commercial and Military Headsets PTT VCR or Other Recording Devices Figure 16: ACENet Audio Distribution Network 14 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 3.3. ASTiNet ASTiNet is an ASTi proprietary protocol that provides simple and flexible communications networking from Target-to-Target as well as other ASTiNet enabled products. Some of ASTiNet’s features include: • IPv6-based: provides its position for use well into the future. • Auto Configuration: the IP broadcast and/or multicast addresses do not have to be configured providing a simple plug-and-play setup.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 3.4. DIS When the Target is configured for DIS operation it can be connected directly to the DIS network. Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) is a simulation protocol standard developed jointly by industry and the military to enable interoperation of simulation and training devices over local and wide area networks.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 3.5. HLA Unlike many other HLA solutions, ASTi’s HLA implementation was developed from the ground up to fully exploit the flexibility and interoperability envisioned under DMSO’s High Level Architecture (HLA 1.3) standard. Multiple RTI support, established and published Radio SOM, agile FOM capabilities, back-channel communications options, and debug tools offer users a well supported HLA environment.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 4.0. Telestra 4 Concepts 4.1. The Flow of Data The Telestra 4 concepts are very fundamental in understanding how the applications work together. Simply put, the project containing all model data and system configuration resides on the Target and is manipulated using ACE Studio software. The complicated part is understanding the break down of information flowing between real-time and non-real-time.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 4.2. ACE Studio Concepts In ACE Studio, a Project consists of several layers of audio system hardware, software models, and network configuration parameters. ASTi created these layers of information to extract all networking configuration and hardware specifics from the model, which allows the model to be changed on the fly without having to reconfigure parameters. In ACE Studio Projects, there are several layers to become familiar with.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 4.3. System Default Logins Every system is set with the following default login username and password. ASTi recommends changing system passwords as necessary to meet system administration requirements.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 4.4. Cold Starts The Cold Start procedures allow the users to build the systems from scratch. There are three main reasons for using the Cold Start procedures. 1. Installing the latest software version 2. Rebuilding a damaged hard disk 3. Creating spare hard disks Please see the corresponding Cold Start Procedure for the system.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 4.5. Options File The Options file is used to control the functionality of the Target by specifying the number of credits available for component use. The Options file is unique for each project, and keyed to the MAC address of the Host NIC. However, the Options file may contain keys for several Targets. The file is stored on the Target and managed through RMS. 22 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 4.6. System Configuration RMS provides network configuration for the user to specify the network interface for the system including IP address, card mode, and subnet mask for the Targets’ three Ethernet interface cards. The RMS Backup Restore page provides a facility for backup of system configuration files which creates an archive of the files including Options file, Projects, RMS Users, sound files, and the Telestra configuration files.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5.0. Software There are three main system software areas Project Manager and Load Viewer (Manager) in ACE Studio and RMS. Project Manager • Provides management for the entire program or system.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5.1. Project Manager Many of today’s simulation and training applications have transitioned from beyond simple, stand-alone training devices to multi-platform, complex, networked simulation applications. Project Manager provides the ability to develop, configure, and manage sound and communications models, simulation applications, and other related elements across a set of platforms and applications.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5.1.1. Project Elements Projects consist of a variety of elements that allow the user to develop, configure, and manage a complex sound and communications simulation scenario across a set of network based ASTi hardware, and simulation applications. Projects elements include: • Targets – Embedded modeling platforms that run sound and communications models and other ASTi simulation applications developed and configured by the user.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5.1.2. Project Manager Tool Projects are developed and managed using the Project Manager tool. This tool is part of ASTi’s ACE Studio software suite. When launched, the Project Manager searches the network for available Targets. Each Target found is queried and a list is generated of existing Projects stored on each Target. The user can then pick to work with any Project from the available list.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) Below is an example display from a View Log menu item selection in Project Manager. Note that the user can view the entire change history of their project. Some Project management features are also available through ASTi’s Remote Management System (RMS) web services. Pointing a network browser at a Target from any convenient computer connected to the same network accesses the web-based RMS application on that Target.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5.1.3. Layout A Layout is a graphical and textual representation of the user’s Project with configuration parameters. The Layout consists of a collection of user and tool-generated elements such as hardware, models, interfaces, communications assets, and exercise and communications planning parameters.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5.2. Load Viewer A Load is a collection of models, which have been built and linked together to form a communications and sound model to run on a selected Target. Models can be generated via ACE Studio’s model development tools, or through the various Helpers or a combination of both. An empty Load can be generated in the Project Manager by selecting the Loads folder, right-clicking on the canvas and selecting ‘Add’ from the pop-up menu.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5.2.1. Models Models are the individual modeling elements generated by either Helpers and/or ACE Studio’s modeling environment. A model can be small and simple, for example, a set of components which model an engine sound, a ship board binaural operator, or an F-16 Caution Warning system. A model can also be large and complex such as the entire communications system for an F-18 platform.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5.2.2. Servers In addition to Targets, Server platforms can also be added to a Project. From a hardware standpoint, Server platforms are additional Target platforms connected to a set of Target systems over a network. The Servers run ASTi’s server-based simulation applications such as HLA, SATCOM, HF/ALE, and Terrain. Server platforms can also provide traditional server-based services such as NTP.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6.0. Model Services 6.1. Intercoms Intercom components relate to internal communication paths within the model. This group includes the communication panel and local intercom buses. Audio on intercom buses is never transmitted onto the voice network. These buses are used internally to pass audio around. If an intercom is put in a radio, for example, the audio can be sent out on the DIS network.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6.2. Sound Repositories Sound Repositories are essentially the sound file libraries needed to support user-developed sound and communication models. For example, an AH-64D Apache model may use a library of recorded sounds such as weapon launches, engine igniters, touchdown thump, caution/ warning voice alerts, threat alerts, crypto tones, FH equipment beeps and squawks, etc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6.3. Math Plan The Math Plan in ACE Studio provides access to various mathematical functions, which may be applied to the Layout. The functions permit local manipulation of data within the models.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6.4. Radios As the name suggests, radios are the simulated radio assets added to the model by a developer when building a communications model. Simulated radio components can be installed and used directly within the ACE Studio model development environment or the user can use the Radio Helper to auto build radio simulation sections of their communications models.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6.5. Comm Plan Tool Much like the real world, a Communication Plan (Comm plan) provides the necessary radio asset configuration parameters (or fills) for the radio assets playing in the simulated environment. Using the Comm Plan tool, the user creates a library of radio “fills” consisting of crypto, frequency hop, waveform types, nets and other necessary parameters for the simulated radios in Project.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6.6. Radio Monitor The Radio Monitor is a network-debugging tool that allows the user to examine radios in the local radio environment and other servers. Updating in real time the Radio Monitor provides a view of the radios on the network. The radio details include source or Domain, Ether, Frequency, Mode, Target IP address, Name, and Protocol ID. Under the ‘Name’ column, view the DIS ID.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) In the bottom of the window, view in-tune radios and click each name to view their details. The out-of-tune column is blank if all radios are intune (factors include occulting, ranging, terrain, squelch, etc.) 40 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6.6.1. Radio Filters The Radio Monitor provides the ability to view radios available on the ASTiNet, DIS or both networks. Use the filter to filter out a network or view both at the same time. Filter the radios as transmitters or receivers or by assigned Domain name or view all Domains. Ethers identify groups of radio types that inter-operate with each other.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6.6.2. Statistics The Radio Monitor statistics tab allows the user to view the radio details for diagnostic purposes. 42 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6.7. Domain Editor The Domain Editor provides the ability to set standard DIS or HLA parameters to apply to the project for a specific exercise. In a DIS exercise, each simulated radio must be uniquely identified by a combination of Exercise ID, Site ID, Application ID, Entity ID and Radio ID. Simulated radios must operate on the same exercise ID and same frequency to communicate with each other.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6.8. Helpers Helpers are additional specialized tools within Project Manager that aid the user in building various types of Project elements.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6.8.1. Channels At their basic level, Channels are audio connection points within the sound and communication model. A simple example is a mix of environmental cue sounds that must be routed to a particular speaker location. Another, more complex example is an operator which not only includes a mic input and headset output but a communications panel structure and communications asset links (radios, intercoms, etc.).
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) There are three tabs in the Channel Helper. The ‘OP’ Operators tab allows the user to setup up to 16 radios for each operator. The HHT tab allows the user to setup up to 16 HHT Operators with up to 16 radios. The Hand-held Terminal (HHT) is a flexible user interface for controlling and monitoring radios and intercoms. The SINCGARS tab allows the user to setup the configuration for ASTi’s simulated SINCGARS panel.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 7.0. Host Interface Hosts are representations of packet interfaces which link state data from the user’s host application software to user developed sound and communications models in a Project. Each packet interface structure built into a model will have a corresponding host at the Project level. Hosts can either be input or output since state information can flow between models and host applications in either direction.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 7.1. Host Control in the Project Level In Project > Host the user adds the host containers and sockets are created within each host container. Each socket is defined as either HostIn or HostOut. For each HostIn socket created, the user must define the interface and port number. The port number selects the default network receive port for the packet data if it is an input packet or the transmit network port if it is an output packet.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) For each HostOut socket created, the user must define the destination IP address, port, packet length in bytes, and the send rate in hertz. Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 7.2. Host Control in the Load and Model Level In the Load, add a host model. This is required in order to create the host I/O packets. Inside the host model, select to add either a HostIn or HostOut packet when creating a host I/O packet component. Before getting into the details of the HostIn and HostOut packets, there are a few general things to note about creating packets.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) Select the ‘Controller’ link to view the socket and packet statistics. For HostIn packets, there is a column for the ‘Fail Threshold’ time. If a packet has not arrived within the set amount of time then a communication failure is assumed. For HostOut packets there is a column for ‘Rate (Hz),’ this is the rate for packets coming in. Check the ‘Enable Testing’ box to toggle the test mode on and off for testing the host control.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) For HostIn the host I/O packet is used to define the values for the information coming in on the port. The IO packet values include: • Name – Enter the HostIn variable name. • Offset – Sets the offset location in the Ethernet packet for the data associated with the variable. • Type – Sets the variable type and data type for the variable. • Init. Value – Sets the initial value for the variable.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 7.3. Host Interface Exercise This exercise assumes the user is familiar with the ACE modeling environment. Follow the figure below to setup the Host interface. Training Target #1 (Host) Training Target #2 (Comms) Ports + IPs + Net Must Match Must Match Verify in Live Capture Eth IP UDP DATA Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 8.0. Remote Management System The Remote Management System 4 (RMS) is a specialized web server that provides complete sight and control of all ASTi devices on the simulation network, ranging from stand-alone to multi-site, exercise-wide network configurations.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 8.1. Getting Started In order to access RMS using a web browser, the computer must be on the same network (LAN or WAN) as the Target. Open the web browser and in the address field type the Target’s IP address such as: http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/ where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/ is the IP address. For details on setting up the Target’s IP address see the Telestra 4 Quick Start Guide (DOC-01-TEL4-QSG-1). 8.1.1.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) After logging into RMS, users can select the “Manage Users” link located at the top right of most RMS pages. In RMS User Management, the admin user can add new user accounts as necessary. 56 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 8.2. System 8.2.1. Status Navigate to the System > Status page to view the system and installation information. Select the “Contact Settings” link to enter installation and contact information for the system. The Target software version is also displayed on this page. Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 8.2.2. Health The System > Health page verifies that the software is running properly. The health pages allow system debugging by providing very low-level raw information, most of this information is to provide ASTi with informative, accurate debugging details. The health system is made of a treelike structure. Each section has sub-sections and those sub-sections have sub-sections and so on. 58 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 8.2.3. Logs The System > Log page displays 100 of the most recent log entries. The user can download the log files to the local system to view the log details. Filter capabilities provide quick search capabilities for specific functions including debug, information, warnings, errors, etc. Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 8.3. Configuration 8.3.1. Uploading Options Files The Options file acts as a key to activate software packages for the system; without the Options file the system will only run with minimum options. The Options file is program-specific and may be installed on all the Targets delivered under one program. The Options file also enables the system credits which provide the upper limit of functionality for the user to build and run models.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 8.4. Audio Devices in RMS The Network > ACU, ACU2, ACE-RIU, or Crown Amp pages display all the devices available on the network. Select the device to rename it or set the input and output gains for each device channel. Note: The user can only set or change the gains if the device is part of the model currently running on the system.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.0. ACE Studio Model Building (with hands-on exercises) This section will discuss ACE Studio Model Building from simple sine waves to creating radio models. The hands-on exercises build upon each other in a sense that a certain level of knowledge is assumed as you work your way through the exercises. Note: This document does not take the place of an ASTi training course.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6. Right-click the Target icon in the Layout and select ‘Edit’ to open the ‘Telestra Editor’ screen. 7. Select a Load from the drop down menu and select the ‘Update’ button. 8. Install the Layout and save. 9. Right-click on the Telestra icon in the Layout and select ‘Open’ to open the Load. 10.Right-click in the Load canvas and select ‘Add.’ 11.Select ‘Sim Model’ and name it Audio_Out_Example. This creates the model canvas.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 13.Right-click in the canvas to add an item, expand the Audio tab and select the Wave component. Name the component Sine_Wave1. Then select the ‘Add’ button. 14.Double-click on the Sine_Wave1 to open the ACE Data Viewer for the component. Set the Frequency by changing the modifier to 440. 15.Set the Gain modifier to 0.20. 16.Expand the OutSignal to view the scope. 64 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) Step 2: Connecting an ACU to the Model 1. Right-click in the model canvas to add an item, under IOInterfaces select ACUchannel and name it ACU1. Then select the ‘Add’ button. 2. Double-click the ACU1 icon to open the ACE Data Viewer for the component. 3. In the Identifier row under the Value column, double-click and type in the ACU specific name. Note: By default, each ACU comes with a unique name, the user can change this name in RMS.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5. The Sine_Wave1 and ACU1 must be linked together to route audio out. To connect Sine_Wave1 to ACU1, middle-click on Sine_Wave1 which will open the Link Editor. 6. To link the signal, select the Sine_Wave1 with the OutSignal to ACU1 with the AudioOut signal, as shown below. Note: The signal options will appear after selecting each component. 7. Click the plus symbol (+) button to create the link. 8. Apply the changes. 9.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.2. Mixer The mixer component provides controlled mixing of up to eight signals into a single, composite signal. The mixer controls determine which of the eight signals should be mixed with both individual and overall gain control. There is also a ninth signal that is always mixed into the output signal and allows cascading of multiple mixer components. 1. Create a new Project and install. 2. In the Load, create a new Sim model and name it. 3.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6. Open the Square_Wave and set the frequency (for example 300). Route the Square_Wave outsignal to the Mixer using signal2. 7. Open the ACU object and select an ACU and channel A. 8. Route the Mixer outsignal to the ACU channel audio out. 9. Apply the changes. Listen to the mixed sound waves from the output device connected to the proper ACU channel. Mixer Component Links 68 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) Mixer Model Example Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.3. Vox and Demonstrating Folder Organization The purpose of this tutorial is to demonstrate the use of the Vox component. The Vox component allows voice activated or push-to-talk (PTT) control over an audio input signal. The model will also demonstrate using model folders for organization. Note: Before getting started, connect a speaker to the ACU on Channel A and connect a headset with mic and PTT to the ACU on Channel B. 1.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) The Audio Folder will show the objects in other folders that are connected to the Audio Folder objects. Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) The ACU Folder will show the objects in other folders that are connected to the ACU Folder objects. 72 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) Bonus Feature To add PTT capability to the headset and microphone using the Vox, add a link from Channel B PTT output to the Vox. Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.4. Math Plan The Math Plan in ACE Studio provides access to various mathematical functions, which may be applied to the Layout. The functions permit local manipulation of data within the models. This is a simple math plan tutorial that demonstrates the basic application for using the math plan in a math function component in the model. 1. Create a new Project or open an existing Project. 2. Double-click the math plan icon in the layout.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 3. Select “Add Group” and name it “New_Group”. 4. Select “Add Function” and name it “Table_Function”. Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5. Select “Table” as the Function Type. 6. Double-click the “” link to the right of the description field. 7. Fill in the table values. 8. Click “OK” to close the Table Function editor. 9. Click “OK” to close the math plan editor. 76 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 10. Install the Project. 11. Double-click the Telestra icon to open the Load Viewer. 12. Right-click in the canvas to add a Sim Model. 13. Double-click the model icon to open the model. 14. Add a Control > MathFunction component. 15. Double-click the Math Function component to open the data viewer. 16. Double-click the “
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 19. In the data viewer, double-click the modifier field for an input and type in ‘20’. 20. You should now see the result is ‘0.1’ which matches the table’s output for an input of ‘20’. 78 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.5. Playsound The following tutorial demonstrates the use of a playsound component and the sound library by creating a simple playsound model. The playsound component provides the ability to play digitally encoded soundfiles. Sounds that have no dynamically varying elements (except for overall volume level) are best handled as fixed off-line recorded sound files (e.g. Missile launch). To PC Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.5.1. Uploading Sound Files The Uploading Sound Files page provides a two-step process to uploading sound files on the system. The user must first select a waveset or create a new one. The waveset is a folder that contains the soundfiles in the sound repository. The selected sound files are then uploaded to the waveset folder. Important: All sound files must be in the following format: 16-bit PCM MONO WAV files with a 48khz sample rate.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.5.2. Creating a Sound Library In the Project Manager > Sound Repositories, right-click to add a new sound library and name it accordingly. Open the Sound Library Editor and add groups, as necessary, to the library. The groups provide organization of the sound files. To upload sound files to the Target open RMS and navigate to the Audio section. Open the Upload Sound Files page and follow the instructions to add individual .wav files or upload one .
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) Note: Before getting started, connect a speaker to the ACU in Channel A and connect a headset with mic and 4 Channel PTT to the ACU in Channel B. In this example, the PTT is used to select channels to listen to two different playsounds. 1. Create a new Project and install. 2. In the Layout, open the Telestra Editor. Select the Target name, load, and sound repository. 3. Add a folder name in the waveset field.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 10. Add a new sound and type in the name of the sound. Then double-click under the Path column, where it says ‘Select...’ and select the soundfile. 11. Repeat step 10 for the second sound file. 12. Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘Ok’ to close the window. 13. Navigate to the model canvas and open the Playsound component. Set the LibraryId value under the value of the sound library. 14. Open the ACUchannel_B_PTT and set the ACU identifier and channel.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 15. Open the Link Editor and route the ACUchannel_B_PTT with the PTTselect uint 8 to the Playsound component with the sound index signal. 16. To trigger the playsounds route the ACUChannel_B_PTT using signal PTT boolean to the Playsound component using the Trigger boolean. 84 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 17. Next route the Playsound audio to play through the speaker. 18. Open ACUchannel_A_Speaker and set the identifier and channel A. 19. Reload the model. Each sound should play from the speaker by switching between channels 1 and 2 of the PTT. Playsound Example Model Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.6. Intercoms This section demonstrates the use of Intercoms by creating a model with two operators operating on four busses using a PTT switch with the CommPanel component.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.6.1. Intercom Exercise 1. In ACE Studio, create a new Project and install. canvas for building the model. Then add a Sim Model to create the 2. In the model canvas, add a new folder and name it Op1. 3. In the folder, add a CommPanel > CommPanel4 and name it Op1_Panel. 4. Then add an I/OInterface > ACUchannel and name it Op1_ACUchannel. 5.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6. Create a link to route the audio in from the ACU to the Op1_Panel (CommPanel) using the PTT, select the Op1_ACUchannel PTT boolean signal and link it to the Op1_Panel through the PTT boolean signal. 7. Create a link to route the audio out to the headset. Select the Op1_Panel OutSignal and link it to the Op1_ACUchannel through the AudioOut signal. 88 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 8. Create a link to route the sidetone of the headset back into the headset. This allows you to hear yourself through the headset. Select the Op1_Panel SideSignal and link it to the Op1_ACUchannel through the AudioOut signal. 9. Create three links for the PTT knob selection control. Select the Op1_ACUchannel PTTselect and link it to the Op1_Panel OutControl, InControl, and SideControl. Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 10. In the Op1_Panel, open the Intercom Bus Service. 11. In the Intercom Bus Service, add four new buses and name them. 12. Navigate back to the Op1_Panel and assign signal 1-4 to the busses by double-clicking in the value column. In the Intercom Bus Service select a bus and then select the ‘Set Value’ button. 13. Open the Op1_ACUchannel and assign the identifier and channel. 14. Copy and paste the Op1 folder and name it Op2 folder.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 15. In the Op2 folder, change the component names to Op2 and change the ACU channel to a different channel that has a connected PTT and headset. 16.Verify the ACU channel gains set in RMS, these will vary depending on the ACU firmware. 17. In the load viewer click “Reload.” Apply the changes. Two users should be able to talk to each other through all four channel selections on the PTTs. Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.7. Radios Radios are the largest, most complex and most used components in ACE Studio. The following is a summary list of radio features for all simulated radios. • World Position – the x, y, z coordinates of the radio’s location. • Frequency – defines the center of the radio tune frequency for transmit and receive. Optionally, it can define separate transmit and receive frequencies.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) • Frequency Hopping – a method of rapidly switching frequencies while a receiver and transmitter communicate. The receiver and transmitter have to jump between the same frequencies, at the same speed, and at the same time. • Crypto Parameters – radios that scramble the signals before they are transmitted so that only receivers who know the special key will have the ability to decode them, producing a secure voice transmission across any frequency.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.7.1. Local Radios This section focuses on the radio in its simplest form, the local radio. Local radios operate with two operators on one Target. Radio Exercise 1. Create a new Project and install. 2. Open the Load Viewer, right-click and add a new ‘SimModel’. 3. Open the model and add a folder, name it ‘Folder1.’ 4.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5. Open the Geodetic and in the World Position Bus value add an EntityBus. (Note this must be the same bus set later in the RCU object). Create a New Bus and set the value. Optional: Set the elevation, latitude, and longitude. Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6. Right-click and copy Folder1, then right-click and paste it. Rename it ‘Folder2.’ 7. Open Folder2 and open the Geodetic component and create a new EntityBus. 8. Set the Radio Bus for both Transceivers in Folder1 (Radio1) and Folder 2 (Radio2). 9. In the model, add a new folder and name it ‘Operator1’. Add a CommPanel > CommPanel4 and assign Sig1 to RadioBus1.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 11.In the Operator2 folder, change the CommPanel radio bus to RadioBus2. Also change the ACE-RIU component Channel to channel B (or another channel with connected audio peripherals). 12.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 14.Navigate back to the Projects Layout and open the Comm Planner. Expand the default Net and set the Frequency to a realistic number (100,000,000). 15.Save the Project and install the Layout. 98 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 16.Navigate back to the model and open Folder1, set the Fill in the RCU component by double-clicking the empty area under the ‘Value’ column. Assign the Transceiver ID. Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 17.Open the Transceiver and assign the Transceiver ID (must be the same as the RCU). Set the Radio Name, Domain Name, Protocol ID, and World Position Bus. Note: You will have to return to the Project level (Project Manager) and add the Domain using the Domain Editor. Repeat this step and the previous step (16) for Folder2 using the corresponding bus and radio name. The model is complete, two operators should be able to communicate through the local radio.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9.8. Comms Model Workflow using Helpers The following outline guides the user through the workflow for creating a comms model using the ACE Studio Helpers. This example assumes a level of familiarity with the ACE software. 1. Create a new Project and install. 2. In the tree view, under the Servers folder create a DIS_Gateway. a. Set DIS version 4, 5, or 6. b. Set the interface to eth0. c. Set the DIS RX/TX Port (for example 53000). d.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 3. Create the Domain. a. Add a Domain and name it. b. Set the exercise ID (example 15). Also set the Site and App ID numbers, defaults to the last two IP octets. c. Select ‘Apply’ and ‘OK.’ 102 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 4. Create the Comm Plan. a. Select the ‘Net’ folder and set the FM frequency (for example 101000000). b. Select the ‘Fill’ folder and rename the ‘fill1’ file to radio1 or net1 (for clarity). c. Set radio1’s first fill to FM. d. Select ‘Apply’ and ‘OK.’ Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 5. Create the Radios. a. Add a World Position and name it (example WP1). Select the ‘+’ symbol under Radio name and select World_Position in the drop down menu. b. Add a radio and name it radio1. c. Select the Domain. d. Select to ‘Set the IDs from the Domain.’ e. Set the entity and radio IDs. f. Select the radio1 fill for the Comm Plan. g. Select the World Position. 104 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) g. Select the check box next to the HHT Identifier. Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 6. Create the Channels. a. Select the HHT tab. b. Add an HHT and name it (example OP1). 106 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) c. Set the mode to Master or leave as Operator. d. Select MAX Radios for the Operator’s HHT Display. e. Select the Radios for the Operator, set the RX/TX status, lock and volume. f. Select ‘Update.’ Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 7. Open the Telestra Editor. Right-click on the Telestra in the graphical layout and select ‘Edit’. a. Select the Sim Server tab, and select the DIS_Gateway. b. Select the SM tab, and select HHT State Machine. i. If you check the Ident then the Identifier listed in the Radio Helper is shown on the HHT. If it is not checked then the Identifiers display as 1, 2, 3, etc. c. Select ‘Update.’ 108 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 8. Add an ACE-RIU to the Layout. Right-click on the Layout canvas and select Add > ACE-RIU. a. Select the ACE-RIU from the drop down list. b. Name the ACE-RIU, this can be the same as the Identifier. c. Set the channels settings. d. Select ‘Add.’ Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 9. Save and Install the Layout. 10. Test the model. 110 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F) 10.0. Advanced Topics and Examples 10.1. Radios, Comm Panels and their Buses Radios, Comm Panels & their Buses Radio Control Service Transceiver ID Radio1 Bus X X Radio2 Bus Fill X RCU1 Used for Radio Control Information X RCU2 Op1 Comm Panel Op2 Comm Panel Radio1 Bus X X Radio2 Bus X X Radio1 Radio2 Transceiver Transceiver Used for Audio Distribution X X Intercom Bus Service Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
