Falcon 50 FM/TV 6 Band DIGITAL audio PROCESSOR Operating manual (Rev. 2.0) PART ONE: INSTALLATION Sede BOLOGNA: Via Caduti Di Sabbiuno 6/F – 40011 Anzola Emilia - Bologna - Italy Tel. +39 051 736555 - Fax. +39 051 736170 Sede BERGAMO: Via Italia 1 – 24030 Medolago (Bg) – Italy e-mail: info@axeltechnology.com - web site: www.axeltechnology.
FOREWORD ENG 1 FOREWORD From all of us at Axel Technology, thank you for choosing the Falcon 50 digital audio processor. A great deal of effort went into the design and construction of this precision device. With proper installation and calibration the processor will give you the most accurate results for audio processing and modulation. Take the time to go through the steps provided in this manual to ensure you get the most out of your equipment.
ENG FOREWORD For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty all text marked with these Warning Symbols should be read carefully. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. Axel Technology shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error contained in this manual, or through any mis-operation or fault in hardware contained in the product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS ENG 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD .............................................................................................................................................. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................................. 5 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 6 3.
ENG 3 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of the Falcon 50. The Axel Technology design team is confident you will enjoy the outstanding performance of that processor for many years. In case you are interested in technical details, what follows is a brief outline of some of the key technologies in your new processor.
INTRODUCTION ENG Built-in automatic audio changeover The Falcon 50 features two audio inputs: analog and digital. The selection between inputs may be achieved manually or the programme source may be forced to either input Analog or input Digital by activating one of six GP Input, accordingly to Source Selection menu.
ENG Page 8 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION 3.1 ENG APPROACHING AN FM AUDIO PROCESSOR An audio processor is a nonlinear process, that is, even if the ouput signal might be slightly more attractive in respect to the input signal, it has surely more distortion respect to the input.
ENG INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS 4 INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS Installing the Falcon 50 requires a bit more than mounting it in the rack, connecting some cables, and then putting it on the air. Among the factors you should consider are: 1. Monitor Location. You should have a good location in which the system, once on the air, can be monitored. We suggest a good tuner, with good reception, feeding a set of studio monitor speakers to be sufficient.
SAFETY WARNINGS / ISTRUZIONI PER LA SICUREZZA ENG 5 SAFETY WARNINGS / ISTRUZIONI PER LA SICUREZZA SAFETY WARNINGS CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES ISTRUZIONI IMPORTANTI PER LA SICUREZZA WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE INSTRUCCIONES IMPORTANTES DE SEGURIDAD (Rel. 1.
ENG 6 SAFETY WARNINGS SAFETY WARNINGS The installation and servicing instructions in this manual are for use by qualified personnel only. - Read All Instructions. All safety and operating instructions must be read before operating the product. They also must be retained for future reference, as it contains a number of useful hints for determining the best combination of equipment settings for Yr particular application. - Heed All Warnings.
CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES 7 ENG CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES - Lire ces consignes - Conserver ces consignes - Observer tous les avertissements - Suivre toutes les consignes - Ne pas utiliser cet appareil à proximité de l’eau - Ne pas obstruer les ouvertures de ventilation.
ENG ISTRUZIONI IMPORTANTI PER LA SICUREZZA 8 ISTRUZIONI IMPORTANTI PER LA SICUREZZA - Leggere le presenti istruzioni - Conservare queste istruzioni - Osservare tutte le avvertenze - Seguire scrupolosamente tutte le istruzioni - Non usare questo apparecchio in prossimità di acqua - Non ostruire alcuna apertura per il raffreddamento.
WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE ENG 9 WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE - Diese Hinweise LESEN - Diese Hinweise AUFHEBEN - Alle Warnhinweise BEACHTEN - Alle Anweisungen BEFOLGEN - Dieses Gerät NICHT in der Nähe von Wasser verwenden - KEINE Lüftungsöffnungen verdecken.
ENG INSTRUCCIONES IMPORTANTES DE SEGURIDAD 10 INSTRUCCIONES IMPORTANTES DE SEGURIDAD - LEA estas instrucciones - CONSERVE estas instrucciones - PRESTE ATENCION a todas las advertencias. - SIGA todas las instrucciones - NO utilice este aparato cerca del agua - NO obstruya ninguna de las aberturas de ventilación.
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION ENG 11 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION Your equipment was packed carefully at the factory in a container designed to protect the unit during shipment. Nevertheless, we recommend making a careful inspection of the shipping carton and the contents for any signs of physical damage. Damage & Claims If damage is evident, do not discard the container or packing material. Contact your carrier immediately to file a claim for damages.
ENG FIRST INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS 12 FIRST INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS 12.1 POWER SUPPLY CABLE A power supply cable of approx. 2 mt length is supplied with the device, which has a moulded IEC plug attached – this is a legal requirement. The type of plug for the power supply depends on the country in which it is delivered.
FIRST INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS ENG 12.3 FUSE REPLACEMENT The power supply socket has an integral fuse drawer containing the AC power fuse and a spare, both of the same value. BEFORE REPLACING THE POWER FUSE, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TYPE OF FUSE FOR THE VOLTAGE TO BE PROTECTED. USING WRONG FUSE TYPE WILL RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT PROTECTION. Make sure that the power is switched off and the power cable is disconnected from the equipment. Open the fuse drawer using a small blade screwdriver.
BLOCK DIAGRAM – FM / DAB Version ENG 13 BLOCK DIAGRAM – FM / DAB Version Block diagram D I G I I T N A L Digital Input 32,44.1,48,96 KHz Hi-Pass 30Hz Input mode switch Phase Rotator Input Selection Command Logic External Signals A N A I L ON G Analog Input 47.5Ks/sec Input mode switch 2-Band AGC Primary Input Selector User Command Hi-Pass 30Hz D I GO I U T T A L Phase Rotator Freq.
BLOCK DIAGRAM – TV version ENG 14 BLOCK DIAGRAM – TV version Block diagram - TV version D I G I I TN A L Digital Input 32,44.1,48,96 KHz Input mode switch Reference Adjust Hi-Pass 30Hz Phase Rotator Input Primary Input Selector Selection Command Logic A N A I L ON G External Signals Analog Input 47.5Ks/sec Input mode switch Reference Adjust Low-Pass 15KHz User Command Hi-Pass 30Hz EQ 2-Band AGC Stereo Enhancer Internal Sine Generator Generator Mode Phase Rotator Freq.
ENG AUDIO AND MPX GENERAL SETTINGS 15 AUDIO AND MPX GENERAL SETTINGS 15.1 AUDIO INPUT IMPEDANCE The analog input impedance may be set to 600Ω, rather than the default 10kΩ Ω, by moving the two jumpers J4 and J5 placed at the back of input XLR connectors (see figure below).
AUDIO AND MPX GENERAL SETTINGS ENG 15.2 MPX OUTPUT SETTINGS (only FM version) The Falcon 50 is fitted with two MPX outputs with independent level adjustements and three Auxiliary inputs. The AUX input gains may be set to 0 dB or to – 20 dB (1/10 gain) through the J1, J2 and J3 jumpers located just at the back of the respective Bnc connectors. AUX 1 Input: is Factory preset for - 20dB gain. Gain my be altered to 0 dB using J1 jumper AUX 2 input is Factory preset for - 20dB gain.
AUDIO AND MPX GENERAL SETTINGS ENG M P X SyncOUT MPX Outputs Aux Inputs FACTORY DEFAULT: AUX 1 INPUT AUX 2 INPUT AUX 3 INPUT Page 24 INPUT GAIN - 20dB INPUT GAIN - 20dB INPUT GAIN 0dB
FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION ENG 16 FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION 16.1 ‘BLIND VERSION’ The processor front panel contains 3 red LEDs with the following meaning: OPERATE this LED normally flickers on when the processor works correctly. It is important in that it gives you a visual indication of how active your system is, and can help ensure that it is working correctly.
ENG FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION 16.2 LCD VERSION The Falcon50 front panel consists of a pair of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), six push buttons and a large knob. The LCDs are 240 x 128 pixel displays. The buttons and the knobs are used to browse the Falcon 50 menu and to configure it. USB socket and Phone jack socket are also fitted on the front panel. , , , . They are used to browse between blocks or between lines inside each block.
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION ENG 17 REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION 17 I 16 I 15 I 14 I 13 I 12 I AES/EBU AES/EBU S/PDIF CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN R E M O T E 2 3 1 G P Ethernet C O N T R O L Outputs M P X SyncIN Inputs I 1 1 I 2 USB I 3 2 3 1 Outputs 1 3 2 SyncOUT I 4 MPX Outputs I 5 I 6 I 7 I 8 1 3 2 R Outputs Aux Inputs I 9 I 10 D I G I T A L Inputs L Serial RS-232 S/PDIF 1 3 2 2 3 1 L 2 3 1 A N A L O G R Inputs I 11 ON/OFF Switch, AC MAIN
ENG REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION the Output connectors OUT 1 or OUT 2. Factory preset: - 20dB gain. Gain my be altered to 0 dB (input available only on FM version) 8 AUX 2 input: Bnc female connector. Depending on the MPX board configuration, it allows the injection of RDS/SCA or MPX signals from external encoders/generators. The resultant signal is available on the Output connectors OUT 1 or OUT 2. Factory preset: - 20dB gain. Gain my be altered to 0 dB.
AUDIO INPUT AND OUTPUTS ENG 18 AUDIO INPUT AND OUTPUTS Where possible use balanced connections for the audio inputs and outputs to minimise noise pick-up. Avoid running audio cables near to mains or lighting cables or thyristor dimmer units, power supplies etc. These may cause audible hum and buzz. The use of low impedance sources significantly reduces interference pickup. Check the cables for correct wiring to avoid problems with phase reversal and unreliable connection. 18.
ENG AUDIO INPUT AND OUTPUTS 18.4 NOTES ON AUDIO CABLES As with all professional audio applications, utmost care should be taken with audio cabling for your Falcon 50. For all balanced audio cabling, only high-quality, shielded twisted-pair audio cables should be used, mated to high-quality XLR connectors. With proper cabling techniques, long lengths can be used, but excess cable should be avoided.
AUDIO INPUT AND OUTPUTS Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 S/PDIF 1 3 2 ENG Gnd Signal Return. Outputs 18.8 DIGITAL AUDIO SYNCHRONIZATION INTERFACE AES/EBU S/PDIF 2 3 1 SyncIN 1 3 2 Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3 Gnd Signal Return. Outputs The Falcon 50 features three modes of synchronization for AES/EBU output streams.
COMMUNICATION PORTS AND GPI/O WIRING ENG 19 COMMUNICATION PORTS AND GPI/O WIRING There are four ways of connection between the Pc running the Remote Control Software and the processor unit: serial RS232, USB, Ethernet and Modem. The first two are called ‘Local Connections’, while the latter two are called ‘Remote Connections’. Only ONE connection can be active at a time. Therefore, even if more than one Pc are simultaneously connected to Falcon 50 (f.i.
COMMUNICATION PORTS AND GPI/O WIRING ENG 19.2 CONNECTING A DIAL-UP MODEM a modem may be connected to the the Falcon 50 serial port in order to remotely control the processor through a regulat telephone line and a pc equipped with a modem, too. IN THE EVENT OF MODEM CONNECTION, YOU NEED TO ENABLE THE MODEM INTERFACE FROM THE CONTROL SOFTWARE (see the Communication page). Connect the modem to the Serial Port, on the back of the unit.
COMMUNICATION PORTS AND GPI/O WIRING ENG 19.3 USB PORTS The processor features two standard USB – B Type USB 2.0 ports (one located on the Front Panel and one on the Rear Panel). Connect the USB-B connector of the computer’s USB cable to the appropriate USB port on the Falcon 50 unit and connect the other end to an available USB-A port on your computer. USB The USB connection can be operated ONLY with proper drivers installed on Yr Pc. Refer to the next Paragraph for USB driver installation.
COMMUNICATION PORTS AND GPI/O WIRING ENG On the screen above, select "Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)" then click the [Next >] button. On the next screen: - Select "Search for the best driver in these locations" - Check "Include this location in the search:" - Use the [Browse] button to find the USB DRIVER folder (usually C:\Program Files\Axel Technology\Falcon 50 x.y/drivers), unless you chose a different folder when you installed the software) - Click [OK] Click the [Next >] button.
ENG COMMUNICATION PORTS AND GPI/O WIRING 19.5 ETHERNET PORT* The Falcon 50 may communicate with one or more host computers on a local area network via an ethernet connection (ethernet port available as an option). The ethernet port operates at 10 or 100 megabits per second, carrying Internet Protocol (IP) packets that conform to the UDP protocol. Ethernet The IP address that the Falcon 50 uses may be assigned manually by the user or chosen by default. See the "Network Configuration" section.
COMMUNICATION PORTS AND GPI/O WIRING ENG 19.6 GP INPUT INTERFACE Inputs The Falcon 50 provides a general purpose input (GPI) interface for triggering cues and events. The pinout for the GPI connector (DB-15 15-pin female) is provided in the following chart. All inputs are opto-isolated for reliable operation in a variety of electrical environments. There are six trigger inputs which can be assigned via software to different ‘events’ or actions.
ENG PIN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 COMMUNICATION PORTS AND GPI/O WIRING DESCRIPTION Anode of photocoupler input 1 Anode of photocoupler input 2 Anode of photocoupler input 3 + 12 V via 100 Ohm resistor + 12 V via 100 Ohm resistor Anode of photocoupler input 4 Anode of photocoupler input 5 Anode of photocoupler input 6 DIRECT. PIN DESCRIPTION DIRECT.
COMMUNICATION PORTS AND GPI/O WIRING ENG 19.7 GP OUTPUT INTERFACE The Falcon 50 provides a general purpose output (GPO) interface for signalling or controlling external equipment. The pinout for the GPO connector (DB15 – Male) is provided in the following chart. All inputs and outputs are opto-isolated for reliable operation in a variety of electrical environments. There are four outputs.
ENG COMMUNICATION PORTS AND GPI/O WIRING 19.8 MPX AND AUX CONNECTIONS (available only on FM version) The AUX 1, AUX2 and AUX 3 inputs (BNC connector, 10 kΩ impedance) allow external signals (tipically RDS) from external encoders to be injected on the MPX output of the processor. The input gain of the injected signals may be set by means of J1, J2 and J3 jumpers to 0 dB or to – 20 dB. Factory preset is - 20dB gain for AUX 1 and AUX 2, while AUX 3 is factory preset to 0 dB gain.
MONITORING THE FALCON 50 FROM A ‘PDA’ ENG 20 MONITORING THE FALCON 50 FROM A ‘PDA’ The Falcon 50 comes with a free software to be installed on a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) computer. A PDA gives easy and immediate access to Falcon 50’s input and output levels and it can be used to switch the curve currently aired and to import/export curves from/to a given location. For those reasons, the PDA becomes an useful tool in particular when used with the processor in its ‘blind’ version.
ENG MONITORING THE FALCON 50 FROM A ‘PDA’ To install the software on the PDA, follow these istructions Copy the .cab file (its name will look like Falcon50.arm.CAB) on Your Pc. Perhaps this file will be associated to a compressed file icon, such as WinRar or WinZip starndard icons. Step 1: First step is to copy the .cab file on your Pocket PC. If you have a memory card reader, you can copy it to the card and insert it into your Pocket PC. If you simply download the .cab file from the Web site www.
‘LCD’ VERSION - FRONT PANEL OPERATION ENG 21 ‘LCD’ VERSION - FRONT PANEL OPERATION In the default condition, the two LCD screens will display main settings indication, current processing curve, date and time. 21.1 HOW TO BROWSE THE MENU To browse the menu, press the Jog Wheel (1): the left screen (2) will display the processor block diagram, while the right screen (3) will switch to show input and outputs current level graphs. Use the four arrows (4) and (6) to select the desired configuration block.
‘LCD’ VERSION - FRONT PANEL OPERATION ENG 21.2 HOW TO ADJUST THE HEADPHONE VOLUME Page 44 - Press the Headphone button (5): the Volume bar will appear.
‘LCD’ VERSION - FRONT PANEL OPERATION ENG 21.3 HOW TO CHANGE THE CURRENT AUDIO PRESET CURVE Starting from the default screens (showing In/Out levels), 1) press the Jog Wheel once. The Block Diagram will appear, with the INPUT SELECT block in evidence 2) using arrow and then the arrow, highlight the PRESETS block: 3) Press the Jog Wheel: the CHANGE PRESET screen will appear. That screen informs about the curve currently On Air and prompts an alternative one (called ‘PRESET’).
ENG ‘LCD’ VERSION - FRONT PANEL OPERATION 21.4 IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT ACCESSING THE FRONT PANEL As soon as the Falcon 50 control is taken by the Pc Control software, the two LCD screens will turn ‘blank’ and graphics will disappear. This in order to prevent from simultaneous access and parameter modifications by more than one user at the same time. Always access the Falcon 50 from the computer having the LCD screen showing their default mask (I/O level bars).
INSTALLING THE REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE ENG 22 INSTALLING THE REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE The Falcon 50 is remote-controlled using a PC with the Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000 and XP operating systems. For this purpose special PC remote control software is included in the scope of delivery. To install the software: A) Using standard Windows procedures, access the PC REMOTE SOFTWARE folder and run the SETUP.EXE file under the Microsoft Windows ’98, ME, 2000, NT and XP operating system.
ENG FIRMWARE UPGRADE PROCEDURE 23 FIRMWARE UPGRADE PROCEDURE The processor comes from the factory with the most recent firmware installed just prior to shipping. When required, the firmware can be updated with the latest available version using standard Windows procedures.
FIRMWARE UPGRADE PROCEDURE ENG D) set the jumper ‘JP1’ of the Main board to its ON / PROG position. The jumper is located on the left side of the Main board. E) Turn the processor on. If you are using the ‘LCD’ version, make sure “Falcon 50 FM/TV” is displayed on both screens. If you are using the ‘BLIND’ version, make sure the ALARM led is blinking. 2) RUNNING THE UPGRADE FILES ON THE PC F) Close all opened applications on the PC.
FIRMWARE UPGRADE PROCEDURE ENG I) Select the PC serial port on the screen J) Click Connect button. K) Make sure the Identification is correctly done (Ready to start Firmware Upgrade [3] + firmware code displayed in the right field [2]), and click ‘Program’. In the left field [1] you can read the firmware version. The upgrade will continue automatically. NOTE: once the upgrading procedure has started, it must NOT be interrupted for any reason.
