Worldcast Systems SOLAR FM User Manual

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SOLAR FM
USER MANUAL
V.1.95
Date: 2018/11/23
WorldCast Systems
web:
www.worldcastsystems.com
- e-mail:
contact@worldcastsystems.com

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Summary of Contents for Worldcast Systems SOLAR FM

  • Page 1 SOLAR FM USER MANUAL V.1.95 Date: 2018/11/23 WorldCast Systems web: www.worldcastsystems.com - e-mail: contact@worldcastsystems.com...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 CONTENT 1. INTRODUCTION .........................4 1.1. About WorldCast Systems ......................4 1.2. About the SOLAR FM ........................5 1.3. Safety Precautions ........................5 2. RECOMMENDATIONS ........................7 2.1. Storage ............................7 2.2. Installation ............................ 7 2.2.1.
  • Page 3 SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 5.2.2. SOLAR FM configuration using the application ..............25 5.2.3. Checking good working order ....................27 5.3. Powering up the transmitter ...................... 28 5.4. Connections ..........................29 5.5. Installing the SOLAR FM ......................30 5.5.1.
  • Page 4: Introduction

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. About WorldCast Systems WorldCast Systems is a highly respected provider of professional, reliable and innovative solutions to the Radio & TV industry worldwide. Encompassing the industry-leading brands of APT, Ecreso & Audemat, WorldCast Systems offers high-...
  • Page 5: About The Solar Fm

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 1.2. About the SOLAR FM The SOLAR FM is a unique FM transmission solution designed to operate in isolated areas with limited electrical infrastructure, covering up to 10 km areas. Capable of receiving audio from FM and satellite as well as analog and/or AES inputs, the system comes complete with appropriate antennas and a dedicated smartphone application for control.
  • Page 6 NiMH battery If the battery is not correctly replaced, it may damage the equipment. Only replace it with a battery of the same type and after having contacted the WorldCast Systems support team. Practices to follow to extend the life of the battery: ...
  • Page 7: Recommendations

    2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1. Storage Storing the SOLAR FM for a long period may lead to a complete discharge of the battery and to its deterioration. If a long storage time is required, reload the battery using solar panels or a stabilized lab power supply before it is discharged.
  • Page 8: Solar Recommendations

    2.2.3. Solar recommendations 2.2.3.1. Installing the solar panels WorldCast Systems supplies solar panels required to operate the SOLAR FM. You may however use other panels. Be careful to not select oversized solar panels which could be detrimental to the proper working of the transmitter.
  • Page 9: Rf Recommendation

    Warning: the SOLAR FM includes a battery management system designed to optimize the battery charge and discharge. To replace it with a battery not approved by WorldCast Systems may lead to a dysfunction of the unit which would not be covered by the warranty.
  • Page 10: Specifications

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 3. SPECIFICATIONS FM transmitter Frequency range: 87.5 - 108 MHz adjustable in 10 kHz increments Power range: 2 - 25 W in 1 W increments Configurable level: 0 to 90 kHz total MPX deviation 0 to 90 kHz AF deviation 0 to 9.9 kHz 19 kH PILOT deviation...
  • Page 11: Solar Fm User Manual V.1.95.X

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 Input impedance: 110 kΩ Sample format 24 bits Sampling frequency: 48 kHz Solar panels and battery 2 solar panels Voltage: typical 36 VDC / 44 VDC max Power: typical 100 W / 140 W max...
  • Page 12: System Presentation

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 4. SYSTEM PRESENTATION 4.1. Accessories The following accessories are supplied with the SOLAR FM:  SOLAR FM box: o 1 transmitter + connected RF output cable o 1 binding frame + 2 sets of claws and nuts...
  • Page 13: System Synoptic

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 4.2. System synoptic Overview of the modules and their interconnections: Solar panels DC input AC input (option) Battery Mobile application FM Rx Control WiFi unit module DVB-S Satellite DVB-S2 Ampli- FM output Pilote...
  • Page 14: Transmitter Casing

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 4.3. Transmitter casing Inside view: Battery Module WiFi Satellite board Main board: includes 3 power supplies + FM receiver Connectors Page 14 Head Office : Parc d’activites Kennedy - 20, avenue Neil Armstrong – 33700 Bordeaux-Merignac (France) Tel +33 (0)5 57 928 928 –...
  • Page 15: Rear View

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 4.3.1. Rear view Battery management module Mains power RF Module supply Connectors Page 15 Head Office : Parc d’activites Kennedy - 20, avenue Neil Armstrong – 33700 Bordeaux-Merignac (France) Tel +33 (0)5 57 928 928 – Fax +33 (0)5 57 928 929 –...
  • Page 16: Connectors

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 4.4. Connectors 4.4.1. Battery management module Connection to the battery Connection to Connection to the the transmitter solar panels 4.4.2. Connectors BMS control and Satellite input FM input FM output Battery input 100-300 V RS232c terminal link L&R analog...
  • Page 17: Connectors' Specifications

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 4.4.3. Connectors’ specifications Power connectors 230 VAC mains input connector P = Phase N = Neutral T = Earth 3-pin connector Front view Auxiliary photovoltaic power input connector (DC) GND CAN CAN+ CAN- Note: This connector must be linked to a dedicated photovoltaic power unit.
  • Page 18 SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 Digital audio connector (AES) Note: Input impedance is greater than 110 Ω, it is balanced via transformer. 4-pin connector Front view RF connectors Satellite: screw N connector (SAT). FM retransmitter’s RF input: screw N connector (FM IN).
  • Page 19: Audio Signal Sources

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 4.5. Audio signal sources The SOLAR FM can use four different signal sources:  Satellite receiver  FM receiver  Analog inputs (L&R)  Digital input (AES) Their configuration is managed from the mobile application available on the smartphone.
  • Page 20: Fm Receiver

    5 hours of operation o a battery management system o two 80 W solar panels, connected in series (when supplied by WorldCast Systems).  This system can supply up to 12 hours of autonomy per day to the transmitter.
  • Page 21: Fm Transmitter

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018  A second DC power supply (optional Energy pack option) Thus, the SOLAR FM can follow several operating modes:  With AC only The transmitter is only powered by the mains. In case of power shortage, the transmitter will shut down until the power is back.
  • Page 22: Control Unit - Cpu

    Global log - Extract 4.9. WiFi module To enable communication with the transmitter, a WiFi module has been included in the SOLAR FM to give a local hotspot for a connection giving access to wireless configuration. It can be managed with the default IP address: 10.10.100.254.
  • Page 23: Quick Start

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 5. QUICK START 5.1. Unpacking When opening the SOLAR FM box, the following items are tied together:  Transmitter  Binding frame  Radome (fiberglass protective casing) To set them apart, take the following steps: ...
  • Page 24: Transmitter Bench Test (Optional)

    SOLAR FM from the binding frame. 5.2. Transmitter bench test (optional)  This step should be done before fastening the SOLAR FM to the pylon. To be able to test the transmitter, the following settings will be applied:  Transmitter power source: mains ...
  • Page 25: Cable Connection

     Connect the mains cable supplied in the SOLAR FM box to the AC input and to the mains (input voltage: 100 VAC – 300 VAC). Cable CA01013 is a dedicated test cable. Its connectors are not watertight and should therefore not be used for commissioning.
  • Page 26 SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 5.2.2.2. Connection to the application  Launch the application with the icon:  The application opens. Enter the SOLAR FM IP address (default: 10.10.100.254), the port (default: 8899) and password (default: admin)  In the home page header, click...
  • Page 27: Checking Good Working Order

     Use the supplied phone FM receiver, or other FM receiver, set on 98.00 MHz to check the reception of the signal from the SOLAR FM. Page 27 Head Office : Parc d’activites Kennedy - 20, avenue Neil Armstrong – 33700 Bordeaux-Merignac (France) Tel +33 (0)5 57 928 928 –...
  • Page 28: Powering Up The Transmitter

    Before turning on the transmitter, make sure the RF output is connected to an antenna or a load to avoid damaging the product.  This step must be done before fastening the SOLAR FM to the pylon.  The battery auto calibrates with several charge/discharge cycles, or about 5 days. As long as it is not properly calibrated, voltage readings displayed by the application may be incorrect;...
  • Page 29: Connections

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 5.4. Connections BMS control and Satellite input FM input FM output Battery input 100-300 V RS232c terminal link L&R analog Digital audio DC power input audio input input mains input and Local button View of the SOLAR FM connectors ...
  • Page 30: Installing The Solar Fm

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 5.5. Installing the SOLAR FM Install the SOLAR FM in the shade of the solar panels to increase performances and lifetime. 5.5.1. Connecting the solar panels to the transmitter Standard connection (without the optional 2...
  • Page 31 Connect the watertight female connector to the 2-point input of the optional battery. ③ ③ ① ② Optional battery Cable between the optional battery and the SOLAR FM  Connect the 5-pin connector ④ to the optional battery 5-pin connector  ⑤...
  • Page 32: Fastening The Solar Fm

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 5.5.2. Fastening the SOLAR FM Four steps are required to fasten the SOLAR FM to the pole: 1- Set the binding frame on the pole at the desired height with the binding set adapted to the pole diameter.
  • Page 33 The SOLAR FM can be connected to either satellite antenna input.  Use zip ties every 50 cm to fasten the cable to the mast between the SOLAR FM and the solar panels.  Use the provided plastic tape and rubber tape over the connectors to ensure watertigthness.
  • Page 34: The Mobile Application

    Default port is 8899. Default password is admin.  If another user is connected to the Solar FM, or if the previous session was not properly closed, a message invites you to confirm you wish to connect.  Depending on the phone operating system, the interface may be slightly different from what is presented here.
  • Page 35: Application Overview

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.2. Application overview The application gives access to the transmitter status and configuration. In the home page header, click the menu icon to display all available menus. Below the home page header, a lock indicates whether the transmitter is in manual mode...
  • Page 36 SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 On the main screen, a diagram gives the status of the transmitter In addition to giving the status of the transmitter’s various components, some of the symbols give shortcut links to application maintenance pages.
  • Page 37 SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 Power supply Opens the Maintenance/Power supply page (see section 6.3.5) The color of the symbols indicates the power supply source and its status: Adequate voltage Low voltage Not used Battery 1 / Main...
  • Page 38 SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 With the last two menus  Access general information (About menu)  Return to the connection screen (logout menu). The command does not close the application. Page 38 Head Office : Parc d’activites Kennedy - 20, avenue Neil Armstrong – 33700 Bordeaux-Merignac (France) Tel +33 (0)5 57 928 928 –...
  • Page 39: Maintenance

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.3. Maintenance The Maintenance menu pages can be accessed:  On Android, by clicking on the icon of the grey header. The displayed icon is that of the current page.  On iPhone, on the left of the screen. The icon with a white background is that of the current page.
  • Page 40: Satellite

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.3.2. Satellite This page shows the satellite status in details. Information given by the indicators is: Locked Satellite receiver locked on the received signal Satellite receiver not locked on the received signal Communication...
  • Page 41: Fm Receiver

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.3.3. FM Receiver This page shows the FM receiver status in details. Information given by the indicators is: Communication Normal communication No communication with the FM receiver 6.3.4. Audio inputs This page shows the AES input status...
  • Page 42: Power Supply

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.3.5. Power supply This page shows the current power source and all power supplies status in details, including battery remaining capacity (SoC). Information given by the indicators is: Battery status Sufficient voltage (>20 V)
  • Page 43: General Configuration

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.4.1. General configuration Select the Auto or Manual mode for the scheduler. During normal operation, the Auto mode allows the transmitter to automatically manage preset changes. See section 6.4.6 for more information on the scheduler.
  • Page 44: Transmitter Configuration

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.4.2. Transmitter configuration Enter the transmission frequency *, between 87.5 and 108 MHz the power *, between 0 and 25 W the MPX deviation ** between 0 and 90 kHz the AF deviation **, the pilot deviation **, Select the preemphasis ** : 50 µs, 75 µs or OFF...
  • Page 45: Satellite Configuration

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.4.3. Satellite configuration Satellite parameters Enter the reception frequency, between 0 and 99999 MHz, The symbol rate, between 0 and 99999 symbols/seconds. Select the channel polarization: Vertical or Horizontal for universal LNB or Left and Right for C-band LNB Enter the SID of the program needing decoding (Service identifier or Program Number as set by DVB standard).
  • Page 46: Fm Receiver Configuration

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.4.4. FM receiver configuration Enter the reception frequency, between 87.5 and 108 MHz. Select the reception mode: Mono or Stereo. Click the button to save changes. * FM receiver parameters are associated with the preset. If they are modified on this page, the current preset is updated.
  • Page 47: Scheduler Configuration

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 The, click the button to save the changes. Modifications made on the current preset are immediately applied. 6.4.6. Scheduler configuration With the scheduler, associate a preset with a time slot: Click the Add button, set the starting time and the ending time of the time slot, as well as the preset, and click the Save button.
  • Page 48: System

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 On the main scheduler page, sequences are displayed according to time slots. A sequence can be deleted using the cross on the right. 6.5. System The System menu pages can be accessed: ...
  • Page 49: Product

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.5.1. Product This page displays general information about the product. The name of the product can be modified The release and serial numbers may be requested when exchanging with the support services. 6.5.2. Date and time The date and time displayed in the first section are those of the transmitter.
  • Page 50: Communication

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.5.3. Communication Change the password to connect to the mobile application. 6.5.4. Support On this page, you may:  Reboot all the transmitter modules.  Reset the transmitter to factory settings. Page 50 Head Office : Parc d’activites Kennedy - 20, avenue Neil Armstrong –...
  • Page 51: Terminal

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 6.5.5. Terminal With the terminal, communicate with the transmitter using line commands. See Chapter 7 for more information on this topic. 6.5.6. Event logs On the page first, set filters are needed. Enter the year (4 digit) and the month (2 digit) and select the desired modules.
  • Page 52: Software Upgrades

    Access to a mobile network is required to be able to send an email. Click the Back buttons to return to the previous page. 6.5.7. Software upgrades Upgrading the Solar FM is done via the application interface. Simply: 1. Download the upgrade file on the phone (type .usf for the transmitter, type .bin for the BMS),...
  • Page 53: Configuration Commands

    A configuration session can be launched with the smartphone (System/Terminal page, see section 6.5.5), or with a PC. With a PC, connect the PC to the SOLAR FM on the RS232c connector with an adapted cable (see section 4.4.3 for connectors’ specifications), and open a terminal session with the following parameters: ...
  • Page 54: List Of Commands

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 7.3. List of commands Description Example Command Displays the list of commands Global parameters >D=17/09/01 D=YY/MM/D Date and time settings D or >D=16:32 D=hh:mm > >Q=1 Resets the transmitter with factory settings, and restarts Reboot...LogOut...
  • Page 55 SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 Parameters applicable to presets E=n x Preset settings. n = 0: preset enabled; n =1: preset edition To change the frequency of the mode. Preset number x = 1..5. current preset, regardless of its...
  • Page 56 SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 >X=1 8600  deviation MPX set at 86 kHz X=1 xxx Max MPX deviation between 0000 and 9000 x 10 Hz. Applied to the preset in edit mode, the command must >E=0  enables the preset be followed by E=0 to get the edited preset on air.
  • Page 57 SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 >s=1 Displays the list of programs received on the toned services satellite channel along with name and Service ID. NO NAME TYPE SID -- ------------------- ---- ----- SKYRCK-SAT 1001 NRJ IDF 2001 NOST IDF 2002 >s=2...
  • Page 58 SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 >?=3 General settings: date and time, scheduler mode, power GLOBAL SETTINGS; management, current preset and time sequence, local YMD HMS:17/09/11 17:49:44; Scheduler:Manu; RS232 port speed. Status:Awake; PSUswitch:NextSlot; PresetNum:1; TxFmNum:1; SatNum:1; RxFmNum:1; SchedulerNum:1; >...
  • Page 59 SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 >?=9 FM receiver status: frequency, field strength, SNR. FM RECEIVER STATUS; RxFmNum:1; RxFMHz=098.50;  If the audio source is not the FM receiver or if it is RSSi=000dBuV; SNR=000dB; being configured, this commands displays an Pilot=Off;...
  • Page 60: For More Information

    SOLAR FM User Manual v.1.95.x – 11/2018 FOR MORE INFORMATION Please contact: WorldCast Systems Head office: 20, avenue Neil Armstrong - Parc d'Activités J.F. Kennedy 33700 BORDEAUX – MERIGNAC FRANCE Tel: +33 (0) 557 928 928 Hotline: support@worldcastsystems.com WorldCast Systems Inc...

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