Summary of Contents for Cobalt Digital Inc C-2500
- Page 1 COBALT C-2500 & C-3000 Fully Featured FM Transmitter Installation Guide and User Manual Version 1.13.1 +44 203 411 0387 REV 03/25 info@aquabroadcast.co.uk www.aquabroadcast.co.uk...
- Page 2 THANK YOU Creating the Most Exciting and Engaging FM Broadcast experience possible... We’re grateful that you have chosen an Aqua Broadcast FM Transmitter. We hope that you enjoy your Aqua Broadcast product for many years to come. Everyone here at Aqua Broadcast is passionate about developing new and innovative products. By shaping the future of FM Broadcast by delivering innovative, intuitive solutions that inspire our customers to create the most exciting and engaging content possible.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
CONTENTS User Warnings and Cautions Safety Information Operating Environment Installation Operation Repair and Service Detailed Safety Instructions Product Disposal and Hazards Warranty Wiring Front and Rear Images Pinouts User Input Experience Home Screen LED status meanings on the front panel Inputs Screen Audio Processor Audio Processor Presets... - Page 4 Outputs Screen and Audio Monitoring SFN Sync Screen Tuner Screen (optional) Automations Configs Modulation Failover RF Off on Silence Scheduler Notifications Faults Alarms GPI Setup GPO Setup Automations User System Screen Services Unit Network Emails User Management Logs Diagnostics Specifications Certifications Contact Information info@aquabroadcast.co.uk...
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Page 5: User Warnings And Cautions
USER WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS The installation and service instructions in this manual are for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so. -
Page 6: Operating Environment
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT / STATE / POSITION The product may be operated only under the operating conditions and in the positions specified by the manufacturer, without any obstruction in product's ventilation. If the manufacturer's specifications are not observed, this can result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury or death. Applicable local or national safety regulations and rules for the prevention of accidents must be observed in all cases. -
Page 7: Operation
Unless expressly permitted, never remove the cover or any part of the housing while the product is in operation. Doing so will expose circuits and components and can lead to injuries, electrical shock, fire, or damage to the product. Aqua Broadcast products are designed to be permanently installed, so the connection between the PE terminal on site and the product's PE conductor must be made first before any other connection is made. -
Page 8: Detailed Safety Instructions
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS All the safety and operation instructions should be read before the unit is operated. Retain Instructions: The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. All warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. Follow instructions: All operation and user instructions should be followed. - Page 9 INFORMATION REGARDING PRODUCT DISPOSAL During product disposal the following directives must be adhered to: • 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), • 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS).
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Page 10: Warranty
WARRANTY Please ensure the warranty registration process is completed upon receipt of this product. To do so, go to www.aquabroadcast.co.uk/support with your product’s serial number to hand. Aqua Broadcast warrants the mechanical and electronic components of this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of up to Two years from the original date of purchase, in accordance with the warranty regulations described below. -
Page 11: Wiring
CHECK ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ARE CORRECT AND SAFE BEFORE POWERING ON THE TRANSMITTER The C-2500 and C-3000 Transmitters need to be wired up correctly and safely. It is recommended that connections are made by a suitably qualified and licensed electrician. - Page 12 WIRING info@aquabroadcast.co.uk +44 203 411 0387 www.aquabroadcast.co.uk +44 203 411 0387...
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Page 13: Front And Rear Images
FRONT AND REAR IMAGES 1. RF Monitor Port 7. LAN 1 and USB 13. RF Out 2. Headphones 8. Digital Audio In and RDS Data 14. LAN 2 / UART 3. Meters 9. MPX 1 & 2 Inputs and Outputs 15. -
Page 14: Pinouts
PINOUTS D-SUB 25 FEMALE CONNECTOR PIN NUMBER SIGNAL COMMAND GP OUT GP OUT GP OUT GP OUT GP IN GP IN GP IN GP IN ANALOG OUT (330Ohm, 0-5 V) ANALOG OUT (330Ohm, 0-5 V) UART (RS232 CONVERTER) 5V (SPARE POWER) 250mA INTERLOCK GP OUT GP OUT... - Page 15 USER INPUT INTERFACE The Cobalt series features a click-able joystick as the main input interface so you can move and click with just one hand. The incorporated haptics compliment the visual information with tactile feedback for a complete experience. The analogue capabilities of the joystick are put to good use during parameter editing, where you can tilt the joystick further to accelerate value changes.
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Page 16: Home Screen
HOME SCREEN The Home screen on the front of all Cobalt products is equivalent to the dashboard used in the web-remote, showing the most important details on the units’ operation. The top row shows Model name System Time The screen also shows RF power, Frequency, Modulation and PA Temperature FWD: Shows forward power read from the PA. -
Page 17: Led Status Meanings On The Front Panel
LED STATUS MEANINGS ON THE FRONT PANEL The front panel LEDs provide a quick and efficient insight into unit’s status and condition. Some LED colours may have different meaning that are dependent on the configuration of the Transmitter. Status LEDS RF: Indicates status of the RF Transmitter When RF is OFF, the LED is OFF When RF ON and loop in “Power Seek”... -
Page 18: Inputs Screen
INPUTS SCREEN The Inputs screen shows the current Audio Input settings, and also allows for these parameters to be adjusted to suit your requirement. The Inputs screen shows the following parameters at a glance. Digital In Level Digital R Trim Analog In Level Analog R Trim Audio Inputs... -
Page 19: Audio Processor
AUDIO PROCESSOR The built-in audio processor has 21 presets to choose from, as well as a bypass mode. It allows the user to select an audio processing preset. The Audio Processor screen shows the current settings at a glance. Preset – selects the active audio processing preset Input –... -
Page 20: Audio Processor Presets
AUDIO PROCESSOR PRESET LIST The following is the list of the available presets as well as a brief description of each, so you can try to choose the one that best suits your station format or personal preferences. Bypass preset This preset force gates the AGC's, setting them to unity gain. - Page 21 Latin Created brand new to address the complexity and uniqueness of such a wide and important music genre. Works great with various styles of salsa, mambo, cumbia, bachata, merengue, chan chan and, of course, cha cha cha. loud We aimed to create that larger-than-life sound with this preset: loud, yet with sufficient depth and impact, created to push the envelope! low bass Heavy on the bass, good for techno.
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Page 22: Rds
The RDS screen allows you to adjust the basic RDS parameters for static operation from the front panel. The internal RDS encoder full feature set can be accessed via the web remote, including UECP compliant parameters for dynamic RDS. PI (Program Identifier): This is a 4-digit hexadecimal number (0-9, then A-F) which is unique to your station normally assigned to you by your local Broadcast regulator or licensing body. -
Page 23: Exciter And Stereo Encoder
EXCITER AND STEREO ENCODER The COBALT offers many possible signal sources and great flexibility in routing and combining them. Exciter The exciter menu selects the source and mix of the signals that will form the multiplex going to the FM exciter and the amount of modulation for the carrier. - Page 24 Clippers Clipping is a very effective method of increasing the perceived loudness while keeping a controlled peak level and it won’t produce any audible side effects if performed in moderation. Excessive clipping, however, will produce a form of distortion that is unpleasant to hear. Our clippers have mechanisms in place to keep the distortion at bay but the trade-off is that some peaks may go through.
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Page 25: Outputs
OUTPUTS The outputs screen shows parameters for the relevant output configuration of the Cobalt Transmitter. This menu has two pages, Outputs and MPX. Outputs On the outputs page, you will first see the Headphone (HP) status. HP Source This selects between the source for the Headphones output. By default, this is set to Processor. The other options are Analogue or Digital audio. -
Page 26: System And Network
SYSTEM AND NETWORK The System screen shows parameters for the various settings relating to the Cobalt Transmitter. This menu has 2 pages, System, and Network. System On the System page, you will first see the following useful information. Time This adjusts the manual Time setting. Date This adjusts the manual Date setting. -
Page 27: Web Interface
WEB INTERFACE All COBALT FM Transmitters feature a user-friendly Interface that is accessible from any web browser. Please use the network screen on the front of the unit to determine or set the IP address and any other Network Parameters of the Cobalt Transmitter. On any web browser, please enter the IP address of the unit, and press enter/search on the Browser bar. -
Page 28: Dashboard
DASHBOARD The main Dashboard is the default starting point of the Web Interface. From here , you can quickly see the most important information such as, RF Status Modulation Frequency Model FWD Power Serial Number REV Power Status Temperature Software Update Local Button On the front panel, there is a button labelled LOCAL. -
Page 29: Radio Frequency Screen
RADIO FREQUENCY SCREEN This screen gives the an overview of the current RF status and settings. Additionally you can also see the following information, • VSWR Status • PA Temp (stated in degrees Celcius) • PA Voltage • PA Current •... - Page 30 UMPX SCREEN Available as on option on all COBALT Transmitters. µMPX allows you to transmit your entire FM signal, including audio, RDS, and pilot tone, over a simple Ethernet cable at a Low bit rate (320 kbit/s). YOU MUST ALREADY HAVE THE µMPX ENCODER AT YOUR AUDIO SOURCE TO USE THIS FEATURE. If you have this option enabled, the main menu will have the additional menu item for the µMPX.
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Page 31: Inputs Screen
INPUTS SCREEN The COBALT allows you to use various inputs as your source. Analogue Audio on XLR connectors Dual MPX on BNC connectors AES/EBU Digital Audio on RJ45 dongle (included) You can easily adjust any of the required input levels and view live input metering from the active inputs. info@aquabroadcast.co.uk +44 203 411 0387 www.aquabroadcast.co.uk... -
Page 32: Audio Processor Screen
AUDIO PROCESSOR SCREEN Every Cobalt FM Transmitter ships with a 4-band Audio Processor as standard. With 21 individually designed presets to choose from, you will be able to choose a setting that suits you right from the start. If you choose the “bypass” preset, you can still utilize the excellent Exciter features of the Transmitter, while using any other external Audio Processor you choose. -
Page 33: Rds Screen
RDS SCREEN The Cobalt incorporates an RDS encoder as standard. This feature allows full dynamic control of all RDS parameters, such as PI, PS and RT (Program Identifier, Program Service –station name, and Radio Text) The internal RDS encoders’ full set of features is only accessible via the web remote. This also includes UECP compliant parameters. -
Page 34: Dynamic Rds
Dynamic RDS The Cobalt’s RDS encoder can be used in static mode, by setting the above parameters at installation. Alternatively, the unit’s RDS settings can be controlled dynamically, receiving data input from an external source such as a play-out system or 3rd-party ‘middleware’ such as Magic RDS or RDS-Studio. The RDS coder is UECP compliant (a standard protocol designed specifically to control RDS encoders) and can receive data via the LAN connection or UART USB port on the rear. -
Page 35: Exciter And Stereo Screen
EXCITER AND STEREO SCREEN This screen will at a glance give you a visual indication of the Modulation present. Exciter On the Exciter section, you will see the following options; MPX Source This selects between the internally generated MPX (from the Stereo generator with processed audio with or without RDS), external analogue MPX input or external digital MPX input. - Page 36 EXCITER AND STEREO SCREEN Stereo Encoder The Stereo encoder comprises the MPX signal from audio channels, pilot and RDS signal. It automatically keeps the overall modulation within the 100% modulation limit. Pilot level Sets the level of 19kHz pilot tone, which is required for stereo synchronization. The range is 0 to 15% with 0.1% steps.
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Page 37: Outputs Screen
OUTPUTS SCREEN Audio Monitoring All Cobalt models feature a built-in Audio monitor that can be used for confidence streaming purposes. Like the Headphones port on the front, you can choose to listen to the Analog audio, Digital Audio, Processed Audio, Audio Player, Test tone, or if you have the optional Tuner of MicroMPX installed, those too can be monitored. -
Page 38: Sfn Sync Screen
SFN SYNC SCREEN The SFN (Single Frequency Network) screen lets you enter and adjust parameters to sync Cobalt Transmitters. You will need to have an external GPS receiver that has both 10MHz and 1PPS sync outputs to connect to the appropriate BNC connectors on the back of the Cobalt. -
Page 39: Tuner Screen (Optional)
TUNER SCREEN The optional tuner module adds FM rebroadcast capability to the standard Cobalt FM transmitter functionality. The high quality, digital tuner features DSP processing of receive signals, to ensure the highest quality reception, even during poor signal conditions. The tuner is highly sensitive and has excellent selectivity so it will also perform well on strong transmitter sites, where the receive and transmit frequencies are close together. - Page 40 Bandwidth Mode This parameter allows you to manually set the intermediate frequency filter bandwidth, or configure it to be automatically adjusted. To improve the field performance it is recommended to use the automatic IF bandwidth. Fixed IF Bandwidth (KHz) The IF bandwidth control can be explicitly set in a fixed position to any of the following values: 56 / 64 / 72 / 84 / 97 / 114 / 133 / 151 / 168 / 184 / 200 / 217 / 236 / 254 / 287 / 311 kHz.
- Page 41 Stereo Enhancement High blend - The High blend setting has the left and right audio channels combined together to reduce noise, or hiss, which becomes common in stereo signals. FMSI (FM Stereo Improvement) - uses DSP to eliminate the extra hiss often received on weak signals. Mono Enhancement Acts in s similar way to FMSI, but degined for MONO received signals.
- Page 42 TUNER SETUP The Tuner in the COBALT can be setup in several ways for various usage. The tuner can also be listened to independently on either the Headphone Jack, or remotley if the Audio is streamed back. You will need to set the Audio input level recieved by the Tuner, this is the level that enters the Modulator and should be treated as any other Audio Input.
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Page 43: Tuner Setup
TUNER SETUP Go to the RDS menu and set your RDS parameters and click save. Go back to the Tuner menu. You will see a section below called Rebroadcast with Toggleswitches next to each parameter. Make sure ALL the switches are set to OFF like in the image below. info@aquabroadcast.co.uk +44 203 411 0387 www.aquabroadcast.co.uk... - Page 44 TUNER SETUP Option 2 - Pass through RDS Data in the COBALT recieved from the Tuner This function will allow all the RDS Data recived on the frequebncy by the Tuner to be passed through. You have the ability to select all or or only data you want to be transmitted to be passed through the modulator. Go to the Exciter and Stereo screen, and select Tuner MPX under the MPX source Tab.
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Page 45: Audio Player
AUDIO PLAYER All COBALT products have a built-in Audio Player as standard. The Audio Player can be used as a backup Audio Source. You can either use a USB device connected to the USB port, or upload Audio files into the COBALT as Local storage. Supported Formats .mp3, .wav Supported USB Filesystems... -
Page 46: Automations
AUTOMATIONS The Automations function in every COBALT Transmitter has been designed to be more powerful than anything else out there. Unlike basic input source failovers that merely facilitate the switch between audio sources, we believe in providing a more comprehensive solution. Our system is meticulously designed to offer unparalleled flexibility in terms of routing inputs to the modulator, complemented by a robust failover mechanism. -
Page 47: Configs
Configs To make a new Configuration is easy! 1. Setup all the required Transmitter settings you need, such as Frequency, Power, Input etc. 2. Click New. 3. Give it a name of your choice. 4. We advise adding a description, especially if you have multiple configs. 5. -
Page 48: Modulation Failover
Modulation Failover This facility lets you define a primary Audio source, as well as 3 additional backups. The meters at the top show all inputs that are live with either Audio, MPX, or RDS. SETUP SOURCES • Assign the required config here in the drop-down •... -
Page 49: Rf Off On Silence
RF Off on Silence If you lose all Audio sources, you will have "Dead Air". In this case you should turn off (Mute) the RF. The Cobalt lets you do this very easily. HOW TO SET THIS UP Go to the automations section labelled “RF Off" and set the minimum modulation % that should keep the RF on. The default value should be fine in most cases. -
Page 50: Scheduler
Scheduler You need to set up configurations first, in order to use the scheduler function. The scheduler function allows you to create custom actions at set times and days to load a configuration that you setup. There are 9 schedules that you can set-up. Each action must have its own schedule setup. -
Page 51: Notifications
Notifications This section comprises of 5 parts. At a glance you will be able to see any and all Notifications which may be associated with a Config setting. HOW TO SET THIS UP Go to the automations section labelled “Notifications" For each of the 5 top sections, you need to set which variable you want to activate. -
Page 52: Alarms
Alarms Critical Alarms can be notified by Email, SNMP Traps, and also entered into system Logs. Find the relevant Alarm you want to be notified of. Set to write to the Log, send an email or SNMP (or all) to be notified accordingly if this fault occurs. -
Page 53: Gpi Setup
GPI Setup The GPI when Triggered, can notify you by Email, or SNMP Trap. The GPI pins are number relevantly to the actual available pins on the DB25 connector at the back of the unit. Find the relevant GPI pin you want to be notified of triggering. Set to send an email or SNMP (or both) to be notified accordingly if this fault occurs. -
Page 54: Gpo Setup
GPO Setup The GPO pins can be configured to pull High or Low. The GPI pins are number relevantly to the actually available pins on the connector at the back of the unit. Analog Output Setup The 4 available Pins can be individually turned on or off. Under the source, the following options are available; Enable the required Pin Select the source from the following options •... -
Page 55: Automations
Automations When Triggered, can notify you by Email, or SNMP Trap. They also can Trigger an LED on the front Panel in either RED, GREEN, BLUE, or YELLOW as a visual indication of the event. These are on the LED labelled USER on the front panel. -
Page 56: User
User These have similar functions to the others above, but can also be used to not only send Emails, and SNMP traps, but also to trigger a GPO. Each detector can be configured individually to allow for greater control. The GPO could be used in many ways, but some examples are for indicator warning lights, starting remote Audio players etc. -
Page 57: System Screen
SYSTEM SCREEN The system screen has 7 sections. Services Here you can enable and set various additional services like SNMP, Telnet and RS232. After enabling and/or changing a parameter, please make sure you save each relevant section before proceeding to the next section. info@aquabroadcast.co.uk +44 203 411 0387 www.aquabroadcast.co.uk... -
Page 58: Unit
Unit Front Panel Brightness - adjust the Front panel Display and LED brightness to your choosing. Local mode timeout - set the delay you want the screensaver to come on when using the front panel controls. Screensaver level - Choose what you want to enter into a screensaver mode OFF - No screensaver is enabled Display only - The OLED will tun off, but the meters and LED will still be shown. -
Page 59: Network
Network You can adjust these parameters to suit your own network requirements, this can also be done from the front panel controls. Emails Setup your Email notifications to recipients here. You can also choose secured methods (preferred) These emails will form the basis of any notifications on the unit that you may have chosen to use when setting up Automations and notifications. -
Page 60: User Management
User Management You can setup multiple users on every Cobalt Transmitter. These can have different permission levels. When setting up a User, please remember to set the Role and Password for each user. Admin - set this for full control of the unit, with the ability to change any parameter. Viewer - set this for limited control of the unit, restrictions will apply on certain parameters. -
Page 61: Logs
LOGS System logs can be accessed from here. They are also accessible at all times from any page at the top right corner. Each relevant log will be sorted by the most recent timestamp. Clicking “SHOW” will open up further information showing the log including any errors. You can also download the log and save to your Computer for further reference, archiving, or to share the log with our support department. -
Page 62: Diagnostics
DIAGNOSTICS The Diagnostics page gives you a quick and easy view of all relevant systems and statuses. These are useful if you need to check systems locally or remotely. NOTE SOME ITEMS MAY NOT SHOW IF THEY ARE NOT INSTALLED. AN EXAMPLE IS ON PSU, CERTAIN MODELS MAY HAVE ADDITIONAL PSU'S FITTED. -
Page 63: Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS COBALT C-2500 Output Power 2500 Range (W) 250-2500W RF Output connector 7/8” EIA, 50 ohm Input ACV @ 50/60Hz 208/400Vac Single or Three phases 47÷63 Hz Power Connector Phoenix DC Input (optional) 48V DC Power Supplies 3 (1 is for redundancy) Dimensions WxDxH (inches) 19 x 24 x 3RU (7”) - Page 64 COMMON SPECIFICATIONS ACROSS ALL COBALT MODELS MODULATOR AUDIO INPUTS Analogue 2 x XLR female, 10kΩ impedance Transmitter type Solid-state FM Stereo transmitter level adjustable 0-24dBu Modulator Direct-to-channel (DDS) AES/EBU via RJ45 per StudioHUB+ Digital RF Output Frequency Range VHF Band II, Level adjustable -20 0dBFS (WORLDWIDE) 87-108MHz sampling rates 32-192kHz...
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Page 65: Certifications
Type: FM Transmitters Models: Cobalt C-10, Cobalt C-30, Cobalt C-50, Cobalt C-100, Cobalt C-300, Cobalt C-600, Cobalt C-1000, Cobalt C-2500, Cobalt C-3000. Intended use: Broadcast Transmitter are in conformity with the essential requirements of the Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) and of the Directive 2011/65/ EU (RoHS). -
Page 66: Firmware Updates
CONTACT US If you need and advice or support, we are always on hand to help you as fast as we can. We have various ways that you can contact us, and we always recommend any additional information is sent to us so we can quickly assist you.
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