The Server is the software gateway between the router and the other software modules. It runs on a Windows XP or 2000 computer that connects directly to the router via RS232.

The Connected Digital Network offers extensive user setup and control capabilities via the easy-to-use GUI-based Sierra Automated Systems Router Control and System Programming Software.

Via the Configuration Software, you program the names of the sources, destinations, optos, relays, locations, and consoles. Program the characteristics of the sources and destination, linking to optos and relays. Program console buttons, source selects, buss assignments. Set trim levels on inputs and outputs. Monitor and control the entire system on the crosspoint maps. Save and restore the entire system configuration—or any section—to insure your piece of mind.

Automation is extremely powerful software that interfaces with the Server to provide a wide range of "if this, then that" functions. Automation events can be trigger by time of day, by a crosspoint going on or off, by a source being taken to or removed from an output, or by an opto or relay going on or off. The event can then make or remove a crosspoint, open or close an opto or relay, send a serial command to another device, send a message via IP, and more. Events can be conditional, so they will only happen if a condition is true.

As with all Configuration software, Automation is user-configurable in an easy-to-use GUI; no ini file editing or programming language required.

Sierra Automated Systems has a wide variety of Mini Apps that run under Windows to allow Router Switch mappings much like a standard hardware controller. Available in single-output, X-Y, and multi-output versions, Softpanels are ideal for router control from your desktop. In newsrooms, they provide convenient control at the news writer and editor positions to route system sources to the editing software. At the chief engineer's desk, an X-Y softpanel provides convenient full system control.

Softpanels "talk" to the Server via IP through the facility's LAN or WAN.

1 RU Remote Control interface panel with 16 optically-isolated DC inputs and 16 relay-isolated outputs that are used for a variety of control functions: machine control, on-air light switching, radio keying, and much more. The GPI-1600 interfaces via RS485 serial to the router's DRC remote control module or to one of the RIOLink's RS485 ports.

The Sierra Automated Systems-standard wiring system utilizes a special version of the ADC/Krone Series 2 K110 Blocks. The Sierra Automated Systems/Krone block is equipped with two industry-standard RJ21 connectors wired with an internal CAT5 twist to the IDC terminals to maintain impedance integrity necessary for AES/EBU digital audio. The 89D mounting bracket is included.

These blocks provide far better performance over older 66-type blocks, with twice the density. One unique feature is the center disconnect port, which makes the Krone block a fully-functional patch field. A range of Krone test plugs and cables allow bridging or breaking of the connection for testing, monitoring, and jumpering, without removing any wires.

The silver-plated 45º-angle IDC is designed to reduce wire stress, deliver a gas-tight connection, and provides a stronger, more reliable hold. It accepts two conductors of 20-26 AWG solid or stranded wire. Connections are guaranteed for greater than 200 re-terminations.

The blocks snap easily onto standard 89D brackets, and the blocks can then be mounted directly to a wall or on Krone mounting frames.

Sierra Automated Systems provides cables in any custom length to interconnect the rear of the 32KD or RIOLink to the Krone blocks.

The 32KD uses high-density 96-pin Euro connectors for analog audio and serial data, and 50-pin RJ21 connectors for digital audio. The RIOLink uses 50-pin RJ21 connectors for all interconnect.

• 32KD KAI-16, use one cable and one Sierra Automated Systems/Krone block per card
• 32KD KAO-16, use one cable and one Sierra Automated Systems/Krone block per card
• 32KD DRC-16E, use one cable and one Sierra Automated Systems/Krone block per card

• 32KD KDI-16, use one cable and 1/2 Sierra Automated Systems/Krone block per card
• 32KD KDO-16, use one cable and 1/2 Sierra Automated Systems/Krone block per card
• RIOLink Audio In (analog or digital), use one cable and 1/2 Sierra Automated Systems/Krone block per card
• RIOLink Audio Out (analog or digital), use one cable and 1/2 Sierra Automated Systems/Krone block per card
• RIOLink RS485, use one cable and 1/2 Sierra Automated Systems/Krone block per RIO
• RIOLink GPI (opto), use one cable and 1/2 Sierra Automated Systems/Krone block per RIO
• RIOLink GPO (relay), use one cable and 1/2 Sierra Automated Systems/Krone block per RIO

Radio Systems offers a complete range of StudioHub products and wiring solutions for Sierra Automated Systems 32KD and RIOLink.

For more information, contact Radio Systems at www.studiohub.com/sas.