ASTi Telestra 4 Installation guide

ASTi
Telestra 4
Target and Studio
Training Manual
Document: DOC-01-TEL4-TM-1
Advanced Simulation Technology inc.500A Huntmar Park Drive, Herndon, Virginia, 20170 USA
Revision F (July, 2010)

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 sub-
paragraph (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).
ASTi
500-A Huntmar Park Drive
Herndon, VA 20170

i
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 ............................................................................. 2
2.1. Target................................................................................................................. 3
Figure 2: Target Front Panel........................................................................... 3
Figure 3: Target Rear Panel ........................................................................... 4
2.2. Studio ................................................................................................................ 5
Figure 4: Studio Rear Panel ........................................................................... 5
2.3. Audio Distribution Devices.............................................................................. 6
2.3.1. ACU (ACENet Communication Unit).......................................................... 6
Figure 5: ACU Front Panel ............................................................................. 6
Figure 6: ACU Rear Panel .............................................................................. 6
2.3.2. ACU2.......................................................................................................... 7
Figure 7: ACU2 Front Panel .......................................................................... 7
Figure 8: ACU2 Rear Panel........................................................................... 7
2.3.3. ACE-RIU .................................................................................................... 8
Figure 9: ACE-RIU Front Panel ..................................................................... 8
Figure 10: ACE-RIU Rear Panel.................................................................... 8
2.3.4. CrownTM Amplifiers .................................................................................... 9
Figure 11: 4-Channel Amplifier Front Panel ................................................... 9
Figure 12: 4-Channel Amplifier Rear Panel.................................................... 9
2.3.5. Peripherals ............................................................................................... 10
Figure 13: Peripherals .................................................................................. 10

ii
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 ............................................................................................................ 13
Figure 16: ACENet Audio Distribution Network ............................................ 14
3.3. ASTiNet............................................................................................................ 15
3.3.1. VoIP ......................................................................................................... 15
3.4. DIS.................................................................................................................... 16
3.5. HLA .................................................................................................................. 17
3.6. Future Protocols............................................................................................. 17
4.0. Telestra 4 Concepts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.1. The Flow of Data............................................................................................. 18
Figure 17: The Flow of Data ........................................................................ 18
4.2. ACE Studio Concepts .................................................................................... 19
Figure 18: Project Layers.............................................................................. 19
4.3. System Default Logins................................................................................... 20
4.4. Cold Starts ...................................................................................................... 21
4.5. Options File..................................................................................................... 22
4.6. System Configuration .................................................................................... 23
5.0. Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.1. Project Manager.............................................................................................. 25
5.1.1. Project Elements ...................................................................................... 26
5.1.2. Project Manager Tool............................................................................... 27
5.1.3. Layout ...................................................................................................... 29
5.2. Load Viewer .................................................................................................... 30
5.2.1. Models...................................................................................................... 31
5.2.2. Servers..................................................................................................... 32

iii
6.0. Model Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
6.1. Intercoms ........................................................................................................ 33
Figure 19: Intercom Example........................................................................ 33
6.2. Sound Repositories........................................................................................ 34
6.3. Math Plan......................................................................................................... 35
6.4. Radios.............................................................................................................. 36
6.5. Comm Plan Tool ............................................................................................. 38
6.6. Radio Monitor ................................................................................................. 39
Figure 20: Radio Monitor .............................................................................. 39
6.6.1. Radio Filters ............................................................................................. 41
Figure 21: Radio Filters ................................................................................ 41
6.6.2. Statistics................................................................................................... 42
6.7. Domain Editor ................................................................................................. 43
6.8. Helpers ............................................................................................................ 44
6.8.1. Channels.................................................................................................. 45
7.0. Host Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.1. Host Control in the Project Level.................................................................. 48
7.2. Host Control in the Load and Model Level................................................... 50
7.3. Host Interface Exercise.................................................................................. 53
8.0. Remote Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
8.1. Getting Started................................................................................................ 55
8.1.1. Creating User Accounts ........................................................................... 55
8.2. System............................................................................................................. 57
8.2.1. Status....................................................................................................... 57
8.2.2. Health....................................................................................................... 58
8.2.3. Logs ......................................................................................................... 59
8.3. Configuration.................................................................................................. 60
8.3.1. Uploading Options Files........................................................................... 60
8.4. Audio Devices in RMS.................................................................................... 61

iv
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 ................................................................................................................ 67
9.3. Vox and Demonstrating Folder Organization .............................................. 70
Bonus Feature.................................................................................................... 73
9.4. Math Plan......................................................................................................... 74
9.5. Playsound ....................................................................................................... 79
9.5.1. Uploading Sound Files............................................................................. 80
9.5.2. Creating a Sound Library ......................................................................... 81
9.6. Intercoms ........................................................................................................ 86
9.6.1. Intercom Exercise .................................................................................... 87
9.7. Radios.............................................................................................................. 92
9.7.1. Local Radios ............................................................................................ 94
9.8. Comms Model Workflow using Helpers ..................................................... 101
10.0. Advanced Topics and Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
10.1. Radios, Comm Panels and their Buses.................................................... 111

ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc. 1
1.0. Introduction and Agenda
1.1. Summary
ASTi’s Telestra 4 suite of products provides comprehensive sound and communications simula-
tion 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.
This training course will familiarize users with the Target and Studio hardware, the Remote Man-
agement System (RMS) and ACE Studio software.
1.2. Course Goals
After completing this course you should grasp the following concepts:
• Setup system hardware and network configuration
• Understand the flow of data between the Target and Studio
• Become familiar with the ACE Studio software including Project Manager, Load Viewer,
and ACE Model Builder
• Understand user accounts, software management, and option files
• Navigate the Remote Management System (RMS)
• Become familiar with ACE Studio software including
• Manual model development
• Setting up Radios using Helpers and Comm Plan tools
• Configure the host interface

ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
2Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
2.0. Hardware Overview
The diagram below displays the typical system hardware setup. This system will vary in complex-
ity from program to program.
2 Channel ACU
Target
ACU2
ACENet
Switch
ACENet
Switch
Target
PTT SINCGARS
Commercial and
Military Headsets VCR or Other
Recording Devices
PTT
Powered
Speaker
AdvancedSimulation
Technology,Inc.
AdvancedSimulation
Technology,Inc.
Hand-Held
Terminal
ASTiNet/
DIS
Eth1 Eth1
ACENet Compatible Amp (4ch.)
CAT 5 Cable
Studio
Advanced Simulation Technology,Inc.
CHAN A CHAN B CHAN C CHAN D
ACE-RIU
Figure 1: Hardware Layout

ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc. 3
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).
The platform components consist of:
•Intel
®multi-core processor (This may vary depending on time of purchase and possible
CPU upgrades.)
• Removable Serial ATA 80 GBytes drive
• Serial ATA DVD/CD drive
• Dual Core Advandtech motherboard (core 1 non-real-time, core 2 real-time)
• 3-5 Network Ports depending on system (eth1 is always dedicated to ACENet)
• Standard 2U 400 watt or greater auto-sensing power supply
• Standard KVM connections (mouse, keyboard, and monitor)
For more information on the Target, please see the Telestra 4 Target Operation and Maintenance
Manual (DOC-01-TEL4-TUG-1).
Removable drive
Power Button
Reset Button
DVD/CD Drive
Status Indicator
Lights
Figure 2: Target Front Panel

PROPERTY OF
ASTI
0000
Power
Connection
Keyboard
Mouse
USB Ports
Ethernet Ports
Monitor
ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
4Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
Figure 3: Target Rear Panel

ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc. 5
2.2. Studio
The Studio is available on an ASTi Telestra 4 platform with a removable hard drive or as a soft-
ware-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 develop-
ment, Project management, communications monitoring and fault analysis, and equipment status
and configuration. ACE Studio software provides remote access to all networked simulation mod-
els and equipment from a single development workstation.
For more information on the Studio, please see the ACE Studio Development Workstation Tech-
nical User Guide (DOC-01-TELAS-UG-4).
PROPERTY OF
ASTI
0000
Network Port
Power Supply
PS/2 Keyboard
Video
Figure 4: Studio Rear Panel

ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
6Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
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 con-
nected directly to the Target or more typically through an ASTi approved ACENet switch. Firm-
ware software updates and gain configuration for the ACU are performed through the Remote
Management System (RMS). The hardware is available in a 1U (19 inch) two, four, and six chan-
nel rackmount configuration. Multiple Targets can share ACU channels when using a four or six
channel ACU; however, the channels are grouped A/B, C/D, and E/F and different Targets cannot
share two channels in a grouping.
The platform components consist of:
• Independent, software-configurable audio inputs and outputs (1 per channel)
• Control Inputs (3 per channel)
• Digital Outputs (1 per channel)
• RS-422 serial ports (1 per channel)
• 48KHz digital audio distribution
• 2, 4, or 6 DB-15 connectors
For more information on the ACU including pinout diagrams, please see the ACENet Communi-
cation Unit Technical User Guide (DOC-01-TEL4-ACU-UG-1).
Figure 5: ACU Front Panel
ACENet ACENet
Power
ACU Status
Indicators
ACENet Ports
Channel Status
Indicators
Serial Ports
Dip Switches
Yellow = Blinking (physical and master)
Solid (physical and slave)
Green = Activity
Figure 6: ACU Rear Panel

ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc. 7
2.3.2. ACU2
Expanding on the ACU device, the ACU2 audio and I/O distribution device features stereo opera-
tion 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 pro-
cessing with adjustable amp/preamp gains and mic power.
The ACU2 features:
• 4 stereo audio inputs/outputs
• Independent, software-configurable audio inputs and outputs (1 per channel)
• Control Inputs (3 per channel)
• Digital Outputs (1 per channel)
• RS-422 serial ports (2)
Advanced Simulation Technology, Inc.
Figure 7: ACU2 Front Panel
Serial Ports
21
Status
Power
In
+15VDC
1 2 3 4
ACENet
Power
Out
Figure 8: ACU2 Rear Panel

ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
8Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
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 ACE-
RIU 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.
The platform components consist of:
• Digital Inputs (1 per channel, 4 channels total)
• Digital Outputs (1 per channel, 4 channels total)
• RS-422 serial ports (2)
For more information on the ACE-RIU, please see the ACE-RIU Technical User Guide (DOC-01-
ACE-RIU-UG-1).
Advanced Simulation Technology, Inc.
CHAN A CHAN B CHAN C CHAN D
Figure 9: ACE-RIU Front Panel
Serial Ports
AB
Status
Power
+15VDC
1 2 3 4
ACENet
Figure 10: ACE-RIU Rear Panel

ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc. 9
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.
The platform components consist of:
• Two Ethernet ports to the 100 Mbps network
• Four or eight output connectors (depending on the platform purchased)
• Mode switches for every two channels
• Channel level controls providing gain control
• Four or eight input connectors (depending on the platform purchased) Note: The input con-
nectors are not used in the ASTi system setup.
Status Indicator Lights Power
Figure 11: 4-Channel Amplifier Front Panel
--
++
8
dB 0
8
dB 0
8
dB 0
8
dB 0
+
+
-
-
+
+
-
-
--
++
MAC ADDRESS
PART# 00000000AAAAAA
0000000000
120 V
00/00/0000
00/00/0000
AC Power Cord Connector
Output Connector
Primary & Secondary Ethernet Ports
Channel Level Controls
Input Connector
Mode Switch
Figure 12: 4-Channel Amplifier Rear Panel

ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
10 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
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.
• HHT (Hand-Held Terminals) – The ASTi HHT provides a highly flexible solution to multi-
operator simulation requirements.
Please refer to the ASTi website (www.asti-usa.com) for details about options, pricing, and order-
ing information.
Handset Hand Mic Headset 4-Channel PTT
Speaker Fostex Speaker Table Mic Touchscreen Display
HHT
Figure 13: Peripherals

ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc. 11
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.
• HLA is a flexible simulation architecture managed by a runtime infrastructure.
• ASTiNet is an ASTi proprietary protocol that provides communications networking for Tar-
get-to-Target operation and other ASTi approved products.
In ACE Studio, the Domain Editor provides the ability to set the parameters for the standards.
For a complete overview of ASTi’s protocols, services, and networks, please see section “Proto-
cols, Services, and Networks” in this document.

ASTi Telestra 4 Training Manual (Ver. 1, Rev. F)
12 Copyright © 2010 Advanced Simulation Technology inc.
3.1. Abstraction of Protocols
In ACE Studio, models are developed independent of network protocols. All networking informa-
tion 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