Broadcast Tools SS 8.1 MLR User manual

Installation and Operation Manual
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Due to the dynamic nature of product design, the information contained in this
document is subject to change without notice. Broadcast Tools, Inc., assumes no
responsibility for errors and/or omissions contained in this document. Revisions
of this information or new editions may be issued to incorporate such changes.
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Copyright® 1989 - 2014 by Broadcast Tools, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without permission.
Visit www.broadcasttools.com for important product update information.
Manual update: 7/30/2013
Firmware Version 1.2 and above. If you need a firmware upgrade, contact Broadcast Tools®
No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without permission.
ALL SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES FOR THIS PRODUCT ARE SUBJECT TO
CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
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SS 8.1 MLR
Switcher/Router with Mechanical Latching Relays
INC
®

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SS 8.1 MLR Installation and Operation Manual
Table of Contents
Section Title Page #
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Who to Contact for Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Features/Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Surge Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
UPS standby power system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installation/Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Input selection push buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
LED indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
I/O Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Audio Inputs and Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
PIP (GPI)/Remote Control Inputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Open Collector Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Configuration jumper setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Configuration Dip-switch setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Serial Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
RS-232 Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Serial commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Menu Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Front and rear panel drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix
Configuration jumpers and Dip-switch layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix
Fractional schematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix
WEBSITE:
Visit our web site for
product updates and
additional information.
2
CONTENTS

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SS 8.1 MLR Installation and Operation Manual
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your purchase of a BROADCAST TOOLS® SS 8.1 MLR transpar-
ent eight input, one output switcher/router (referred to as the SS 8.1 MLR through-
out this manual). We’re confident that this product will give you many years of
dependable service. This manual is intended to give you all the information needed
to install and operate the BROADCAST TOOLS® SS 8.1 MLR.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Only qualified technical personnel should install the SS 8.1 MLR. Any attempt to
install this device by a person who is not technically qualified could result in a haz-
ardous condition to the installer or other personnel or damage to the SS 8.1 MLR or
other equipment. Please ensure that proper safety precautions have been taken
before installing this device. If you are unfamiliar with this type of equipment,
please contact a properly qualified engineer to handle the installation and setup of
the SS 8.1 MLR. Broadcast Tools, Inc., is unable to support NON-Broadcast Tools
software, hardware or NON-Broadcast Tools computer/hardware/software prob-
lems. If you experience these problems, please research your hardware/software
instruction manuals or contact the manufacturers technical support department.
WHO TO CONTACT FOR HELP
If you have any questions regarding your product or you need assistance, please con-
tact your distributor from whom you purchased this equipment. If you would like
more information about BROADCAST TOOLS® products, you may reach us at:
Broadcast Tools, Inc.
131 State Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284-1503 USA
Voice: 360.854.9559
Fax: [phone]
Internet Home Page: www.broadcasttools.com
E-mail:[email protected]
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING
BROADCAST TOOLS® BRAND PRODUCTS!
CAUTION!
Broadcast Tools®
Products, as with any
electronic device, can
fail without warning.
Do not use this product
in applications where a
life threatening condition
could result due to failure.
NOTE:
This manual should be
read thoroughly before
installation and operation.
WEBSITE:
Visit our web site for
product updates and
additional information.

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SS 8.1 MLR Installation and Operation Manual
OVERVIEW
Product Overview
The SS 8.1 MLR is a transparent eight input, single output switcher/router with mechanical
latching relays. The SS 8.1 MLR is perfect for all types of passive signal switching con-
trolled via front panel switches, contact closures and/or multi-drop RS-232 serial. Switching
is accomplished with mechanical latching gold contact relays, which means that the unit can
route a signal in either direction and will keep routing signals even after losing power. Due
to the passive nature of the switching, any input level and impedance can be used. Inputs
may be balanced or unbalanced, while output levels, impedance, distortion, noise and bal-
ancing will match that of the selected input.
Features/Benefits
• Front panel channel selection push buttons with active channel LED indicators.
• Audio “MUTE” function allows the user to turn off all audio.
• Front panel Enable switch can be configured to provide a safety lock to the front panel
selection push buttons.
• Audio/signal switching via sealed mechanical latching relays utilizing 2-form-C bifur-
cated - crossbar silver alloy with gold overlay contacts.
• Internal silence sensor with front panel LED indicator, SPDT/SPST silence sensor alarm
relay with adjustable alarm delay and restore duration. May be disabled.
• Eight input GPI port (PIP or Remote Control) with LED indicator.
• Remote control via contact closures, 5-volt TTL/CMOS logic levels and/or the multi-
drop RS-232 serial port.
• Eight open collector outputs for remote channel status.
• Removable euro-block screw terminal connectors are used for audio/signal I/O and
remote control connections, except RS-232 Serial. Necessary mating plugs are sup-
plied.
• Power-up selection of inputs to outputs, mute or last source selected. If power is lost,
the last selected channel is passed to the output.
• Fully RFI proofed.
• Surge protected internal power supply, universal switching power adapter with domes-
tic connector supplied. International connectors optional.
• Up to two units may be mounted on the optional RA-1 rack shelf. Desk top and wall
mounting is also possible.
Applications
Automation source switching with eight trigger inputs; Studio selection and routing; Audio
processing selection; Exciter input selection; Remote broadcast input selection; STL source
selection; Multiple station program on-hold and/or PA switching; EAS audio switching;
ISDN or Phone hybrid feed selection; IFB selection; Satellite audio channel switching and
console monitor input and output selection.
Inspection
Please examine your SS 8.1 MLR carefully for any damage that may have been sustained
during shipping. If any damage is present, please notify the shipper immediately and retain
the packaging for inspection by the shipper. The package should contain the SS 8.1 MLR, a
modular cable with 9-pin “S9” female D-sub adapter, a 9 VDC wall transformer and a quick
start guide. Manuals may be downloaded from our web site.
WEBSITE:
Visit our web site for
product updates and
additional information.

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SS 8.1 MLR Installation and Operation Manual
INSTALLATION
Installation
Surge Protection
The SS 8.1 MLR has built-in resistance to voltage changes; we recommend that you
use a power surge protector or line conditioner on the incoming AC line. Lightning
strikes and/or other high voltage surges may damage your SS 8.1 MLR and con-
nected equipment if it is not properly protected. For lightning protection devices,
check out www.polyphaser.com and www.itwlinx.com.
UPS Standby Power System
We recommend that you connect your SS 8.1 MLR to a UPS system. A UPS helps
minimize the risk to the SS 8.1 MLR and provides power during a power outage.
NOTE: If power is lost, the last selected channel is passed to the output.
Installation/Operation
Input selection push buttons
Each push button represents an input to be routed to the switcher’s output, along
with the mute and enable push button. Each push button has an associated LED indi-
cator, which will illuminate when that particular channel is selected. When a chan-
nel is selected, the previous channel is deselected (interlock). The enable (safety)
push button can be enabled to require the user to hold down the enable push button
while selecting any of the other front panel push buttons, the enable LED is illumi-
nated when this function is enabled.
LED indicators
• “PWR” LED: Illuminates when power is applied and blinks when serial data is
active.
• “PIP” LED: Flashes to indicate PIP activity.
• “SS”: Silence Sensor indicator LED.
• “Enable” LED: Illuminates when the front panel enable push button option is
enabled.
• Channel and Mute LED’s illuminate when the input channel is selected.
Power
Connect the 2.1mm barrel type power connector into the unit and the 7.5 to 12 VDC
universal switching power supply with domestic connector into a 120 Vac 50-60 Hz
power source. Never use any type of power supply other than the specified/supplied
power supply.

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SS 8.1 MLR Installation and Operation Manual
INSTALLATION
I/O Connections
The rear panel contains all the inputs, outputs and remote control interfacing con-
nectors. The multi-drop serial port is equipped with a modular RJ-11 jack.
Audio Inputs and Output
The SS 8.1 MLR interfaces to external equipment through removable euroblock
screw terminals. The terminals accommodate wire sizes from 16 - 28 AWG solid or
stranded wire. Before installing a wire, remove the euroblock screw terminal plug
and turn each capture screw fully counterclockwise. Strip each conductor to a length
of 0.25” and insert the conductor fully into the terminal. Turn the capture screw fully
clockwise to secure the conductor.
Input sources that are NOT selected are terminated with a 10K ohm resistor. If you
do not require this load applied to the deselected sources, they may be removed from
each channel. Each channel has a pair of resistors. Removal information: Channel
1 = R6 & R14. Channel 2 = R7 & R15. Channel 3, R8 & R16. Channel 4 = R9 &
R17. Channel 5 = R10 & R18. Channel 6 = R11 & RR19. Channel 7 = R12 & R20.
Channel 8 = R13 & R21. If the SS 8.1 MLR is to be used for applications other than
switching analog audio, the Silence Sensor and ACT detection circuit should be dis-
abled. To disable, remove RP9 from its socket.
PIP (GPI)/Remote Control Inputs
The SS 8.1 MLR has eight status inputs that may be configured for PIP (“triggers”)
or remote control operation and accept momentary contact closures (sustained, if
break before make); open collector or TTL/CMOS input logic levels.
The PIP/remote control operation mode is set by the SW11-7 Dip-switch, when
SW11-7 is OFF the unit is in remote control mode and when SW11-7 in ON the unit
is in PIP mode. The PIP/remote control connections to the switcher are found on the
top rows of the connectors TB6 and TB7. Each channel may be selected by a
momentary contact to ground (DGND) located on the bottom TB7 connector. Each
channel is pulled high (5-volts) through a 22K resistor.
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SS 8.1 MLR Installation and Operation Manual
INSTALLATION
The PIP/remote control operation mode is set by the SW11-7 Dip-switch, when
SW11-7 is OFF the unit is in remote control mode and when SW11-7 in ON the unit
is in PIP mode. The PIP/remote control connections to the switcher are found on the
top rows of the connectors TB6 and TB7. Each channel may be selected by a
momentary contact to ground (DGND) located on the bottom TB7 connector. Each
channel is pulled high (5-volts) through a 22K resistor.
In remote control mode the inputs are triggered by momentary closure to (pulsing)
to ground (low.) For example, pulsing the “MUTE” input to ground would turn off
the output of the SS 8.1 MLR until a front panel source switch is pressed, a differ-
ent remote control input is activated, the unit is powered up and/or a serial command
is received from a PC or other serial device.
Pulsing the “STEP” input to ground will step the unit one source for each low to high
transition on this input. Automatic timed sequencing may be accomplished by hold-
ing the step input low. The unit will now step to each source at a user programma-
ble rate from 1 to 99 seconds (10 seconds by default). The last step channel is user
programmable and is set to 8 by default. This feature may be used to sequence
through multiple station air monitor signals for a program on-hold feed.
The SS 8.1 MLR is also capable of being used for EAS audio insertion. This feature
is enabled by setting the EAS controlled input channel via RS232 to the desired
audio input channel (see the Serial Operation section of this manual for more infor-
mation.) Once an input channel has been designated the SS 8.1 MLR will automat-
ically switch to that input for the duration of a sustained closure to ground on the
designated PIP/remote control input.
Open Collector Outputs
The SS 8.1 MLR has eight open collector outputs that are used to indicate channel
selection status. OC1 indicates for Input 1, OC2 indicates for Input 2, etc. The sta-
tus open collector (OCx) output for the selected channel will go low providing a
return for an LED indicator, TTL/CMOS logic or relay. External pull-up resistors
may be required in some installations, voltages must be limited to 6 VDC at 600 mA.
CAUTION!
Installation of the SS
8.1 MLR in high RF
environments should be
performed with care.
The station ground
should be connected to
the designated chassis
ground terminal using
a 20 to 24-gauge wire.
NOTE:
For wiring information,
refer to the grids in this
section of the manual,
the silk-screen text on
the rear panel of the
product or the fraction-
al schematic in the
appendix.
WEBSITE:
Visit our web site for
product updates and
additional information.

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SS 8.1 MLR Installation and Operation Manual
INSTALLATION
Configuration Jumper Setup
JP1: Disabled = Front panel enable switch defeated.
Enabled= Front panel ENABLE push button active.
NOTE: The enable push button must be held closed to operate any of the other front
panel push buttons and isn’t associated with any of the remote control functions.
Configuration Dip-switch Setup
Follow the tables below for SW11 dip-switch configuration options.
Unit ID SW11-1 SW11-2 SW11-3
ID 0 * OFF OFF OFF
ID 1 ON OFF OFF
ID 2 OFF ON OFF
ID 3 ON ON OFF
ID 4 OFF OFF ON
ID 5 ON OFF ON
ID 6 OFF ON ON
ID7ONONON
Baud Rate SW11-4 SW11-5
2400 ON OFF
9600 * OFF OFF
19200 OFF ON
38400 ON ON
Power Up SW11-6
User selected ON
Last source selected * OFF
Note: To select an input at power-up with SW11-6 ON, hold down the push-
button for the desired input channel or mute until the front panel LED’s flash.
Operation Mode SW11-7
Remote Control* OFF
PIP ON
Remote control operation mode: Pulse 1-IN to select channel 1, pulse IN-2 to
select channel 2, pulse IN-3 to select channel 3, pulse IN-8 to select input 8 etc.,
pulse the “M-IN” (mute) pin to turn off all channels.
PIP mode: activity on any of the PIP inputs will generate a serial status string in the
PIP format. For use with automation software.
Note: After changing any dip-switch, please repower the unit.
Note: * Denotes factory setting.

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SS 8.1 MLR Installation and Operation Manual
OPERATION
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product updates and
additional information.
SERIAL OPERATION
RS-232 Control
Connect one end of the modular cable to the RJ11 jack on the rear panel of the prod-
uct and the other end to the RJ11 to the jack on the “S9” 9-pin female D-sub adapter.
Connect the 9-pin female D-sub “S9” adapter to the COM port of the controlling PC.
Note: An optional USB to RS-232 adapter cable may be required if your PC isn’t
equipped with a RS-232 COM port. The default protocol is as follows: 9600, N, 8,
1 (other baud rates are user selectable). Select the desired unit ID address for each
unit using the configure Dip-switches, zero is the factory default setting. Never
duplicate addresses.
Serial Commands
The switcher may be controlled and monitored by burst serial strings or by the
embedded menu.
Where the < * > Denotes start of string character
< u > Unit ID (address, 0 through 7)
< ii > Input channel (01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08
< o > Output channel (1)
*uii - Turn on input ii
*uMA - Mute output
*uMM - Go to setup menu, see menu operation section of the manual for more
information.
Examples: *008 This string would turn on channel 8 for unit ID 0.
*0MM Accesses the setup menu. (NOTE: The setup menu times out after 60 sec-
onds of keyboard inactivity).
*POLL Returns unit ID address in appropriate time slot.
*uSL Sends audio status for all inputs: SuLo,x,x,x,x,x,x,x,x<CR><LF>
*uSPii Sends PIP status for input ii: SuP,ii,x
*uSPA Sends PIP status for all inputs: SuP,A,x,x,x,x,x,x,x,x <CR><LF>
*uSS Sends status of silence sensor: SuS,a<CR><LF>
a = 1 = not silent, 0 is silent
Modular Jack
Pin Numbers
RJ-11
Adapter
Pin
DB-9 D-SUB
Pin #
SS 8.1 MLR
(Product Point of view)
4 3 RS-232 Receive
3 2 RS-232 Transmit
2 5 Ground

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SS 8.1 MLR Installation and Operation Manual
OPERATION
*uU Sends unit firmware version: <name><version><lf>
*uY Display configuration.
*uZx Echo character x to serial control port - for debugging command
strings
*uCEx Enable error and good responses if x = Y (default N)
*uCDEF Reset to factory defaults.
*uCLx Lock front panel: x = L (Lock) x = U (Unlock)
*uCIIttt Sets PIP minimum pulse length ttt: 000 - 255 => off to 2.55 seconds.
*uCPS Power up audio state: save power up state now
*uCSLx Sets silence sensor detection threshold to Off, -20, -25, -30 dB
(0,1,2,3)
*uCSAtttt Sets silence sensor acquire delay to tttt seconds (0, 2-255)
*uCSBtttt Sets silence sensor restore delay to tttt seconds (0, 2-255)
*uCSCtt Sets step interval in seconds 1-99 seconds.
*uCSSt Sets last step channel 1-8 (0 disables step feature.)
*uCSEi Sets EAS controlled input channel (i) to 1-8 or 0 for off. This allows
you to assign one input channel that will be switched to with sustained closure to
ground on its remote control input from an EAS encoder for EAS audio insertion
with the SS 8.1 MLR.
*uDxx Delay xx seconds before processing next command.
*uDLxxx Delay xxx seconds before processing next command.
Menu Operation
Broadcast Tools(R) SS 8.1 MLR, v1.2 - Setup Menu
1 - Set PIP Minimum Hold Time(0 - 2.55 sec) - Now:0.05
2 - Set Silence Sense Acquire Delay (sec) - Now: 10
3 - Set Silence Sense Restore Delay (sec) - Now: 2
4 - Set Silence Sense Threshold - Now:-25 dBu
5 - Set Stepping Interval (sec 1-99) - Now: 10
6 - Set Last Step Channel - Now: 8
7 - Lock/Unlock Front Panel - Now:UNLOCKED
8 - Set EAS Controlled Input - Now: Off
S - Turn ON audio input
M - Turn OFF audio
V - Save Audio State for Power Up
C - Show Configuration and Status
F - Set Factory Defaults
Audio Status:Silent - Channel 1
Enter Selection, or Q to quit:
To select a menu function, simply enter the letter on the left side of the menu and
wait for the prompt. Example: Type the letter “S” Response: Enter Input Channel:
Entering a 1 would select channel 1.