BSi Real Freedom User manual

NORTH AMERICA
Broadcast Sports International,
7455 Race Road
Hanover, MD 21076
United States
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL
Broadcast Sports International,
Axis 3, Rhodes Way
Watford, Hertfordshire WD24 4YW
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Real Freedom
Fiber Antenna Extender
Product Manual
Revision A

Real Freedom | Fiber Antenna Extender Product Manual 2 of 28
Manual part number: 20006-1-000
Revision A
Copyright © 2021, Broadcast Sports International. All Rights Reserved.
This publication or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose.
Company names, logos and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective
owners. Broadcast Sports International or any of its group companies make no claim to third-party
t to the
Broadcast Sports International General Sales Terms and Conditions.
This manual contains important information regarding the installation and operation of the Real Freedom
Fiber Antenna Extender. For safe and reliable operation, installers must ensure that they are familiar with,
and fully understand, all instructions contained herein. Broadcast Sports International reserves the right to
revise and improve its products as it sees fit. This publication describes the state of this product at the time
of publication and may not always reflect the product in the future.
In this manual, the following symbols call your attention to important information:
CAUTION
Indicates that care is required when proceeding to avoid damage to the system.
IMPORTANT
Indicates important information that you should read before installing, configuring, or using the
system.
NOTE
Used to draw your attention to additional important information.
TIP
Indicates information that may make procedures easier.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation.
Warranty information
All products are warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 24 months. If
returned within the applicable warranty period, BSI will, at its sole discretion and at no cost to the customer,
repair or replace the defective product with another unit of the same or equivalent model. This warranty does
not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alterations or repairs.
Contact details and technical support
Real Freedom Team For product information and help with missing or damaged items.
Email: [e-mail]
Tel: [phone]
Telephone Support Line Product technical support is provided via a telephone support line. Trained
technicians are available to offer setup and configuration advice and to assist
in troubleshooting technical issues.
Tel: [phone]
Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA)
Procedure
Problems that cannot be resolved on the telephone may require the device to
be returned to BSI for repair. In such cases, the telephone operator will assist
the customer in obtaining an RMA.
Please note that no returns can be accepted without a valid RMA.

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Hazard warning labels
The following hazard warning labels are fixed to the Real Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender for your
information and safety.
Base unit
Remote unit
About this manual
This manual contains safety information and information for installing, configuring, and operating a Real
Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender.
It applies to the following products:
•IFB-3211: Real Freedom Fiber Base Unit
•IFR-3211: Real Freedom Fiber Remote Unit

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Contents
1 Introduction................................................................................................................................6
Configuration example .................................................................................................................................. 6
2 Installation and configuration...................................................................................................7
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 7
Preparation.................................................................................................................................................... 7
Environmental requirements..................................................................................................................... 7
Power requirements.................................................................................................................................. 8
Unpack the fiber antenna extender........................................................................................................... 8
Additional items required for installation................................................................................................... 8
Cable requirements................................................................................................................................... 8
Pole mount a fiber base or remote unit......................................................................................................... 8
Precautions............................................................................................................................................... 8
Temporary installation............................................................................................................................... 9
Permanent installation .............................................................................................................................. 9
Installation using ¼-20 UNC mounts ........................................................................................................ 9
Surface mount a fiber base or fiber remote unit............................................................................................ 9
Connections................................................................................................................................................. 10
Fiber base unit ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Fiber remote unit..................................................................................................................................... 11
Connect a downconverter to a fiber remote unit..................................................................................... 12
Connect a fiber remote unit to a fiber base unit...................................................................................... 12
Connect a fiber base unit to a receiver................................................................................................... 13
Configure a fiber antenna extender............................................................................................................. 13
3 Operation..................................................................................................................................14
Fiber base unit status LEDs........................................................................................................................ 14
FTX ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
ATTN....................................................................................................................................................... 14
SDI.......................................................................................................................................................... 15
RX1/RX2................................................................................................................................................. 15
PWR........................................................................................................................................................ 15
FRX......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Fiber remote unit status LEDs..................................................................................................................... 16
FRX......................................................................................................................................................... 16
ATTN....................................................................................................................................................... 16
SDI.......................................................................................................................................................... 16

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DC1/DC2................................................................................................................................................. 16
PWR........................................................................................................................................................ 17
FTX ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
4 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................18
Fiber issues............................................................................................................................................. 18
RF issues................................................................................................................................................ 18
5 Maintenance.............................................................................................................................20
Routine maintenance procedures ............................................................................................................... 20
Performance monitoring.......................................................................................................................... 20
Visual inspection..................................................................................................................................... 20
Cleaning ...................................................................................................................................................... 20
Storage........................................................................................................................................................ 20
A Technical data .........................................................................................................................21
Fiber base unit dimensions ......................................................................................................................... 21
Fiber remote unit dimensions...................................................................................................................... 23
Connector pinout assignments.................................................................................................................... 25
AUX connector........................................................................................................................................ 25
DC power input connector ...................................................................................................................... 25
RF input/output connector....................................................................................................................... 26
SDI input/output connector ..................................................................................................................... 26
B Safety and regulatory compliance .........................................................................................27
Safety notice................................................................................................................................................ 27
Hazard warning labels................................................................................................................................. 27
Electromagnetic compatibility Class A ..................................................................................................... 27
Compliance statement (United States)................................................................................................... 27
Disposal and recycling European Union .................................................................................................. 28

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1
Introduction
The Real Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender provides unparalleled flexibility of operation. Multiple RF
cameras incorporating camera control may be deployed from a single remote site utilizing just a single
SMPTE hybrid fiber cable.
The system consists of a fiber base unit (IFB-3211) which integrates with a Real Freedom Receiver for
command and control along with a fiber remote unit (IFR-3211). Both units are fully weatherproof and are
linked together by a single SMPTE hybrid or single mode dual fiber cable.
The Real Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender incorporates an SDI/ASI return video channel from the base unit
to the remote unit and allows you to simultaneously extend camera control and receive antennas by up to
2 km / 1.5 miles with a single hybrid fiber cable. Providing power to remote Real Freedom Downconverters
and Data Transmitters over hybrid fiber cable, the system supports multiple RF cameras with a single
SMPTE cable.
T
Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender within the network, including the status and control of any attached Real
Freedom Data Transmitters and Downconverters. Fiber optic signal levels and real-time health check
reporting are displayed on the receiver, alerting you when RF performance is affected. Up to six Real
Freedom Receivers can be simultaneously supported by a single fiber base unit when utilized with the
optional Real Freedom Active UHF Splitter.
Configuration example
This example shows multiple RF cameras incorporating camera control deployed from a single remote site
utilizing a single SMPTE hybrid fiber cable. Note that the base unit and splitter can be replaced with a rack
mount fiber base unit incorporating the active splitter.
Figure 1: Networked multi camera reception with remote fiber extender and active splitter.

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2
Installation and configuration
This chapter contains the installation and configuration instructions for the Real Freedom Fiber Antenna
Extender (fiber base and fiber remote units).
Overview
The main installation and configuration steps for a Real Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender are as follows:
1. Optionally, pole mount the base and remote units.
2. Connect a Real Freedom Downconverter to the remote unit.
To remotely control up to six Real Freedom Camera Back Transmitters and to provide camera control of
most brands of broadcast camera, connect a Real Freedom Data Transmitter to one of the
downconverters.
3. Connect the base unit to the remote unit using a fiber cable.
4. Connect the RF outputs from the base unit to a Real Freedom Receiver either directly or via an active
UHF splitter.
5. From the receiver, monitor fiber optic signal levels, voltages, and currents of connected equipment, which
can help to alert you when RF performance is affected. If RF levels are low, use the receiver to
introduces extra gain into the system.
Preparation
When planning the installation locations for the fiber base and remote units, you should take note of the
following points:
•In general, you should install the base and remote units in areas where they can be accessed easily by
support technicians. This area should also be out of reach or inaccessible to anyone that does not need
to gain access, such as fans at a sporting event or attendees at a conference.
•Install the fiber base unit close to the receiver to minimize the loss of RF signal strength.
•Install the antenna close to the downconverter using the shortest cable length as possible to minimize
cable loss.
•Locate the remote unit as close as possible to the downconverter to minimize RF cable loss.
Environmental requirements
The following table summarizes the environmental requirements for the operation and storage of a Real
Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender.
Table 1: Environmental requirements
Specification
Details
Humidity
95% non-condensing
Operating and storage temperature
14° to 149°F / -10° to +65°C

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Power requirements
The following table summarizes the power requirements for a Real Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender.
Table 2: Power requirements
Specification
Details
Power
936 V DC
Consumption
Each fiber unit consumes about 8.5 W. Note this does not include
any peripherals connected to the remote unit such as a
downconverter and data transmitter.
The recommended power supply for a SMPTE fiber base unit is
Mean-Well GST90A24-P1M (24 V 90 W). This provides sufficient
power for a fiber base and fiber remote with two downconverters
and a data transmitter connected.
Note that the remote unit requires a power supply for fiber lengths of greater than two kilometers.
When using SMPTE, the remote unit does not need power unless the fiber length exceeds two kilometers. If
you are using other fiber connectors, for example, ST or LC, then these do not include a means for power
insertion over the fiber and the remote unit must be powered locally.
Unpack the fiber antenna extender
Unpack the Real Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender and refer to the packing list to ensure that all items are
included. Report any missing items immediately to the Real Freedom Team.
Inspect the base and remote units for signs of damage. Report any damage to the Real Freedom Team.
Additional items required for installation
To install the Real Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender, you will require the following additional items:
•936 V DC power supplies with XLR-4 male connector.
•The other components of your Real Freedom installation, which may include one or more receivers,
downconverters, data transmitters, camera back transmitters and cameras, and active UHF splitters.
Cable requirements
To install the Real Freedom Fiber Antenna Extender, you will require the following cables:
•Fiber cable with appropriate connectors.
•Coaxial cables with BNC connectors.
It is recommended that you use good quality cable with the correct impedance: All fiber connections are
75 Ohm.
Pole mount a fiber base or remote unit
The Real Freedom Fiber Base and Fiber Remote units are supplied with a removable mounting bracket
which allows you to mount either unit to a pole for temporary or permanent installation. The mounting bracket
can be secured to vertical or horizontal poles of between 1.44 and 2.68 inch (36.5 to 68 mm) in diameter.
Precautions
You should read these precautions before you pole mount a fiber base unit and/or fiber remote unit.
•Before attaching a fiber base or fiber remote unit to a pole or camera mount, ensure that the pole can
support the weight of the unit (1.8 lb. / 0.82 kg), antenna, attached cables, and any other devices that you
intend to attach to the pole. This is particularly important if you intend to attach the unit to the end of the
pole.

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•The fiber base or remote unit must be mounted vertically.
•When attaching the mounting bracket to the fiber base or remote unit, do not overtighten the screws as it
may result in thread damage.
Temporary installation
For temporary installation, use cable ties.
1. If not already attached, attach the mounting bracket to the back of the fiber base or fiber remote unit
using the four screws (M3 x 8) provided.
Do not overtighten the screws as it may result in thread damage.
2. Pass at least two cable ties through the slots in the mounting bracket and around the pole.
3. Close and tighten the cable ties to secure the fiber base or fiber remote unit to the pole.
Permanent installation
For permanent installation, use hose clamps.
1. If not already attached, attach the mounting bracket to the back of the fiber base or fiber remote unit
using the four screws (M3 x 8) provided.
Do not overtighten the screws as it may result in thread damage.
2. Pass the hose clamps through the slots in the mounting bracket and around the pole.
3. Tighten the hose clamps to secure the fiber base or fiber remote unit to the pole.
Installation using ¼-20 UNC mounts
Mount a fiber base or fiber remote unit on a standard Manfrotto lighting stand, camera mount, repro arm,
magic arm, clamp, or Dado kit using a ¼-20 camera mount screw.
NOTE: part number: 195) to
go from the ¼-20 mount to a Manfrotto super clamp (part number: 035C).
1. If not already attached, attach the mounting bracket to the back of the fiber base or fiber remote unit
using the four screws (M3 x 8) provided.
Do not overtighten the screws as it may result in thread damage.
2. Either thread a ¼-20 screw through the screw hole in the mounting bracket into the hole in the mount or
screw the fiber unit onto the mounting screw.
3. Tighten to secure the fiber base or fiber remote unit.
Surface mount a fiber base or fiber remote unit
Depending on the installation type and site, you may wish to mount a fiber base or fiber remote unit onto a
vertical surface, such as a wall.
1. If attached, remove the mounting bracket from the back of the fiber base or fiber remote unit.
The bracket is secured with four screws (M3 x 8).
2. 
plugs into the holes, as necessary.
3. Attach the fiber base or fiber remote unit using four screws.
4. Check that the fiber base or fiber remote unit is vertical and tighten the screws.

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Connections
Refer to the following drawings which show the locations of the connectors and LEDs on the fiber base and
fiber remote units.
CAUTION: To prevent damage, it is recommended that you only use BSI supplied cables and
accessories with these products.
Fiber base unit
Refer to the following drawing which shows the locations of the connectors on the fiber base unit. Note for
easy identification, the base unit is black to match the receiver.
Figure 2: Fiber base unit connectors and status LEDs. A Side, B Top, C Bottom.
Key
Component
Description
1
AUX
Use for programming and firmware updates.
2
FTX
Indicates the state of the optical transmitter.
3
ATTN
Indicates whether remote attenuation is activated.
4
SDI
Indicates whether a valid SDI input has been detected.
5
SDI IN
SDI/ASI input. Use to connect an SDI or ASI source to the fiber base unit
to send over the fiber link to the fiber remote unit.
Note that this interface does not support 3G-SDI.
Connector: BNC (F)
6
RF2
Use to connect the fiber base unit to a Real Freedom Receiver or Real
Freedom Active UHF Splitter.
Connector: BNC (F)