DirectOut Technologies EXBOX.BLDS User manual

EXBOX.BLDS
User‘s Manual
Version 1.3

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
Copyright
All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or electronically reproduce
any document or graphic in whole or in part for any reason is
expressly prohibited, unless prior written consent is obtained from the
DirectOut GmbH.
All trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective
owners. It cannot be guaranteed that all product names, products,
trademarks, requisitions, regulations, guidelines, specifications and
norms are free from trade mark rights of third parties.
All entries in this document have been thoroughly checked; however
no guarantee for correctness can be given.
DirectOut GmbH cannot be held responsible for any misleading or
incorrect information provided throughout this manual.
DirectOut GmbH reserves the right to change specifications at any time
without notice.
DirectOut Technologies® is a registered trademark of the DirectOut
GmbH.
© DirectOut GmbH, 2017

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
Table of contents
About This Manual 5
How to Use This Manual 5
Conventions 5
Chapter 1: Overview 6
Introduction 6
Feature Summary 7
Applications 8
How it works 8
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts 10
Before Installing This Device 10
First Aid (in case of electric shock) 11
Defective Parts/Modules 12
Updates 12
Intended Operation 13
Conditions of Warranty 14
Conformity & Certificates 15
Contact 16
Contents 17
Accessory 18
Chapter 3: Installation 19
Installing the Device 19
CHAPTER 4: Operation 25
Introduction 25
Global Control 26
Input / Output 27

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
USB 29
Input State 30
Input Selection 32
Output State 34
Priority Setting 36
Control via GPI 40
Monitoring via GPO 44
Chapter 5: Working with BLDS™ 46
Introduction 46
BLDS Generator 46
Examples 49
CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting and Maintenance 51
Troubleshooting 51
Maintenance 53
CHAPTER 7: Technical Data 54
Appendix A - Wiring Sketches 56
Hirose HR10 (DC PSU) 56
DSUB-9 (female) - GPI 57
DSUB-9 (female) - GPO 58
Index 60

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
About This Manual
About This Manual
How to Use This Manual
This manual guides you through the installation and
operation of the device.
Use the Table of Contents at the beginning of the
manual or Index Directory at the end of the document
to locate help on a particular topic. You can access
more information and latest news by visiting on the
DirectOut website at www.directout.eu.
Conventions
The following symbols are used to draw your
attention to:
TIPS!
indicate useful hints and shortcuts.
NOTES!
are used for important points of clarification or cross
references.
WARNINGS!
alert you when an action should always be observed.

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Chapter 1: Overview
Chapter 1: Overview
Introduction
Welcome to EXBOX.BLDS, DirectOuts MADI
Redundancy Switch with Buffer Loop Detection
System™.
The EXBOX.BLDS switches- automated or manually
triggered- between two MADI inputs. For enhanced
observation with automated switching the Buffer
Loop Detection System™ (BLDS) can be used.
Interfaces:
• 2 MADI I/Os
• 4 GPIs / 4 GPOs
• USB Port for firmware updates

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
Chapter 1: Overview
Feature Summary
MADI Ports* 2 x SC multi-mode connectors
or
1 x SC multi-mode connector
1 x coaxial BNC connectors
AES Port 1 x AES3 I/O
(adaptor DSUB-9 to XLR male/female)
BLDS Buffer Loop Detection System for
enhanced observation of signal status.
GPI 4 x Voltage Input for external control
GPO 4 x FET switch for external monitoring
USB Port USB 2.0 port for firmware updates
supported OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
MADI Formats 56/64 channel, 48k/96k Frame, S/MUX 2/4
Sample Rates 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz +/-
12.5%
Power Supply external,
2 x Hirose connector (9-24 V)
* The device is available in two different versions:
SC/SC or BNC/SC (see picture on page 6). The SC
I/O may be ordered as single-mode upon request.

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
Chapter 1: Overview
Applications
EXBOX.BLDS can be used as a plain signal switch or
for sophisticated observation of MADI signals with
automated switch-over and revert.
Typical applications include:
• Signal distribution
• Playback applications, e.g. live performances
• Observing MADI transmission with external
reporting
How it works
One of the two MADI input signals is routed to both
MADI outputs. Depending on the settings the input
selection is triggered manually (by a push button
or by a GPI contact) or automatically (by a trigger
condition).
Trigger conditions are:
• loss of carrier (no input lock)
• loss of BLDS signal
• loss of Audio Pilote Tone
The inputs can be prioritized for revert when the
signal is regained after a loss. Additionally the
selection of an input may by forced by a GPI contact.
External control is offered by four GPIs and the
output signal state is monitored by four LEDs and
four GPOs.

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
Chapter 1: Overview
The BLDS signal for enhanced signal observation is
generated by a BLDS Generator and inserted into
the MADI stream by a DAW. The artifical design of
the control signal enables detection of signal loss or
corruption. An automated and inaudible switch-over is
executed within one sample.
Audio Pilote Tone means the presence of an audio
signal with a level > - 42 dBFS in channel 56 @ 1 FS
(28 @ 2 FS). Trigger after downtime > 10 ms.
MADI 1
MADI 2
MADI 1
MADI 2
Input Switching
- automated (BLDS, Audio Pilote Tone)
- prioritized input
- carrier detection
- manual - push button or GPI
Parallel Output
Monitoring
- input signal status
- switching state
GPO

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
Before Installing This Device
WARNING!
Please read and observe all of the following notes
before installing this product:
• Check the hardware device for transport
damage.
• Any devices showing signs of mechanical
damage or damage from the spillage of liquids
must not be connected to the mains supply,
or disconnected from the mains immediately by
pulling out the power lead.
• All devices must be grounded. The device is
grounded through its IEC power connections.
• All devices must be connected to the mains
using the three-cord power leads supplied with
the system. Only supply electrical interfaces
with the voltages and signals described in these
instructions.
• Do not use the device at extreme temperatures.
Proper operation can only be guaranteed
between temperatures of 5ºC and 45ºC
and a maximum relative humidity of 80%, non-
condensing.
• The cabinet of the device will heat up. Do not
place the device close to heating sources (e.g.
heaters). Observe the environmental conditions.

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
First Aid (in case of electric shock)
WARNING!
• Do not touch the person or his/her clothing
before power is turned off, otherwise you risk
sustaining an electric shock yourself.
• Separate the person as quickly as possible from
the electric power source as follows:
- Switch off the equipment.
- Unplug or disconnect the mains cable.
• Move the person away from the power source
by using dry insulating material (such as wood or
plastic).
• If the person is unconscious:
- Check their pulse and reanimate if their
respiration is poor.
- Lay the body down and turn it to one side.
Call for a doctor immediately.
• Having sustained an electric shock, Always
consult a doctor.

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
Defective Parts/Modules
WARNING!
This device contains no user-serviceable parts.
Therefore do not open the device.
In the event of a hardware defect, please send the
device to your DirectOut representative together with
a detailed description of the fault.
We would like to remind you to please check
carefully whether the failure is caused by erroneous
configuration, operation or connection before sending
parts for repair.
Updates
DirectOut products are continually in development,
and therefore the information in this manual may be
superseded by new releases. To access the latest
documentation, please visit the DirectOut website:
www.directout.eu.
This guide refers to firmware version 4.1.

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
WARNING!
No compensation can be claimed for damages
caused by operation of this unit other than for the
intended use described above. Consecutive damages
are also excluded explicitly. The general terms and
conditions of business of DirectOut GmbH are
applied.
Intended Operation
EXBOX.BLDS is designed for switching MADI
signals (AES10).

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
Conditions of Warranty
This unit has been designed and examined carefully
by the manufacturer and complies with actual norms
and directives.
Warranty is granted by DirectOut GmbH over the
period of two years for all components that are
essential for proper and intended operation of the
device. The date of purchase is applied for this period.
Consumable parts (e.g. battery) are excluded from
warranty claims.
WARNING!
All claims of warranty will expire once the device
has been opened or modified, or if instructions and
warnings were ignored.
For warranty claims please contact the dealer where
your device was acquired.

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
Conformity & Certificates
CE
This device complies with the basic requests of
applicable EU guidelines. The appropriate procedure
for approval has been carried out.
RoHS
(Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous
Substances)
This device was constructed fulfilling the directive
on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous
substances in electrical and electronic equipment
2002/95/EC.
WEEE
(Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment)
Due to the directive 2002/96/EC for waste disposal
this device must be recycled.
For correct recycling please dispatch the device to:
DirectOut GmbH,
Leipziger Str. 32
09648 Mittweida
Germany
Only stamped parcels will be accepted!
WEEE-Reg.-No. DE 64879540

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
Contact
DirectOut GmbH
Leipziger Str. 32, 09648 Mittweida, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Mail: [email protected]
www.directout.eu

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
Contents
The contents of your EXBOX.BLDS package include:
• 1 x EXBOX.BLDS
• 1 x external power supply unit (9- 24 V)
• 1 x Manual
To complete the delivery, download the USB serial
driver and the BLDS Generator application from the
website.
Link: http://www.directout.eu

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CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
Accessory
BOX.MOUNT XL- for optimal rack mount of up to
three devices in a 19’’ frame (No: DOAPA0886):

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EXBOX.BLDS Manual - Version 1.3
Chapter 3: Installation
WARNING
Avoid damage from condensation by waiting for the
device to adapt to the environmental temperature.
Proper operation can only be guaranteed between
temperatures of 5ºC and 45ºC and a maximum
relative humidity of 80%, non-condensing.
Ensure that the unit has sufficient air circulation for
cooling.
WARNING
The synthetics of the delivered pads might cause
stains on damageable surfaces. To avoid staining
of furniture surfaces it is recommended to place a
protective plate under the device.
Chapter 3: Installation
Installing the Device
1. Open the packaging and check that the
contents have been delivered complete and
undamaged.
2. Place the device on a non-slip horizontal
surface. The delivered pads may be affixed to
the bottom of the cabinet. Ensure a clean and
dry surface before affixing the pads.

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Chapter 3: Installation
Retain the protective cap if the optical port is
unused. This will protect against soiling which can
lead to malfunction.
3. Remove the protective cap from the optical
MADI port(s) before use.
NOTE!
4. Connect signal cable(s) for the MADI signals.