DirectOut Technologies EXBOX.BLDS User manual

EXBOX.BLDS
Version 1.1
Manual
DirectOut Technologies®

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1 page 3 of 56
Copyright Note
© 2014 DirectOut GmbH
Copyright
All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or electroni-
cally reproduce any document or graphic in whole or in part
for any reason is expressly prohibited, unless prior writ-
ten 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 mislead-
ing or incorrect information provided throughout this manual.
DirectOut GmbH reserves the right to change
specifications at any time without notice.
DirectOut Technologies® and D.O.TEC® are reg-
istered trademarks of the DirectOut GmbH.
© DirectOut GmbH, 2014

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1
Table of Contents
Table of contents
ABOUT THIS MANUAL 7
How to Use This Manual 7
Conventions 7
CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW 8
Introduction 8
Applications 8
How it works 9
Feature Summary 10
CHAPTER 2: LEGAL ISSUES & FACTS 11
Before Installing This Device 11
Defective Parts/Modules 12
First Aid (in case of electric shock) 13
Contents 14
Updates 14
Intended Operation 15
Conditions of Warranty 15
Conformity & Certificates 16
Contact 17
CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION 18
Installing the Device 18
CHAPTER 4: OPERATION 23
Introduction 23
Power supply 23
USB 24
Input / Output 25
Input State 27
Input Selection 28
Output State 29
Priority Setting 31
page 4 of 56 © 2014 DirectOut GmbH

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1 page 5 of 56
Table of Contents
Control via GPI 34
Monitoring via GPO 36
CHAPTER 5: WORKING WITH BLDS™ 38
Introduction 38
BLDS Generator 38
Examples 41
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTE-
NANCE 44
Troubleshooting 44
Maintenance 45
TECHNICAL DATA 46
APPENDIX A - WIRING SKETCHES 48
Hirose HR10 (DC PSU) 48
DSUB-9 - GPI / GPO 49
INDEX 50
© 2014 DirectOut GmbH

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1
Table of contents
page 6 of 56 © 2014 DirectOut GmbH
This page is left blank intentionally.

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1 page 7 of 56
About This Manual
About This Manual
How to Use This Manual
This manual guides you through the installation and
operation of the EXBOX.BLDS.
Use the Table of Contents at the beginning of the
manual or Index Directory 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.
© 2014 DirectOut GmbH
Conventions
The following symbols are used to draw your attention
to:
Tips – indicate useful tips and shortcuts.
Notes – are used for important points of clarification or
cross references.
Warning
Warnings – alert you when an action should always be
observed.

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1
Chapter 1: Overview
Chapter 1: Overview
Introduction
Welcome to the EXBOX.BLDS, DirectOuts MADI Re-
dundancy 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.
Applications
The 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 re-
porting
page 8 of 56 © 2014 DirectOut GmbH

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1 page 9 of 56
Chapter 1: Overview
How it works
One of the two MADI input signals is routed to both
MADI outputs. Depending on the settings the input se-
lection 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
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.
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 cor-
ruption. An automated and inaudible switch-over is ex-
ecuted within one sample.
EXBOX.BLDS
MADI #1
MADI #2
MADI #1
MADI #2
Input Switching
- automated (BLDS)
- prioritized input
- carrier detection
- manual - push button or GPI
Parallel Output
Monitoring
- input signal status
- switching state
GPO
Scheme
© 2014 DirectOut GmbH

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1
Chapter 1: Overview
Feature Summary
MADI ports 2 x MADI (optical, SC multi/single mode)
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 for firmware updates
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)
page 10 of 56 © 2014 DirectOut GmbH

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1 page 11 of 56
Chapter 2: Legal issues & facts
© 2014 DirectOut GmbH
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 dam-
age.
• Any devices showing signs of mechanical dam-
age or damage from the spillage of liquids MUST
NOT be connected to the mains supply, or dis-
connected from the mains immediately by pulling
out the power lead.
• All devices MUST be connected to the mains us-
ing the three-cord power leads supplied with the
system. Only supply electrical interfaces with the
voltages and signals described in these instruc-
tions.
• Do NOT use the device at extreme tempera-
tures. Proper operation can only be guaranteed
between temperatures of 5º C and 45º C and a
maximum relative humidity of 80 %, non-con-
densing.
• The cabinet of the device will heat up. Do NOT
place the device close to heat sources (e.g. heat-
ers). Observe the environmental conditions.

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1
Chapter 2: Legal issues & facts
page 12 of 56 © 2014 DirectOut GmbH
Defective Parts/Modules
Warning
This device contains no user-serviceable parts. There-
fore do NOT open the device.
In the event of a hardware defect, please send the de-
vice to your local service 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 confi gura-
tion, operation or connection before sending parts in
for repair. See „Chapter 6: Troubleshooting and Main-
tenance“ on page 44 for assistance with trouble-
shooting.

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1 page 13 of 56
Chapter 2: Legal issues & facts
© 2014 DirectOut GmbH
First Aid (in case of electric shock)
Warning
• DO NOT touch the person or his/her clothing be-
fore power is turned off, otherwise you risk sus-
taining 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 res-
piration 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.

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1
Chapter 2: Legal issues & facts
Contents
The contents of your EXBOX.BLDS package should
include:
• 1 x EXBOX.BLDS
• 1 x external power supply unit (9-24 V)
• 1 x Manual
To complete the delivery, download the BLDS Genera-
tor application from the website.
Link:
http://www.directout.eu/en/support/downloads/exbox_blds.html
This document refers to firmware version 2.2.
page 14 of 56 © 2014 DirectOut GmbH
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.

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1 page 15 of 56
Chapter 2: Legal issues & facts
Intended Operation
The EXBOX.BLDS is designed for switching MADI
signals (AES10).
© 2014 DirectOut GmbH
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 ex-
cluded explicitly. The general terms and conditions of
business of DirectOut GmbH are applied.
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 pe-
riod 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.
Warning
All claims of warranty will expire once the device has
been opened or modified, or if instructions and warn-
ings were ignored.
For warranty claims please contact the dealer where
your device was acquired.

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1
Chapter 2: Legal issues & facts
page 16 of 56 © 2014 DirectOut GmbH
Conformity&Certificates
CE
This device complies with the basic requests of ap-
plicable EU guidelines. The appropriate procedure for
approval has been carried out.
RoHS
(Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substanc-
es)
This device was constructed fulfilling the directive on
the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substanc-
es in electrical and electronic equipment 2002/95/EC.
WEEE
(Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equip-
ment)
Due to the directive 2002/96/EC for waste disposal this
device must be recycled.
For correct recycling please dispatch the device to:
IMM Elektronik GmbH,
Leipziger Str. 32
09648 Mittweida
Germany
Only stamped parcels will be accepted!
WEEE-Reg.-No. DE 93924963

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1 page 17 of 56
Chapter 2: Legal issues & facts
© 2014 DirectOut GmbH
Contact
Sales:
DirectOut GmbH, Leipziger Str. 32, 09648 Mittweida,
Germany
Phone: [phone] // Fax: [phone]
6205-56
www.directout.eu
Manufacturer:
IMM Elektronik GmbH, Leipziger Str. 32, 09648 Mit-
tweida, Germany
Phone: [phone] // Fax: [phone]-
56
www.imm-gruppe.de

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1
Chapter 3: Installation
Chapter 3: Installation
Installing the Device
1. Open the packaging and check that the con-
tents have been delivered complete and undam-
aged.
2. Place the device on a non-slip horizontal sur-
face.
The delivered pads may be affi xed to the bottom of the
cabinet. Watch a clean and dry surface before affi xing
the pads.
page 18 of 56 © 2014 DirectOut GmbH
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.
Warning
Avoid damage from condensation by waiting for the de-
vice to adapt to the environmental temperature. Proper
operation can only be guaranteed between tempera-
tures of 5º C and 45º C and a maximum relative humid-
ity of 80%, non-condensing.
Ensure that the unit has suffi cient air circulation for
cooling.

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1 page 19 of 56
Chapter 3: Installation
3. Using the power cord of the external power
supply provided, connect the device to a matching
power supply and connect the output of the power
supply to the Hirose connectors at the rear panel.
© 2014 DirectOut GmbH
Warning
The external power supply MUST be connected to the
mains using the three-cord power leads supplied with
the device. Only supply the voltages and signals indi-
cated (9 - 24 V DC) to the device.
This device may operate with only one power supply.
To provide power supply redundancy, it is recommend-
ed to connect both PSU 1 and PSU 2 to independent
power supplies with separate fuses.
The shipment includes one external power supply unit.
Additional power supply units are available from your
local DirectOut representative.
Warning
The connected power supply must provide a current
limiting to a maximum of 2.5 A.

DirectOut Technologies
®
EXBOX.BLDS Manual Version 1.1
Chapter 3: Installation
5. Connect the MADI signals to the device:
4. Remove the protective cap from the optical
MADI ports before use.
6. Check the LED display on the front panel.
page 20 of 56 © 2014 DirectOut GmbH
Retain the protective cap if the optical port is unused.
This will protect against soiling which can lead to mal-
function.