Solid State Logic C100 HDS Technical manual

Digital Broadcast Console
V2.0/7 Software Update and Install Notes
Applica le to upgrades from V1.1/15 onwards
Solid State Logic
SVISINOO UND
Pa king List
Please check that the V2.0/7 Software Upgrade it (706C100LM) contains the following items:
1 V2.0/7 Update Notes (this document)
1 C100 HDS Software Disk (DVD-ROM) P986C100M
1 Sealed Software Licence envelope
(containing your Software Licence string) P986C120M
If any of the listed items are missing, please contact your local SSL representative efore attempting the
upgrade
82S6QC101BM
This document contains essentia information – p ease read it carefu y before making
any attempt to upgrade the system

As research and development is a continual process, Solid State Logic reserves the right
to change the features and specifications described herein without notice or obligation
E&OE
Initial Release (0L): December 2009
Begbroke, Oxford, England, OX5 1 U • [phone]
320 West 46th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10036, USA • [phone]
5757 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 401, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA • [phone]
3-55-14 Sendagaya, Shibuya-Ku,Tokyo 151-0051, Japan • [phone]
7 bis, rue de la Victoire, le Blanc Mesnil, Paris 93150, France • [phone]
Via Timavo 34, 20124 Milano, Italy • [phone]
Visit SSL at U L: http://www.solid-state-logic.com
© Solid State Logic
All ights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions
Blackrock,C100 HD,C100 HD-L,C100 HDS,
Solid State Logic and SSL are trademarks of Solid State Logic
All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or
by any means, whether mechanical or electronic, without the
written permission of Solid State Logic, Oxford, England
Solid State Logic
SVISI NOO UND

Support software is placed in here
System backups appear in here
Introdu tion
This document describes the fixes incorporated in V2.0/7 software, and details the software installation procedure required
to update your system to this latest release of C100 HDS software.
Please note that this release is only applicable to those systems that have previously been installed with V1.1/15 or greater
software. If you have any questions about this release, please contact your local SSL office or distributor.
Do not apply power to – or re-start – the Blackrock processor with the C100 HDS Software Disk in the processor’s DVD
drive; doing so will force a complete system re-install!
Assumptions
The following points are assumed in these installation instructions:
A1. This installation procedure details installation of new software on a running system, not a fresh installation.
A2. During commissioning/installation of the C100 HDS system, at least one networked computer within the studio
facility – ideally located in the same room as the console – will have been configured to communicate with the system.
Access to one of these computers will be required to run the software installation process. This will be referred to
in the following text as the ‘networked omputer’.
A3. The network IP Address that has been assigned to the C100 HDS system will be required. If you do not know either
of these details, please contact your IT or Studio Maintenance Department.
A4. The networked omputer used for this installation should have an SSH client installed (‘ PuTTY ’, for example).
This program will be used to communicate with the C100 HDS system – login as ‘ sbc ’ using ‘ server ’ as the password.
If you are unsure how to run this program, or the default password has been changed, please contact your IT or Studio
Maintenance Department. This computer must also be fitted with a DVD ROM drive.
A5. Backing up of the current system and installation of the new software will require that the networked omputer
has access to the folders exported by the C100 HDS system. This can be achieved as follows:
a. Click on ‘Run’ in the Windows Start menu.
b. In the ‘Run’ box, type ‘ \\<IP_Address> <CR> ’
Where: ‘ \\ ’ indicates that we wish to mount a file share,
‘ <IP_Address> ’ is the IP Address of the C100 HDS system,
‘ <CR> ’ indicates the ‘Return’ key on the computer keyboard.
c. At the resulting login prompt, enter the username (‘ sbc ’) and password (the default for this login being ‘ sbc123 ’).
This will result in a view of the shared folders on the C100 HDS system, similar to that shown below:
V2.0/7 Software Update
Page 1

C100 HDS Software Update
Page 2
Software Installation on a Single Bla kro k System
This installation procedure applies to single Blackrock systems only – the process for redundant systems is slightly different
and so is detailed separately on page 4.
1. Check the contents of the Software Upgrade it against the packing list; if there are any omissions, please contact your
local SSL office before proceeding further.
Ar hiving the System Disk
2. As with all software installations, we strongly advise you to generate a ‘mirror’ copy of the C100 HDS System Disk
before proceeding. Open the SSH client on the networked omputer and login to the C100 HDS system
(ref. Assumption A4.). Once you are logged in (as user ‘
sbc ’), type:
backup_syste _disk <CR> This will create a time and date stamped backup file in the
‘ syste _backup ’ folder.
The ackup process copies the entire C100 HDS System Disk and so will take a considera le time (≈15min) to complete.
It is of course also recommended that any ackups created are stored off-line elsewhere.
3. To ensure that sufficient space is still available to contain the upgrade, type:
df -h /ho e <CR> Check that the percentage used is less than about 90%. If it
is higher, consider removing any old backups from the
‘ syste _backup ’ folder.
Installing the Support Software
4. Place the C100 HDS Software Disk in the DVD drive in the networked omputer and open a window that displays
the contents of the DVD – do not place the software disk in the DVD drive on the Blackrock processor!
5. Locate the ‘ updates ’ folder within the folders exported by the C100 HDS system (ref. Assumption A5.).
6. On the DVD, open the ‘ C100_V2_0_7 Updates ’ folder and drag the following three .rp files from the CD into the
‘ updates ’ folder:
•
kernel SBC kernel and associated modules
•
ssl_console_files Blackrock system software and files
• ssl_host_tools SBC support files and applications
7. Once the .rp files have been copied, return to the SSH client and type:
install_updates <CR> . This will unwrap and install each of the .rp archives. Follow
the on-screen instructions to install them. Ignore any error
messages printed to the terminal during this time.

V2.0/7 Software Update
Page 3
Installing the C100 HDS System Software
9. Once the files are installed the system
code will need to be copied to the flash
memory on the Blackrock processor’s
PCIe card. At the terminal prompt typing
load_console_code <CR> will result in a
list of software versions similar to that
shown here.
Select the version of code you wish to
install by entering the number next to
the software version, eg. 1 <CR> in the
illustration opposite. The system code
will now be copied to the flash device on
the PCIe card. A percentage indicator on
the terminal will provide an indication as
to how far through the process the
system is. On completion a prompt will request a key on the keyboard be pressed to shutdown ‘p’ or reboot ‘r’ the
Blackrock processor – it is recommended that at this point the Blackrock processor be shutdown and re-powered if
possible.
Enabling the New System
10. When the system has fully booted, a pop-up will appear on screen inviting you to enter a Software Licence string and
so enable the software.
You will not e a le to use the console until the Software Licence has een accepted.
Open the Software Licence envelope containing your Licence string and type this carefully using the on-screen
keyboard. Once the system has verified the validity of the Licence, a Software Licence Agreement will appear on-
screen. Stab on the ‘I Agree’ box at the top of the pop-up to complete the licensing procedure. Reboot the processor
to ensure the licence is correctly read.
11. Remember to store the Software Licence string in a safe place along with the C100 HDS Software Disk.
Once the update is complete and the console has re ooted, any Windows workgroup the Blackrock has een assigned to
may need to e reassigned (updates performed y the SSL Host Tools package may erase various parts of the network
integration settings) – you may need to contact your contact your IT or Studio Maintenance personnel to check this.

Software Installation on a Redundant Bla kro k System
Installation of software and support files on a redundant Blackrock system must e performed on one processor at a time
with the other processor powered down. Do not attempt this process with oth units running!
1. Check the contents of the Software Upgrade it against the packing list; if there are any omissions, please contact your
local SSL office before proceeding further.
Ar hiving the System Disk
2. As with all software installations, we strongly advise you to generate a ‘mirror’ copy of the C100 HDS System Disk
before proceeding. Open the SSH client on the networked omputer and login to the C100 HDS system
(ref. Assumption A4.). Once you are logged in (as user ‘
sbc ’), type:
backup_syste _disk <CR> This will create a time and date stamped backup file in the
‘ syste _backup ’ folder.
The ackup process copies the entire C100 HDS System Disk and so will take a considera le time (≈15min) to complete.
It is of course also recommended that any ackups created are stored off-line elsewhere. This must e done separately
for oth Blackrock processors – ut this can e done on oth processors simultaneously.
3. To ensure that sufficient space is still available to contain the upgrade, on each system type:
df -h /ho e <CR> Check that the percentage used is less than about 90%. If it
is higher, consider removing any old backups from the
‘ syste _backup ’ folder.
Installing the Support Software
4. Ensure that the slave Blackrock processor has been powered down. Proceed through the following steps on the master
processor first.
5. Place the C100 HDS Software Disk in the DVD drive in the networked omputer and open a window that displays
the contents of the DVD – do not place the software disk in the DVD drive on the Blackrock processor!
6. Locate the ‘ updates ’ folder within the folders exported by the C100 HDS system (ref. Assumption A5.).
7. On the DVD, open the ‘
C100_V2_0_7 Updates ’ folder and drag the following three .rp files from the CD into the
‘ updates ’ folder:
• kernel SBC kernel and associated modules
•
ssl_console_files Blackrock system software and files
• ssl_host_tools SBC support files and applications
8. Once the .rp files have been copied, return to the SSH client and type:
install_updates <CR> . This will unwrap and install each of the .rp archives. Follow
the on-screen instructions to install them. Ignore any error
messages printed to the terminal during this time.
C100 HDS Software Update
Page 4

V2.0/7 Software Update
Page 5
Installing the C100 HDS System Software
10. Once the files are installed the system
code will need to be copied to the flash
memory on the Blackrock processor’s
PCIe card. At the terminal prompt typing
load_console_code <CR> will result in a
list of software versions similar to that
shown here.
Select the version of code you wish to
install by entering the number next to
the software version, eg. 1 <CR> in the
illustration opposite. The system code
will now be copied to the flash device on
the PCIe card. A percentage indicator on
the terminal will provide an indication as
to how far through the process the
system is. On completion a prompt will request a key on the keyboard be pressed to shutdown ‘p’ or reboot ‘r’ the
Blackrock processor – it is recommended that at this point the Blackrock processor be shutdown and re-powered if
possible.
Enabling the New System
11. When the system has fully booted, a pop-up will appear on screen inviting you to enter a Software Licence string and
so enable the software.
You will not e a le to use the console until the Software Licence has een accepted.
Open the Software Licence envelope containing your Licence strings. Each processor will have a different licence;
match the 5 digit PAL id. given with the licence to the Blackrock network ID on the sticker on the front face of the
Blackrock unit and type this in carefully using the on-screen keyboard. Once the system has verified the validity of the
Licence, a Software Licence Agreement will appear on-screen. Stab on the ‘I Agree’ box at the top of the pop-up to
complete the licensing procedure. Reboot the processor to ensure the licence is correctly read.
12. Power down the master Blackrock processor and power up the slave processor, such that only the slave processor
is on and running. Repeat this process from Step 2. for the slave processor.
13. Once all updates have been performed, re-boot both processors together.
14. Remember to store the Software Licence strings in a safe place along with the C100 HDS Software Disk.
Once the update is complete and the console has re ooted, any Windows workgroup the Blackrock has een assigned to
may need to e reassigned (updates performed y the SSL Host Tools package may erase various parts of the network
integration settings) – you may need to contact your contact your IT or Studio Maintenance personnel to check this.

Page 6
C100 HDS Software Update
New Features
Bla klight (Bulk I/O ard)
Following customer demand for more I/O channels, greater I/O flexibility and more robust RIO redundancy C100 HDS V2
introduces the new Blacklight I/O pipe, a powerful optical audio interconnect that carries four times the capacity of standard
MADI and is designed for secure, fail-safe operation over huge distances.
Each Blacklight mezzanine card holds four Blacklight I/O transceivers providing two permanently configured redundant 256
channel optical I/O channels on four duplex LC connectors. Each Blackrock core can now contain up to two Blacklight
mezzanine cards, two standard 64ch. MADI I/O cards or a combination of the two.
Introduction of the new Blacklight I/O mezzanine card provides the following functionality:
• 256 input channels with full processing from a single, upgraded Blackrock DSP card
• 256ch I/O bandwidth with control and status data between Blackrock and B-RIO, over a single duplex fibre pair
• An automatic ‘split point’ for the division of the maximum Blackrock ‘I/O slot’ limit of 512 bidirectional channels
between the upper and lower mezzanine cards
• An automatic ‘split point’ dividing the I/O slot allocation between the redundant ports on a Blacklight I/O card
according to the I/O cards fitted in each B-RIO
Additionally the V2 Software is compatible with the original C100 HDS 128ch DSP cards, providing various bug fixes and
offering a cost option retrofit for Blacklight I/O cards. A further DSP upgrade is also available as a cost option to allow
access to greater than 128 audio channels.
256 Input Channels from a Single Bla kro k DSP ard
All new C100 HDS consoles shipping from early 2010 will be fitted with the upgraded 256ch DSP card as standard and only
a licence will be required to access the higher channel counts. Full processing is available on all 256chs though Audio delays
remain the same: 64 modules shared between all input channels and ASG buses, each with 5.4s duration.
256 Channels of I/O Bandwidth between Bla kro k and B-RIO
In the current implementation if redundant fibre connections and redundant Blackrock processors are specified the four RIO
MADI ports will all carry the same data (two sets to and from each Blackrock) thus reducing the maximum I/O count to
62chs per RIO. However, with the new Blacklight mezzanine cards fitted in both the Blackrocks and B-RIO the four links
will provide 256chs audio I/O with control and status and full fibre redundancy, so that each Blackrock can have 256ch main
and one 256ch backup I/O link, regardless of the I/O cards fitted in the B-RIO.
Automati I/O Split Point between Mezzanines
The console detects the I/O cards fitted in the B-RIO(s) and allocates enough I/O slots to each mezzanine card, starting with
the lower card and finishing with the upper one.
This applies to B-RIO and MORSE Stage oxes only and not for any other MADI units.
Automati I/O Split Point within Mezzanines
The console detects the I/O cards fitted in the B-RIO(s) and automatically divides the I/O slots allocated to a Blacklight
mezzanine card between the two redundant ports according to the physical I/O cards fitted in the attached B-RIO(s).
This only applies to B-RIO and MORSE Stage oxes. For all other ports the console will assign I/O slots consecutively to the
remaining MADI ports until all availa le slots are used or all MADI ports have een completely included.

Support for several ombinations of MADI and Bla klight I/O ards
Standard 64 channel MADI cards and Blacklight I/O cards can be fitted in the Blackrock core in several combinations. For
example:
* This variant is not possi le due some technical limitations.
Link Setup Page
The Link Setup Page has been updated to
reflect the new 256ch I/O count and will
now display how many channels are fitted in
the B-RIO. In the adjacent picture, links 1
through 4 are Blacklight I/O ports whilst
ports 5 through 8 are MADI ports.
The RIO unit attached to the Blacklight I/O
ports contains 2 x 64ch DIO cards, 1 x 24ch
Analogue I/O card and 1 x 12ch. Mic I/P
card, hence the 164 channel count.
Long Press on Changeover
The Core Swap switch has now been linked
to the ‘Press & Hold Delay’ facility in the
Front Panel,Settings menu. This
security feature has been introduced to
ensure that a momentary and unintentional
press of the Core Swap switch will not
initiate a core changeover. The delay can be
set between 0.1s and 3.0s so that the switch
must be held down for a pre-determined
time before changeover takes place.
System Master GPO fun tion added
To the GPIO.lst file can be added, the option, to trigger a relay when the slave system is active. This can be used to provide
an indication as to which blackrock processor is active. When the Master system is active, any button the GPO is assigned
to, will be lit. If the Slave system is active the button the GPO is assigned to will not be lit.
Add the following line of text to the Fun tions List/GPIO.lst file found in the Root directory on the hard drive:
System Master,0,0,0,System Master,System Master
Reboot, and check for correct operation. If unsure of how to perform the above procedure please contact your local SSL
distributor or the SSL Service Department.
Upper
Mezzanine (spare) MADI (spare) MADI Blacklight Blacklight *
Lower
Mezzanine MADI MADI Blacklight Blacklight Blacklight MADI *
V2.0/7 Software Update
Page 7

C100 HDS Software Update
Page 8
Bug Fixes
The following is a list of the major bugs fixed or resolved in this release:
• PGM bus OLED meters above the faders are now pre-processing
• File synchronization and project integrity have been made more robust
•The HDS logo now appears on boot
• Occassional surface freeze has been fixed
• Morse routing is correctly retained when switching between main and redundant processors
• The mic gain – on a MORSE stagebox connected directly to the processor – displays it’s value correctly
• The channel gate no longer fully attenuates when the gate is switched in
• GPIO naming on systems with 2 RIOs now displays correctly
• Morse static output routes are no longer overwritten when switching between main and redundant processors
• The swap function now includes the channel input in the swap. Previously a copy was actioned
• When pressing attention keys to select ASGs or Auxes in the routing menu the attention keys now light
• The processor will now boot correctly if the the ethernet connection to the DAW is not present
• The change over switch now requires a press and hold to action changeover
• In the event of a main processor crash the changeover to the redundant system is actioned faster
• In the event of a dormant processor crash the changeover button on a console surface does not remain lit
• Fader starts on stereo channels are now saved in Control Linking
• Now responds to Morse router restart messages and re-sends mic gain, pad etc
• Added support for Morse router card changeover when ethernet to the active Morse controller card fails
• Clear warning about Morse router being offline from the status bar when its comes back online
• UOP TFT source names now correct respect whether Main or Alt input route is active
• Project Write Protect menu is now always visible when entering the Status Page
• Channel delays no longer introduce delay when dialled in but switched out
• Changeover switch now more reliable
• Routes which go over the 512 total IO slot limit are now permanently greyed out
• A potential system hang no longer possible when locking a channel to the surface

V2.0/7 Software Update
Page 9
Software Li en e Agreement
Solid State Logic (‘SSL’) is willing to license this C100 HDS software and accompanying documentation for this product (the
‘Software’) to the customer (the entity that purchased the product and software) on the condition that you read and accept
all of the terms in this agreement. Please read the terms below carefully. By continuing to install the software and using the
enclosed information to license the software you acknowledge that you have read and understood the agreement and agree
to be bound by its terms and conditions. If you do not agree to these terms then do not open this package, discontinue the
installation process and contact your local SSL representative for advice.
Li en e
SSL hereby grants you a non-exclusive licence to install and use the Software in machine-readable form on a single console.
You may copy the software only for backup purposes, provided that you reproduce all copyright and other proprietary
notices that are on the original copy of the Software.
Restri tions
SSL retains the right, title and interest in and to the Software, and any rights not granted to you herein are reserved by SSL.
You may not reverse engineer, disassemble, decompile, or translate the Software, or otherwise attempt to derive the source
code for the Software, except to the extent allowed under applicable law. If applicable law permits such activities, any
information so discovered must be promptly disclosed to SSL and shall be deemed to be the confidential proprietary
information of SSL. Any attempt to transfer any of the rights, duties or obligations hereunder is void. You may not rent, lease,
loan or resell for profit the Software, or any part thereof. You may not reproduce, distribute or create derivative works of
the Software.
Limitation of Liability
In no event will SSL or it’s suppliers be liable for profits or other consequential, incidental or special damages however
arising, including negligence, in connection with the software or this agreement, even if SSL has been advised of the possibility
of such damages. In no event will SSL’s liability in connection with the Software, regardless of the form of action, exceed £100.
Indemnity
You agree to defend and indemnify SSL against all claims, losses, liabilities, damages costs and expenses, including legal fees,
which SSL may incur in connection with your breach of this Agreement.
General
The Software is a commercial item. This Agreement is governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the United
ingdom.

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C100 HDS Software Update