Troll systems VLSG-01 User manual

Troll Systems Corporation
Ground-Based Products
VanLink System
Installation Guide
Troll Systems Corporation Technical Publications
Document VLSG-01 Revision – 0
10/17/2008
www.trollsystems.com

NOTICE
The information in this document incorporates proprietary rights of
Troll Systems Corporation
24950 Anza Avenue
Valencia, CA 91355, U.S.A.
Any party accepting this document acknowledges that it contains
proprietary confidential information and agrees that it shall not be
duplicated in whole or in part, nor disclosed to others without the
written consent of Troll Systems Corporation.
© 2008 Troll Systems Corporation

VANLINK SYSTEM GUIDE
VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation
Document VLSG-01 - 10/21/08 -1
Summary ...................................................................................................................................1
VanLink Equipment Components .............................................................................................1
Required Hardware ............................................................................................................... P-1
Software Requirements ......................................................................................................... P-1
Abbreviations, Acronyms, Terms ......................................................................................... P-2
Packaging .............................................................................................................................. P-4
Warranty ............................................................................................................................... P-4
Conventions Used in this Document ..................................................................................... P-5
VanLink Component Set-up and Operation ......................................................................... P-5
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Hints .................................................................................. P-5
Warnings ............................................................................................................................... P-5
Cautions ............................................................................................................................... P-6
Notes ..................................................................................................................................... P-6
Hints ..................................................................................................................................... P-6
Contact Information ............................................................................................................P-7
Hazard Advisory Placards/Signs ........................................................................................... S-1
Know and Comply with Local, State, and Federal Safety Requirements ............................. S-1
Do Not Service or Adjust Alone ........................................................................................... S-1
Electrical Power/Shock Hazards ........................................................................................... S-2
Be Familiar With Resuscitation Techniques ......................................................................... S-3
Coincidental Damage to Equipment in Cabinets .................................................................. S-3
Lifting/Handling Hazards ..................................................................................................... S-3
Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive (ESDS) Components ....................................................... S-4
System Overview .................................................................................................................. 1-1
VanLink System Features ............................................................................................... 1-2
Remote Control from the Studio or Control Center ....................................................... 1-3
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................................... 1-4
Required System Components ........................................................................................ 1-4
Hardware Requirements ................................................................................................. 1-4
Table of Contents

C100 User Interface VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation
-2 Document VLSG-01 - 1/11/2007
Master Controller Software Requirements ..................................................................... 1-4
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 2-1
Safety Recommendations ............................................................................................... 2-1
Installation Requirements ............................................................................................... 2-2
Power Requirements ....................................................................................................... 2-2
Rack Installation ............................................................................................................. 2-2
Rack Space Requirements .............................................................................................. 2-2
Cable Requirements........................................................................................................ 2-2
Running Cables .............................................................................................................. 2-3
V750 Cable and Connector Requirements ...................................................................... 2-3
Pan and Tilt Cabling and Connector Requirements ........................................................ 2-4
GPS/IMU Connectivity ................................................................................................... 2-5
EVDO/3G Router Connectivity ...................................................................................... 2-5
IP Connectivity ............................................................................................................... 2-5
Master Controller(s) and TNS Accessibility .................................................................. 2-5
Typical Network Configuration for VanLink ................................................................. 2-7
GPS/IMU Mounting Considerations .............................................................................. 2-7
GPS/IMU Assembly ....................................................................................................... 2-7
GPS/IMU Mounting Considerations .............................................................................. 2-7
VanLink GPS .................................................................................................................. 2-8
Calibration ...................................................................................................................... 2-9
Magnetometer Calibration .............................................................................................. 2-9
Antenna Calibration ........................................................................................................ 2-9
Remote and Local Control .............................................................................................. 2-9
Operating Requirements ............................................................................................... 2-10
Transmitter Control / Available Options ...................................................................... 2-10
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3-1

VANLINK SYSTEM GUIDE
VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation Introduction
Document VLSG-01 - 10/21/08 P-1
INTRODUCTION
This Installation Guide is intended for use with the VanLink System featuring
TouchStar™ Technology designed and fabricated by Troll Systems Corporation. The
sections and appendices that make up this manual are as follows:
Safety Considerations
Section 1 - Vanlink System Overview
Section 2 - VanLink System Requirements
Section 3 - Engineering Drawings
This guide or manual is based on the latest information available at the time of
publication.
SUMMARY
VanLink is a system composed of several Troll Systems components that are
coordinated work in a synchronous manner using proprietary software. This complex
and innovative system configuration enables complete studio control of a broadcast
news van while it is in the field.
VANLINK EQUIPMENT COMPONENTS
Required Hardware
The VanLink system is comprised of the following hardware components:
• V750 - Troll Systems Remote VanLink controller
• GPS/IMU – Troll Systems GPS & Magnetometer assembly
• Quickset Pan/Tilt – Pan/Tilt pedestal w/ Azimuth and Elevation feedback
• Pan/Tilt controller – Pan/tilt controller with remote interface capability
• EVDO or 3G Router
Software Requirements
• TouchStar 2008 – Windows application providing the control interface for VanLink.
• TouchStar 02 Mapping Software – Displays and provides control for all receive sites
including each vehicle equipped with VanLink.

INTRODUCTION
User Manual VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation
P-2 Document VLSG-01 - 10/17/2008
ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, TERMS
Listing of general abbreviations, acronyms, and terms that may be used throughout this
document are defined in the following list.
Term Definition
AC Alternating Current
ALT Altitude
ANT Antenna
AUX Auxiliary
Az Azimuth
BAS Broadcast Auxiliary Service
CAL Calibrate
CAM Camera
Ch Channel
COMM Communication
COTS Commercial-Off-The-Shelf
CPU Central Processing Unit
dB Decibel
DC Direct Current
DMM Digital Multimeter
e.g. Latin: exempli gratia, meaning “for example”
EMI Electro-Magnetic Interference
ENG Electronic News Gathering
ESD Electro-Static Discharge
et al Latin: et alia, meaning “and others”
FM Frequency Modulation
GPS Global Positioning System
GUI Graphic User Interface
HD High Definition
Hz Hertz
H/W Hardware
I/O Input/Output
i.e. Latin: id est, meaning “that is”

ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, TERMS
VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation Introduction
Document VLSG-01 - 10/17/2008 P-3
LAT Latitude
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
LED Light Emitting Diode
LNA Low-Noise Amplifier
LNG Longitude
MICOWV Microwave
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturing Association
NIC Network Interface Card
nm (NM) Nautical Mile (note: 1 nautical mile equals 1.150782 miles)
NTSC National Television System Committee
NAV NavTrack
NV Non-Volatile
PC Personal Computer
PED Pedestal
POL Polarization
PRSETS Presets
RAM Random Access Memory
RF Radio Frequency
RFI Radio Frequency Interference
ROM Read Only Memory
RPC Remote Procedure Call
RX Receiver/Receive
S/W Software
SDI Serial Digital Interface
SV System Variable
TX Transmitter/Transmit
V Volt
VAC Volts Alternating Current
VDC Volts Direct Current
WWatt
Term Definition

INTRODUCTION
User Manual VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation
P-4 Document VLSG-01 - 10/17/2008
PACKAGING
Use the original packaging material used for your TNS3000 network Server if available
and in good condition.
If you must return your product to Troll Systems Corporation for repair (and you no
longer have your original box and packing materials), Troll will send you a packing box
specifically designed to ship the product without damage.
WARRANTY
Troll warrants, to the original Customer only, that the product is free from defects in
material and workmanship and conforms to the specification, if any. If no specification
is listed, the items are warranted to conform to our currently published specification for
the product. The warranty period is for a period of one year from the date of shipment.
Troll will repair or replace (at its option) any such device which is returned to the Troll
factory office, with transportation charges prepaid and within the warranty period. The
liability of Troll shall be limited to the repair or replacement of the device and shall not
include installation, or any other charge or expense incurred. This warranty shall not
apply to any unit or part thereof which, in the opinion of Troll, has been installed or used
improperly; damaged by accident, corrosion, misused, or negligence; or altered or
repaired in such a manner as to impair performance. Troll must receive written notice of
the defect within the warranty period. Customer must pay packing, crating and
transportation costs to and from the factory. At the Customer’s request, Troll will make
reasonable efforts to provide warranty service at the Customer’s premises, provided that
Customer pays Troll’s then current rates for field service and the associated travel and
living expenses. If a fault has been caused by improper installation, maintenance or use,
or by abnormal conditions of operation, those repairs will be billed at normal rates. Troll
shall have the right of final determination as to the existence and cause of any such
defect.

CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT
VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation Introduction
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CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT
VanLink Component Set-up and Operation
The Troll Systems V750 Remote Site Controller and its innovative capabilities is the
heart of the VanLink system. For comprehensive information for this complex and
dynamic component, consult the Troll Systems manual for the S750 Remote Site
Controller manual which is identical to the V750 in almost all respects and functions.
Text appearing on the bottom line of the front panel display (just above the function
keys) of the V750 Remote site controller (i.e., commands associated with function keys
A, B, C, D, and E) appear in the font, Arial Rounded MT Bold
Text and terms that are emphasized to draw the reader’s attention (due to their
significance within the text) appear in italics. See the example below.
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, NOTES, AND HINTS
Warnings
Warnings are included to alert the user that possible hazards are associated with the
processes/procedures described. These may cause death or injury in any form, if the
instructions in the operational or procedural task are not followed precisely. Warnings
describe the potential hazards and possible impact that could occur if the warnings are
not observed.
WARNING: This format is used for general warnings.
WARNING: This format is used for electrical warnings.
WARNING: This format is used for mechanical warnings.

INTRODUCTION
User Manual VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation
P-6 Document VLSG-01 - 10/17/2008
Cautions
Cautions are included to alert the user that damage to the equipment is possible if the
instructions in the operational or procedural task are not followed precisely. Cautions
describe the hazards and possible impact that could occur if the cautions are not
observed.
Notes
Notes are included to provide the user with supplemental information, which is helpful
but does not necessarily belong in the core text. Many operational and procedural tasks
are easier with the addition of notes.
Hints
Hints are generally included to inform the user of special features and/or methods of
performing various tasks. These are usually unique features/methods that provide
streamlined use of the equipment and/or user interface.
Hint: This format is used for all hints.
WARNING: This format is used for warnings which include the risk
of fire.
CAUTION: This format is used for all cautions.
NOTE: This format is used for all notes.

CONTACT INFORMATION
VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation Introduction
Document VLSG-01 - 10/17/2008 P-7
CONTACT INFORMATION
Troll Systems Corporation is committed to providing its customers with quick and
friendly service. If you have questions regarding your Troll product, or if you
experiencing a technical problem, please contact us at:
Troll Systems
24950 Anza Drive
Valencia, CA 91355
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Alternatively, you can contact us via e-mail at:
Sales
[email protected]
Service
ser[email protected]
Troll Systems Corporation is continually updating and enhancing its existing products
while also developing new products for the Electronic News Gathering (ENG) and
Airborne Law Enforcement (ALE) industries. Visit us on the world wide web at:
www.trollsystems.com

INTRODUCTION
User Manual VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation
P-8 Document VLSG-01 - 10/17/2008
NOTES

VANLINK SYSTEM GUIDE
VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation Safety Considerations
Document VLSG-01 - 10/17/2008 S-1
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The following general safety precautions are not related to any specific procedures and
therefore do not appear elsewhere in this publication. They are, however, precautions
that personnel need to understand and apply when operating or repairing equipment.
Installation, operation, and maintenance should be performed only by qualified
personnel.
Hazard Advisory Placards/Signs
Read and heed all hazard advisory placards or signs affixed to the equipment or
surrounding enclosures. They warn of potential hazards to personal safety and possible
damage to equipment if correct maintenance practices are not followed. Ignoring hazard
advisory placards (WARNINGS/CAUTIONS) places personnel at risk for serious injury or
death.
Know and Comply with Local, State, and Federal Safety Requirements
You should be familiar with all local, state, and federal safety requirements applicable to
the equipment, processes, and materials you use during maintenance. Before using any
substances or materials marked toxic or hazardous, always refer to the Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS) for that substance/material for any special protective equipment,
handling, and/or disposal requirements.
Do Not Service or Adjust Alone
Do not start a maintenance or adjustment procedure if that procedure requires more
than one technician to be safely performed. It is particularly important that such work
not be performed in a remote area, away from other qualified personnel who may be
needed to render assistance. When a maintenance task requires two or more personnel
to be safely accomplished, delay the task until qualified personnel are available to assist
you.

User Manual VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation
S-2 Document VLSG-01 - 10/17/2008
VanLink Safety Considerations
For safety reasons Troll Systems does not offer control of masts. There are, however,
methods for implementing safety measures to prevent any damage to the antenna or
surrounding equipment by monitoring the mast’s position and locking out control when
the mast is down. Due to the number of unique vehicle configurations and mast controls
available this shall be considered an option that will require additional preparation and
information from the customer/installer prior to implementation. Currently it is the
operator’s responsibility to ensure that the antenna is clear from any obstructions before
enabling remote control for the studio.
Electrical Power/Shock Hazards
Always verify that electrical power is disconnected and that applicable safety procedures
have been followed before doing maintenance on any electrical/electronic equipment.
High voltage electrical energy is stored in some electrical equipment (electrolytic
capacitors, UPS batteries, etc.) even after the source of primary external power has been
disconnected. Always remove external power, deactivate equipment, or discharge the
potential to ground (when applicable) before working on the equipment.
If a high-potential insulation test is required, follow the procedures and precautions
outlined in the appropriate National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA)
standards. Check with the area supervisor if unfamiliar with these standards, specific
equipment, or procedures.
When electrical troubleshooting of a system must be accomplished with power applied,
first verify that all personnel in the hazard area are advised, that the equipment is
tagged, and/or that an assistant is posted at the point of power control.
WARNING: Potentially lethal voltage/current is present throughout
many electrical installations. Maintenance personnel
shall employ positive power lockout devices and post all
required warning tags/signs when applicable to ensure
that no unauthorized application of power can occur
during maintenance. Failure to heed this warning could
result in serious injury or death by electrocution.

VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation Safety Considerations
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Be Familiar With Resuscitation Techniques
Personnel working with or near high voltages should be familiar with modern methods
of resuscitation. It is beneficial to ensure that personnel are capable of performing
Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should the need arise.
Coincidental Damage to Equipment in Cabinets
When removing equipment from cabinets/consoles, exercise care so that surrounding
wiring installations and equipment are not physically damaged in the process.
Disconnect and secure any surrounding wiring or hardware which could cause damage
to or be damaged by the equipment being removed.
When installing equipment into cabinets/consoles, exercise care to protect surrounding
wiring installations and equipment from being physically damaged in the process.
Neatly stow excess cable/wiring and replace all tie wraps, clamps, and other retaining
devices which were removed. Neat installations reduce the chances of coincidental
damage to adjacent equipment and promote more efficient air circulation and equipment
cooling.
Lifting/Handling Hazards
The removal and installation of large, heavy, or awkward component assemblies,
especially equipment attached to the external areas of the aircraft, will require a
minimum of two (2) personnel to safely handle. Alternatively, the use of appropriately
rated material handling equipment can be used when determined to be safe. Where
limited access prevents the use of material handling equipment, ensure that an adequate
number of personnel are present to safely handle the anticipated loads.
CAUTION: Pushing or forcing equipment into/out of equipment
cabinets and enclosures can easily damage surrounding
equipment, cables/wiring, or fiber optic cable installations.
Be alert to avoid coincidental damage to equipment when
accessing crowded installations. Coincidental damage is
often difficult to detect and even more difficult to
troubleshoot.

User Manual VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation
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Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive (ESDS) Components
Computers, microprocessors, and other solid state components (circuit cards,
I/O boards, etc.) which are not clearly marked with the ESDS symbol will be handled as
ESD sensitive components until determined otherwise. Retain protective ESDS packing
and shipping bags, containers, non-conductive foam pads, etc. (see Figure S–1) for use
in the return of repairable components.
CAUTION: Beware of electrostatic buildup. Delicate solid-state
Integrated Circuits (ICs) can be damaged by improper
handling procedures. Use proper electrostatic safeguards
when installing/removing circuit cards and handling ESD
sensitive assemblies. As required, wear a grounded wrist
strap, use antistatic floor and table mats, and minimize the
handling of sensitive solid-state devices. Keep all ESD
sensitive components in their original containers until
ready for use. Always discharge personal static before
handling ESD sensitive components and do not slide solid
state devices over any surface. Handle plug-in card
assemblies only by their non-conductive edges.

Minimize Handling. Keep parts in original containers
until ready for use.
Discharge personal static
before handling devices.
Handle devices by the body. Use anti-static containers for
handling and transport.
Do not slide devices over any
surface.
Avoid plastic, vinyl and
styrofoam in work area.
When removing plug-in
assemblies, handle only by
non-conductive edges and
never touch open edge
connector except at static-free
work station. Placing shorting
strips on edge connector
usually provides complete
protection to installed devices.
Handle devices only at a static-
free work station.
Only anti-static type solder
suckers should be used.
Only grounded tip soldering
irons should be used.
VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation Safety Considerations
Document VLSG-01 - 10/17/2008 S-5
Figure S–1. Procedures for Handling Electrostatic Sensitive Components

User Manual VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation
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NOTES

VANLINK SYSTEM GUIDE
VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation VanLink System Overview
Document VLSG-01 - 10/21/08 1-1
SECTION 1
VANLINK SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.1 SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Troll Systems VanLink remote broadcast van control interface is a comprehensive
and dynamic system designed to be integrated into vehicles utilized in Electronic News
Gathering functions in the field. Refer to Figure 1–1 through Figure 1–3.
TOUCHST A R
S750
QPT - 90/115 with
Local and Remote Controller
Transmitter
to V750 serial input
EVDO to V750 Ethernet
with Static IP or Dynamic DNS WAN
Field Vehicle with Tx,GPS
and Magnetometer
controlled remotely by
studio operator
Van Tx Antenna
with Pan and Tilt
Rooftop or Antenna
Mounted IMU
Troll Systems V750
Remote Site Controller
12 wire Nycoil
from V750 to
Tx Antenna
CONTROL
FEEDBACK
Van External
Control Panel
with QPT set
to Remote
Van External
Control Panel
with QPT set
to Remote
CONTROL
CONTROL
COMM
COMM
CONTROL
Figure 1–1. VanLink System ENG Vehicle Configuration

SYSTEM OVERVIEW
User Manual VanLink System featuring TouchStar™ Technology - Troll Systems Corporation
1-2 Document VLSG-01 - 10/21/08
1.1.1 VanLink System Features
This system enables several operations of the ENG vehicle to be controlled remotely
from the broadcast studio including such key functions as:
TOUCHST AR
S750
Troll Systems V750 Remote Site Controller
communicating with van IMU GPS and Magnetometer while
coordinating with preprogrammed site latitude and
longitudinal data for accurate signal tracking in real time
GPS
Magnetometer
IMU
• Remote tracking of vehicle heading and location including locations of all vehicles
that are mutually equipped with VanLink
• Troll MC17 Master Controller with Graphic User Interface featuring the control page
and GPS enabled screen MAP
• Transmitter antenna control including pan and tilt for azimuth and elevation feedback
• Optional roof mount or mast mount of the GPS/IMU to minimize EMI interference
• Automatic tracking of the HD signal with self-optimization of the vehicle transmitter
antenna in real time using the V750’s preprogrammed ability to analyze and
compensate for signal integrity in reference to the studio’s coordinates and the
vehicle’s GPS/IMU location feedback. (see Figure 1–2)
Figure 1–2. VanLink IMU Configuration