Solution: Logitek Pilot

Figure 3a. Click to enlarge.

---

Figure 3 shows our system configured with a Logitek Pilot. The heart of each is the Pilot control surface, integrated with the Jetstream Mini (via RS-485), which performs the mixing and routing functions. With the Jetstream Mini, plug-in cards are specified to get the functionality that is needed. In this case the Jetstream Mini would require a microphone input card (that has four mic inputs); two of the four-input AES cards; and two of the four-output cards (analog or AES). The interfaces for these cards are RJ-45 connectors on the rear apron of the Jetstream Mini itself, so cabling interfaces are required. (Again, make them in-house or buy them prefab.) The GPIO connectors on the back of the Jetstream mini are DB15F, so you may need to plan to build out those connectors as well.

In this example, both the playout system and the studio computer are interfaced to the Jetstream Mini by Ethernet and the appropriate software drivers. (Both have dual NICs so that they can be accessed on either VLAN.) One Ethernet connection then handles audio and control.

Figure 3b. Click to enlarge.

---

Figure 3b shows the rack room setup with another Jetstream Mini accommodating our design. Three remote sources come in, one being the satellite audio returned from the transmitter site via the TSL. The Jetstream Mini would be used to mix the satellite audio with either the studio A or studio B playout systems (via network routing) for certain dayparts so that both studios can be off-line during those periods. Obviously that makes the studios available for other uses, or maintenance windows. An output of the Jetstream Mini is used to feed the input to the STL switcher, but the legacy feeds are available to the STL switcher just in case something should happen to the core switch that knocks out the LAN (and therefore the audio routing).

The other two of course are the remote broadcast devices - an IP codec and an ISDN codec. Their send/receive needs are serviced by the Jetstream Mini.

The core switch handles multiple VLANs, one of which is for the office LAN, and one of which is for the Jetstream segment. I make mention of that because it is important to note that Jetstream can run on the same switch as your office LAN, as long as VLANs are used appropriately. This goes for the edge switches as well.

- continued on page 4