Multi-System Controllers

Multi-System Controller (MSC) – for Redundant Television and Radio Transmission Systems

The Harris® Multi-System Controller (MSC) is engineered to ensure your television or radio broadcast is seamless—even in the event of transmitter failure. This next-generation multi-system control platform extends the redundancy capabilities of Harris transmitters to both new and legacy transmitter platforms—the first system on the market that integrates legacy transmitters into N+1 systems.*

The MSC incorporates the latest advances in technology, reflecting the Harris commitment to innovation and history as the industry-leading provider of redundancy solutions for television and radio transmitters.

* Requires an optional MSC I/O module

Features

Factory scalable and configurable for N = 1 to 8
Front-panel control and readout of system status
Operation in automatic or manual mode, and by local or remote control
Local and remote selection on the front panel to lock out remote inputs during servicing
One of N logic output to control an external video or audio router
Ethernet interface to each transmitter and RF switch control board for easy-to-manage connections
External program router control — routes the correct service to the redundant transmitter
Fast, reliable operation
Fail-safe — current system configuration is retained in the event of MSC fault/power failure
Compatible with 4-port coaxial switches from multiple vendors
Remote software upgrades available via network connection. Latest software is available on the Harris Service Portal (requires a Windows®*-based PC, not provided)
Sleek, elegant GUI — easy navigation of system level or individual transmitter control and monitoring with a single IP connection
Screensaver with wakeup function to extend life of backlight and prevent accidental front-panel button operation
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) network agent for broadcast manager operations
External interlock monitoring — can be removed for servicing without interruption of the interlock chain
Programmable N+1 priority — for backup of the most important programming during multiple main transmitter outages

*Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Product Details

Cost-effective, Reliable, Flexible
At Harris, we know on-air time is critical. For that reason, the Multi-System Controller is designed to maximize on-air reliability for broadcasters with digital networks, and can be configured across various applications—main/alternate, N+1 and dual transmitter systems.

As an N+1 controller, the MSC is a cost-effective, reliable backup system with a simple-to-use interface, making it ideal for larger network operators with multiple transmitters at each site. As a dual transmitter system controller, the MSC enables increased power capability, operational flexibility, and reliability by combining two or more transmitters.

How it Works
The MSC monitors the operating status and parameters of the main transmitters and keeps the +1 reserve in standby. When the MSC detects a failure, it safely disables the main transmitter and activates the standby transmitter.

Users have the option of monitoring and controlling the MSC though the front-panel push-button controls with an alpha-numeric display, or remotely via a web browser or optional, parallel I/O.

In N+1 applications, the MSC monitors and controls each main or N transmitter. If the MSC detects RF output or other failure output that exceeds the user’s configured time delay, it automatically sets the frequency of the reserve or +1 transmitter to that of the failed main transmitter. It then routes the correct video/audio to the reserve, changes the configuration of the RF switching system to place the reserve transmitter on air, and turns it on. The failed main transmitter‘s RF output is simultaneously routed to the dummy load, where it can be tested and repaired without further broadcast interruptions.

If a second main transmitter fails, the reserve will back up the highest-priority transmitter.

MSC Compatibility
The MSC is designed specifically for Harris transmission products, including Maxiva™ UHF (ULX and UAX) DTV transmitters, Platinum™ VHF (VLX and VAX ) DTV transmitters and Platinum Z, ZX® and HPX® FM and HD Radio™* transmitters. With an optional I/O module, the MSC also works with most legacy and other vendors’ transmitters in N+1 systems.

*HD Radio™ is a registered trademark of iBiquity Digital Corp.

Images/Diagrams

Specifications

Specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.

19 in. (48.2 cm) rack-mountable unit, 1RU high
Approximately 18 in. (45.7 cm) deep
Weight – approximately 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Universal power supply input with automatic selection; accepts any line voltage 90 to 264 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Cooling – approximately 100 CFM

AVAILABLE OPTIONS

System Multi-Controller (SMC)
The System Multi-Controller (SMC) adds system control to the standard MSC controller.

Features:

Scheduler — enables transmitters to be turned on and off automatically per a user-defined schedule with two periods per day; scheduler can set a one-week schedule for the entire year and modify individual days for fast, easy schedule programming
Customizable overall block diagram — allows users to label each transmitter with operating frequency and select a layout of left to right or right to left to match the building floor plan
Transmitter data logging with search capability — assists users in identifying operating parameter trends
Data graphing — shows a parameter trend over time
Screensaver with wakeup function — extends the life of backlight and prevents accidental front-panel button operation
1RU EIA rack-mount chassis
Universal power supply input with automatic selection, 90 to 264 VAC input, 47 to 63 Hz, 65 Watts

MSC Panel PC Display Unit

Features:

Ethernet interface with a 4x6 in. touch-screen control
GUI mounted on a 3RU EIA panel for easy navigation of functional areas of MSC and transmitters

MSC I/O Module
General-purpose I/O module for interfacing to the MSC

Features:

Enables legacy transmitter integration into N+1 systems
Parallel I/O control to the MSC
1RU EIA rack-mount chassis
Opto-isolated and RFI-filtered command outputs, status inputs and analog metering inputs
Dual ethernet ports: one for operation and one for user configuration
Harris micro-module for easy software updates using Harris In-System Programming (ISP) software
Universal power supply input with automatic selection, 90 to 264 VAC input, 47 to 63 Hz, 65 Watts

MSC IP Module
IP module for N+1 to Platinum Z transmitter interface

Features:

Platinum Z RS-232 serial-to-ethernet converter for interfacing of basic operating parameters and control from the Platinum Z transmitter to MSC; enhanced data provision (for logging and graphing), scheduling and control by the SMC
Harris micro-module for easy software updates
Dual ethernet ports: one for operation and one for user configuration
Enhanced Platinum Z serial protocol and transmitter firmware — enables additional commands for remote switching of exciters and IPAs via the SMC

Sales Contacts

North America +1 800 231 9673
Caribbean and Latin America +1 786 437 1960

Europe and Africa +44 118 964 8200
Middle East and South Asia +971 4 433 8250

Asia, Pacific Rim +852 2776 0628

Data Sheet

Multi-System Controllers