360 Systems 1200HD-EX - Manual (Page 22)

MAXX-1200 Owner’s Manual Page 21
Continuous Conversion UPS Design
This improved design, sometimes called ‘double conversion’ continuously converts utility
power to DC, stores it in a battery, then produces isolated AC power from an inverter. It never
switches back and forth to utility power, and has better immunity to input transients,
brownouts, and blackouts. Models are available with batteries of almost any size, making the
continuous-conversion UPS suitable for transient suppression or long-term operating power in
the absence of utility power.
Server Operating Environment
A video server is the most critical element in a broadcast operation. Its installation should
safeguard it from every external event that can interfere with it doing the task expected of it.
360 Systems’ engineers have experience with thousands of installations, and have become
aware of a number of environmental factors that can adversely affect performance. Two of
these have already been discussed: power conditioning and inadequate cooling. Two others,
less obvious, should also be considered:
RF Interference by Cell Phones
Many people are not aware that cell phones produce a very high instantaneous power output,
even when no conversation is taking place. You may have experienced the effect of a cell
phone interfering with a common desk phone placed nearby. Carrying a cell phone into a
machine room where it is in close proximity to broadcast equipment and its associated wiring
is unwise. Cell phones can interfere with serial control commands, video synchronization, and
in some cases can crash the CPU in equipment.
Some major broadcasters prohibit the presence of cell phones in certain equipment areas. 360
Systems believes that the risk of undesired equipment behavior from their RF fields is very real.
Static Discharge
Static electricity discharge is accepted by most people as an inevitable consequence of living in
a dry area. It is also a result of floor coverings that may enhance appearances, but are
inappropriate for use around critical broadcast equipment. Static discharge can do two adverse
things:
• Discharge into a connector can—and will—destroy internal circuitry of equipment. The result
will usually be difficult to diagnose.
• Discharge to equipment frames or wiring can crash a CPU and take the station off the air. The
event may seem random or unrelated to static, but it is clearly a catastrophic event—and one
that can repeat indefinitely.
Several steps can be taken to protect equipment from static discharge:
• Do not install critical broadcast equipment (video servers) in a room with carpeting.
• Connect equipment racks directly to the utility safety ground with a heavy copper conductor.
• Do not operate equipment which has a lifted safety ground (green frame ground wire).
• Consider installing a humidifier to reduce the likelihood of static discharge.