Overview
The AARON 655 employs a sensitive FM / HD Radio™ SDR-based receiver that invariably returns to the programmed frequency and reception mode following a power interruption. In addition to FM and HD1-8 program sources for rebroadcast, the 655 accepts analog, AES-digital and streaming program inputs with fallback-priority selection. Outputs are FM-stereo-multiplex (MPX) as well as both analog and AES digital program line outputs and output streaming.
The AARON 655 includes an onboard RDS encoder that can either pass or regenerate incoming RDS, and can also reformat HD Radio™ ‘PAD’ data for RDS retransmission.
The 655´s audio processor employs a parametric equalizer offering continuous control over the audio signal's frequency content with 3 bands of dynamic compression and selectable crossovers. Audio processing includes gated and ‘windowed’ AGC, a unique ‘syllabic’ leveler, with both wideband and independent HF limiting.
IP connectivity with a Web-browser interface permits total remote control of the unit from any Web enabled device, along with remote audio monitoring. Local GPIO failure alarms are augmented with email notifications, alarm logs, and full support for SNMP operation.
Features
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Uncompromising DSP-based (SDR) receiver performance
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Accepts program audio from analog FM, digital HD1 through HD8 programs, streaming sources and analog or AES-digital line inputs, all with assignable failover audio backup
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Audio processing with AGC, parametric EQ, bass ‘punch’ enhancement, multiband compression, independent broadband / HF peak control and composite clipping
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A regenerated and peak-controlled composite/MPX output, plus balanced analog and AES-digital program line outputs for exciters with built-in stereo generators
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An internal RDS/RBDS encoder that can customize incoming off-air RDS data, convert HD Radio™ PAD to RDS, convert streamed metadata to RDS, or receive IP Telnet data
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An intuitive remote-control Web Interface with remote audio monitoring; self-logging reception alarms give instant email and text notification
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SNMP remote monitoring and control of all AARON 655 functions
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A built-in BandScanner™ for a snapshot of the local RF spectrum
Specifications
RECEIVER PERFORMANCE
Tuning Range
87.5MHz - 107.9MHz in 100kHz steps
Sensitivity/Noise Performance
5dBμV for 50dB unweighted, monaural analog-FM SNR
Off-Air Frequency Response
- Analog-FM: ±0.5dB, 20Hz - 15kHz
- HD Radio™: 20Hz - 20kHz (per certification spec.)
FM De-Emphasis
5μs or 50μs, menu-selectable
Stereo Separation (at 1kHz)
- Analog-FM: >50dB
- HD Radio™: >90dB
Radio Data System
- Analog-FM: RDS/RBDS, menu-selectable
- HD Radio™: “PAD”
Program Signal Latency (Delay)
- Analog-FM or Line-In Sources: 3.7ms to analog line out, 4.53ms to digital line out, 4.1ms to MPX out
- HD Radio™ Source: typically 8 seconds to any output
INPUTS & OUTPUTS
Antenna Input
50Ω (N)
Composite/MPX Output
75Ω (BNC); 1V p-p - 6V p-p for ±75kHz FM carrier deviation
Program Line Inputs
- Analog: Active-balanced (XLR) accepts ‘0VU’ line levels between –15dBu and +15dBu; +24dBu clipping
- AES Digital: Balanced (XLR) accepts peak line levels between –30dBFS and 0dBFS at sampling rates between 32kHz and 96kHz
- IP Streaming: Accepts Icecast/SHOUTcast MP3, Ogg and AAC streams
Program Line Outputs
- Characteristic: Analog and digital program line outputs may be switched between FM-pre-emphasized or ‘normalized’ (flat) response
- Analog: Active-balanced (XLR) delivers –12dBu to +18dBu at 100% modulation; +18dBu clipping; 200Ω source
- AES Digital: (XLR) 24-bit, 44.1kHz sampling; delivers –30dBFS to 0dBFS at 100% modulation
- Streaming: MP3-encoded for remote IP/browser monitoring
Network Port
RJ45 jack TCP/IP network connection for complete remote setup and operation of the AARON 655; supports SNMP
GPIO
4 GPI, 6 GPO screw-terminal connections, all assignable with selectable logic polarity; enable contact-closure control of certain setup and operating functions and provide local external alarm tallies or connection to remote control systems
Headphone Jack
¼-inch front-panel (TRS)
FAILOVER AUDIO PROTECTION
Four progressive (sequential) failovers may be selectively programmed to respond to carrier loss, audio loss, FM pilot loss, HD loss, stream loss or RDS mismatch as appropriate to the source fault.
AUDIO PROCESSING
AGC
Gated, ‘gain-riding’ AGC with ±15dB capture range; dualrate ‘windowed’ operation
Leveling
Variable ‘syllabic’ 2:1 compression normalizes dialog and music sources
Parametric Equalization
4-sections of parametric EQ, each with variable frequency, ‘Q’ and gain
Bass ‘Punch’
Variable bass enhancement accents the initial bass attack
Compression
3-bands of r.m.s. and peak compression with selectable crossover frequencies, variable master and individual band drive controls
Final Peak Control
Feed-forward final peak limiting eliminates flat-top clipping; independent HF limiter for pre-emphasis protection
Composite Clipper
0dB - 3dB adjustable MPX clipping depth (excludes stereo pilot and RDS subcarrier)
Processing Presets
10 factory, 10 user-defined presets
RDS/RBDS ENCODER
Fields Supported
PI, PTY, PS, RT, M/S, TP, DI, CT, AF
HD ‘PAD’ to RDS
HD Radio™ Name, Slogan, Artist, Title, Album and Genre may be converted to the RDS scrolling-PS and RT fields
Streaming Audio Metadata to RDS
Streamed Name, Metadata, Description and Genre may be converted to the RDS scrolling-PS and RT fields
Telnet to RDS
Accepts dynamic PS and Radio Text updates via IP
BANDSCANNER
A built-in spectrum analyzer utility sweeps the entire FM band (or a selected portion) and presents a graphic display of all signals received, includinag RSSI values and HD Radio™ transmissions.
MISCELLANEOUS
Alarms
Fault alarms include radio audio loss, analog audio loss, digital audio loss, stream audio loss, low signal, RDS error, stereo pilot loss and HD Radio™ channel loss. Alarms trigger front-panel indications, local (GPO) closures, browser interface notations, SMS/email dispatches, SNMP.
Alarm Logs
Alarms are logged and may be downloaded as daily, weekly or monthly CSV files.
SNMP
All setup and operating controls and alarm functions of the AARON 655 are under SNMP management.
Internal Test Tone Generator
20Hz - 20kHz; programmable frequency and amplitude
Power Requirement
88VAC - 264VAC, 48Hz - 63Hz (‘universal’); 12 watts
Size and Weight
H: 1¾”/44mm, W: 19”/483mm, D: 9½”/240mm (1U); 9lb/4kg (net, 12lbs/5.4kg (shipping)
Environmental
Continuous operation at ambient temperatures between 32ºF/0ºC and 122ºF/50ºC; 0-95% relative humidity, non-condensing, altitudes to 10,000ft/3,048m.
