[Dan Carter]

Funny that – I’ve just put the order through for a set of AJA FiDO R/T-ST converters, so hopefully they should be with me soon.

Once they’re on – I’m going to bench test the Kramers and see how we get on….

I’ve also ordered a few cleaning pens for the fibre tips.

As for the SDI signal, I’ve routed the feed into a WFM then taken the loop out into the converter – that way I can check the signal, and audio, I’ve also put one at the other end of the building where the fibre terminates.

Once i’ve got all the bits, I’ll update you…..

[Dan Carter]

Apologies for the double post….din’t think the first one worked, so typed it again to make sure, Doh!

Anyway, as you suggested, I tried the TX through another fiber strand, and the same fault came back after a few hours. So, I was called out to the studios at 05:30 this morning to see that the video glitch was occuring again. I shut the converters down, and changed the TX to another fiber strand, the rebooted the converters, and the signal seems ok for now – but, I’m going to monitor it throughout the day.

I’m going to try and change the fiber converters for a new set, and hopefully if the glitch comes back then that’s proof that the converters aren’t at fault. I’m also going to get a cleaning kit and see if that improves things…..

Just out of interest, is there another model/manufacturer that you’d recommend? I’ve always used Kramer as their kit normally seems rock solid, and I’ve had so little problems in the past.

[Dan Carter]

Hi Mark,
I’ve had several meetings with the college’s IT dept (where we’re now based), and it appears to have answered some questions, however I have a few more now….

You are right in that the baseband video we’re sending goes down 1 fiber channel, as a video signal with embedded audio. However the single mode fiber that was installed has 4 channels (4 lines if you like). 1 of these channels is faulty – and the company that installed the fiber 12 months ago is dragging their heals to come and assess this.

We’re using Kramer 613R/T units for the SDI/Fiber converter as these were recommeded to us at the time of moving.

Now, I’ve checked the signal going into the fiber – and I can confirm that the signal is clean – and everything is fine. It’s just at the other end that there’s this intermittent problem.

I’ll be honest and say that i’d find it hard to believe that the converters are faulty as they’re brand new – but if there’s something else we should be doing i’m open t suggestions as long as it won’t cost much – as the company I work for run on a shoestring at best….

Any advice you can give i’d happily listen to and work on, as this fault is driving me up the wall!

[Dan Carter]

Hi,
Having spoken in depth to the IT dept at the college where we’re based. I have a few more answers, and a few more questions…..

We’re pushing a combined audio/video SDI signal down one channel. The single mode fiber that was installed has 4 channels (4x glass fiber lines). 3 of these channels work, however 1 does not (I’m still waiting on a reason as to what happened).

The original installation company will come back and check the lines at some point. However, I’m not being given a timescale as to when (Very frustrating!).

I’ve checked the signal going into the fiber, and that is fine, everything seems ok. However, I’ve now noticed that the audio levels are lower at the output end than they are at the input.

We’re using Kramer 613T/R units as these were recommended to me at the time of our move into these facilities.

The thing is…. I’m certain it’s the fiber. I’ve checked everything else. I’d be surprised if it is the converters, as they’re brand new.

I’m open to suggestions if you guys can recommend an alternative converter, but I’m restricted by power issues, so it would have to be an “all in one unit” if you catch my drift. Plus I’d have to try and source it in the UK.