Users Guide To Operating the Tieline VIA

Users Guide To Operating the Tieline VIA

Users Guide To Operating the Tieline VIA The following instructions are designed for presenters to guide you through the successful operation of the equipment for outside broadcasts using the via console combined with the modems, laptop, headphone mics., USB music sticks and the BOSE external speaker. At the end of this guide is a checklist for the equipment and OH&S requirements. Note 1: If you do not have power available at the site you will need to make sure all equipment is fully charged before you commit to the OB. Note 2: If the weather is inclement you will need to also use the station s Easy Up shelter to protect yourself and the equipment.

Step 1. Before you power up the unit, plug in all cables mics, headphones etc., per the illustrations below Pic 1. USB modem Pic 2. Left side of the Via Pic 3. Turn the modem on (Pic 1.) This is the USB modem. Plug it into USB 1 on the left hand side of the Via using the white cable supplied. Ensure both ends are secured correctly. (Pic 2.) The left hand side of the Via, showing where to plug in. Do not power up the modem until you have plugged it in. (Pic 3.) Press & hold the ON switch on the top of the modem for a moment to turn it on. You should see the lights start to power up. (No other connections are required for this side of the Via.)

Step 2. Plug the headphone / mic units into the front of the Via. Plug the headphone / mic units into the front of the Via. No other connections are required for the front of the via. If there is a shared OB and guests are to be interviewed, 2 other headphone / mics can be inserted in exactly the same way.

Step 3. Connect the Via to the laptop & the BOSE speaker Plug the audio cable (green) 3.5mm stereo plug into the Stereo Line In 3.5mm plug on the Via right hand side, also plugging the other end into the Headphone Out socket on the laptop. This takes the music feed from Station Playlist on the laptop into the VIA for the radio broadcast. Next, connect the XLR cable (3 prongs) from the Output 1 plug on the right hand side of the VIA into to the external speaker (BOSE). When connecting the cables, make sure the volume knobs on the external speaker are turned to OFF. That way you won t send everyone deaf when you test after powering up. No other connections required for this side of the Via.

Step 4. Plug the Via, Laptop and External speaker to the 240 volt power (optional if using battery only) The power plug for Via 240 volt connection Using the cables supplied, plug the Via, Laptop and External speaker to the 240 volt power box and connect to the power outlet. Then you can switch the power on. (Of course if it is a remote OB using battery in all 3 units this step will not be required.)

Step 5. You Are Ready To Go! Turn the power on at the 240 volt outlet (if required), then press the ON button on the Via holding it down for a second or two until you see the activity lights in power up. Turn on the laptop and the external speaker, (remember to make sure the volume levels are set to zero on the speaker). Load your USB music program into Station Playlist on the Laptop, (the same as in the Studio) & press Play Select the AUX IN button on the Via. You should then see LED activity in the VU meters from the laptop audio input and also adjust the sound level on the BOSE external speaker to suit the venue. (see next step)

Step 5 (cont). You Are Ready To Go! Now with the External speaker (BOSE) turned on, slowly increase the volume knobs on the speaker until you have reached a comfortable level. warning, if too high you will get feedback from the mics when speaking. Good levels will be when the activity led s are only clipping into the orange occasionally. Before transmitting you can try your mics and headphones in 1, 2 or 3 inputs as well, by selecting 1, 2 or 3 input buttons and adjusting your volume level in the headphones by turning the green dials 1, 2 or 3 to adjust. Just adjust the levels whilst talking at a normal level, and turning the green knob associated with the channel you are on to set a comfortable listening level.

Step 6. Now we are ready to Talk To The Studio After powering up, the Via goes into "Power Save" mode on the screen (it will look like it's not working). Press the home button on the top of the Via and the screen will light up. By this time the Via would have found the modem and be ready to connect to the Merlin in the studio. Just press the Connections tab on the Via touch screen, you will then be presented with a screen that asks you to connect

Step 6 (cont). Now we are ready to Talk To The Studio Touch the Connect tab on the touch screen and unless there is a problem you will see a screen that shows a green dot and you are on-air! Now its time to phone in and check with the studio to make sure they are receiving the signal and that all is in readiness for the handover to the OB unit at the specified time. Of course, if you have done Step 5 which asked you to run some music continually through the laptop to the Via, the studio should be able to see the LED s on the Merlin responding. You can now reset your playlist in the laptop and stop the music. Now you re ready to take over when introduced from the Studio and enjoy your live On-Air interaction with the public.

Step 7. Using the laptop as your portable studio The differences between being in the studio and doing an OB are very few. Once you have set everything up & established a connection with the Studio you just run your radio program as normal. Things to remember are; if your mic line is illuminated 1, 2 or 3 you are live on air! So once you finish talking just turn the button off. You need to enable the mic ON approx. 4 seconds before you start to talk in order to have a constant mic volume level going to air. Instead of playing Sponsors, Weather, Assoc. Members and Promo announcements from the console in the studio, you will need to insert the messages listed on your run sheet into the playlist from one of the folders on the desktop. It s quite easy and you will get it quickly. You are required, as in the studio, to follow the run sheet for the OB including News, Sport & Weather announcements. The folder for these are on the desktop of the Laptop as is normal in the studio.

Step 7 (cont). Using the laptop as your portable studio You will need internet access for the laptop to be able to download News, Sport and an updated Weather report. The other Telstra modem in the laptop bag has been set up to enable this. You will need to turn it on via the ON button at the top of the unit then, when powered up, the Laptop will automatically select it as the source for internet connection.

Step 9. Shutting Down Once the OB has concluded, all items need to be shut down (turned off) and returned to the OB production staff intact and accounted for. The Laptop is easy (choose Start, then select Shut Down) The modems, press the On/Off buttons and choose Shut Down in the case of the Telstra Modem. With the Via, press the Start button until you see the menu from which you choose Shutdown, and confirm with the next message to do so. Once all equipment has been shutdown, you can then proceed to unplug all items and store in the OB equipment box

OH&S Recommendations Using power can be dangerous if simple instructions are not followed. In your checklist there should be a roll of gaffer tape. This should be used to stick down any cables that can be tripped over. Ensure that the power box containing all 240 volt cables is placed higher than ground level in case of spillage of liquid. In case of inclement weather you will need to ensure you have suitable cover so as to not invite an unsafe workplace area. The radio station s Easy Up is ideal for this purpose.

1 x Run Sheet 1 x Your USB stick with your music 1 x Via Case which includes the modem including usb cable (white) to be used with the Via, and 240 volt power connection 1 x Laptop which includes power cable, mouse, (green) connection cable to Via from headphone socket. And Black Modem for internet access (2) Headsets (Hopefully 3 in the future) Headphones/Mics Checklist For OB 1 x External speaker Power Cable, stand, and 2 XLR Cables to connect from to the Via for sound output and input. 1 x Table Chairs x 3 1 x Tent Banners Weights for tent Advertising material for Fraser Coast FM Power Box including extension cable. Gaffer Tape