EASy-PLUS®User Manual
6 – TRILITHIC
Rev 1.02
SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The EASy-PLUS®encoder/decoder is a third generation product from Trilithic, Inc. The encoder/decoder is a fully self-
contained system, which includes a NTSC video character generator output, multiple balanced audio outputs, audio and
video switching, 100 message queue, speaker and microphone, two internal AM/FM/NOAA radios and four program-
mablecontact closures used for suchthings as OM-1000 digital switching.
The EASy-PLUS®E.A.S. Encoder/Decoder is a two-U rack mounted control center capable of performing manual or auto-
mated EAS messaging for cable Headends and Hub sites, in accordance with CFR 47 part 11 FCC regulations, and the
EAS Cable Handbook.
TheEASy-PLUS® receivesE.A.S. messages fromup tosix audio sources(internal or external), decodes themessage, and
operates Cable System equipment to replay the message for subscribers. In addition, messages can be originated by the
user via local or remote control of the EASy-PLUS®. The E.A.S. audio sources for the EASy-PLUS® include internal AM/
FM/NOAA radios and external audio inputs that can be connected to any known E.A.S. audio source. E.A.S. audio is
decoded by the internal AFSK circuitry, sorted, and then interpreted to determine the type of emergency or test. The
locationscodes for whichthe emergency applies,and other information supplied in the E.A.S.header are alsodecoded. If
a voice message is contained in the E.A.S. message, it is recorded for playback to subscribers. E.A.S. messages then
passthrougha seriesof tests todetermine ifthemessage matchespredefined, user configurable filtersand parametersfor
yourlocation. E.A.S. activationof thecable systemthen automaticallyoccurs. To play an E.A.S. message toyour subscrib-
ers, the EASy-PLUS® activates TTL drivers and Contact Closures, as well as sending commands via RS-485 and High
Data Rate AFSK. The EASy-PLUS® also supplies pertinent video and re-encodes and plays the E.A.S. FSK header and
recorded audio. The TTL drivers, Contact Closures, and RS-485 commands activate your interface equipment (i.e. I.F.
switching,comb generator, baseband charactergenerators) throughout the headendto provide the emergency audio and
video to all channels of the cable system. In addition to the E.A.S. messaging capabilities, the EASy-PLUS® logs all
received and transmitted messages to a printer, the LCD display, and it’s internal log storage area.
The EASy-PLUS®has an optional dial-in telephone interface and a unique remote feature using EASy-NET®optional
softwarefor remote control ofthe entire system. Using the EASy-NET®software, theoperator can generate any event
code and header by simply clicking on the list of events. Prerecorded, or live audio can also be added to the event.
FLASH-BIOS is used to update the EASy-PLUS®nonvolatile memory, programming, and FCC event codes list.
The EASy-PLUS®encoder/decoder has the ability to parse FIPS codes out to individual counties or areas in conjunction
with the appropriate wiring architecture of the cable headend. This keeps the interruptions to a minimum for customers
notaffected bythe alertedarea.
Trilithic’s unique AFSK transmitter card comes standard in the system. The AFSK signal alerts Trilithic’s downstream
Virtual Controllers to perform channel insertions at remote hubs, OTNs, and headends for channels not originating at the
master headend.
The EASy-PLUS®encoder/decodercanhandle cross-countyapplications aswellas cross-state-linescenarios. Multiple
statesand countiescan easilybe added witha click-of-the-mouse.
1.2 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
When your system arrives, immediately inspect its shipping container and contents for visible damage. Keep all packing
materials until equipment performance has been confirmed. If any of the equipment is damaged or fails to operate
properly due to transportation damage, file an immediate claim with the transportation company or, if insured separately,
with the insurance company.
The EASy-PLUS®encoder/decoder may, or may not, arrive in a single shipping container. If it arrives in its own
container, the EASy-PLUS®is a completely self contained system. However, the following is a list of components
associated with the EASy-PLUS®that will ship in the same container:
One(1) 3 1/2”diskette or a CD which contains theWindows based softwaresetup program
One (1) null-modem 9-pin serial data cable
One(1)ACpowercord
1.3 SPECIFICATIONS
FrontPanel
Protocol FCC EAS codes, baud rate of 520.83 bits per second, 2083.3 Hz and 1562.5 Hz mark and
space frequencies, respectively.
