System Controller

The System Controller is really the heart of the system because it communicates with all other devices, both to configure devices and to control and react to them during normal operation. Within U-CON V4, it is the System Controller (SC-4/400) that contains configuration information for the router and for level definitions based on those routers. In effect, the router editor is one of the sections of the System Controller editor. This is typically where a system configuration begins since most other parameters are defined relative to the System Controller configuration and the router configuration.

The router is defined by entering the basic parameters a router needs to operate. This information is based directly on the hardware in the system. The number of physical levels available, the number of inputs and outputs, and the type of signal each level uses.

Levels are defined within this same editor. These are often referred to as “soft levels” or “virtual levels” because they are not related directly to the hardware in the system but are defined relative to the physical levels. In fact, more than one soft level can be defined relative to a physical level.

Once the levels have been defined, particular source and destination devices can be defined. These source and destination devices relate to physical devices that generate or receive some sort of signal. VTR’s, Monitors, and satellite links are common examples. Each device is given an appropriate name with a maximum string length of 8 characters. In addition, a 4-character version of the name can be included in the definition to maintain compatibility with older panels. This editor then contains a list of levels for each device (soft levels) that can be directed to anything plugged into the router.

Once the source and destination lists have been created, panel configuration editors are available to configure actual panels in the system. Inside these panels, source and destination devices can be assigned to any appropriate button or value. Most of the new UCP line of panels allow the user to change the function of the button as well, thus, not limiting any button to the panel’s default behavior.

Once the system is configured, U-CON V4 sets up a communication link to the System Controller and programs either all or part of the system with the current configuration. Of course, the System Controller itself needs to be programmed with the router and device information before any panels can be configured. There are two ways to send programming information to devices; Program All, and Program Single. The Program All button is on the tool bar at the top of the U-CON V4 screen and will automatically program the System Controller before any other devices. All other devices are then programmed as quickly as the System Controller can operate, often programming many devices in parallel.