12 WHAT IS THE WOLF NETWORK AND WHAT IS IT FOR?
The WOLF is a powerful, multi-functional FM station monitor . The device is designed to monitor audio signals, including
analog signals, digital signals, and MPX signals (with or without RDS), as well as free air signals, in the FM bandwidth
(87.5 - 108.0 MHz). The results of the measurements, whether performed on audio signals, MPX signals or on free air
signals, are directly accessible as HTML pages, using the built-in Web Server, or the dedicated PC monitoring software.
The results of the measurements carried out can also be compared with a grid of preset values, with the generation of
appropriate alarms in the event of out-of-range values. The Wolf supports the following protocols: UECP , SNMP, HTTP
and TFTP.
13 THE MAIN CONCEPT OF THE WOLF NETWORK DEVICE
The ways in which to connect the Wolf are many and varied. They differ depending on the needs of the broadcasters
using the device on their network. The versatility and, above all, the number of functions, operations, and facilities of this
equipment mean it can be put to a wide range of uses. One of the fundamental concepts of the Wolf, one of its most
conventional intended uses and - above all - one of the functions for which the device was conceived, is the ability to
manage its powerful internal changeover function, according to the precise meter featured. The Wolf‟s internal
changeover function allows the device to broadcast the „best‟ audio source, according to the reference parameters
configured internally.
14 AUTOMATIC MODE
In automatic mode, the Wolf automatically runs a series of pre-set measurements on audio signals and MPX, RDS and
antenna signals, and records the results in its log file. The machine can also compare the measurements against
reference values or ranges (called Thresholds) preset by the operator, or other reference data. This mode is generally
the standard operating mode. In this mode you cannot change any system configuration parameter. When the Wolf is
set to 'Auto' or is carrying out on-line measurements, other measurements are carried out at the same time, including:
Pilot Level, RDS level, peak deviation and power (as required by standard ITU-R BS412) on the two signals marked
MPX-1 and MPX-2. Depending on the how the device is configured, these will correspond to either the external Base
Bandwidth MPX-1 and MPX-2 inputs, the built-in tuner output, or the output of any external tuner that may be in use.
One RDS decoder stage, meanwhile, can be applied either to one of the two signals MPX-1 or MPX-2 or directly to the
signal outputted by the built-in tuner or the external tuner.
In addition, the Wolf decoder features a built-in digital stereo decoder which can also be applied to the internal MPX-1 or
MPX-2 signal. The output of the stereo decoder is measured using an RMS meter. The Wolf also measures stereo audio
input signals, both analogue and digital. The measurements concern the instantaneous peak level or the average peak
levels over a given period and also the instantaneous RMS level or the average level over a given period.
15 MANUAL MODE
When in manual mode, the parameters can be altered, but the device‟s automatic measuring and monitoring operations
will be suspended. In manual mode, a measurement can effectively be selected and the results viewed using the device
as a normal workbench tool.
The Wolf acts as a peak meter and an RMS meter (both stereo), which can be applied to either analog or
digital audio signals, as well as external MPX-1 and MPX-2 signals, whether at the output of the tuners or
of the MPX stereo decoder, which can, in turn, be applied to various signals. When the signal measured is
a mono signal (as in the case of an MPX), a 'Mono to Stereo' conversion module is automatically added to
the chain, to standardise it with the measurement of stereo audio signals. Note that the type of
measurement to be carried out, i.e. the pilot level, the pilot distortion, the RDS level, etc. is set via the
particular filter selected manually from those available in the filter selection menu page. All measurements
are always expressed as dBr (dB relative) and refer to the reference level selected for each input via the
Reference menu (see the Reference stages applied to each input, which actually represent the Fixed gain value
applied to that particular input). The Web Server screen page shows the Manual control settings.
16 LOCAL/REMOTE MODE
When it is in local mode, the Wolf does not accept operating commands from remote devices. All UECP / SNMP / HTTP
activation commands are therefore masked graphically via the software. TFTP commands are always accepted, as they
are considered globally configured macro-operations. In this mode it is assumed that the local operator has total control
of the device. In remote mode (normal operating condition), all commands are accepted, with all the complications for an
operator inherent to shared parameters in the event of local navigation.
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