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APPLICATION NOTICE APPLICATION NOTICE

BULLETIN NO: APN-174-WCF
EQUIPMENT: HDx-FM Flexstar Exciter Part No: 7735000175
DATE: 24 May 2016
ECN NO: D02557
UNIT(S) AFFECTED: With Exgine, HD2 & up and P3 Carriers
PAGES: 3
PURPOSE: HD Carrier Filter Update for exciter with Main uP 8.45

Review the following documentation thoroughly prior to implementing.

ATTENTION:
The Following Procedure Must Be Carried Out By An Electrically Competent Person Using
Appropriate ESD and Soldering Procedures,
“Electrically Competent Person” as defined in the IEC-215 Safety Standard

Purpose: Load in the latest DUC (digital up converter) filter (band pass for both upper and lower HD carriers) as a patch for
flatter response for the optional P3 carriers (partitions 11 and 12). Use Web Admin on the Importer to verify P3 usage.

P3

Software File: duc_rev20v01.s19

------------------------------- Available on the ftp site in the HDx-FM_Flexstar_Exciter folder --------------------------------------

ftp://Radio_FW:support@ftp.gatesair.com/

The user/password is embedded in the link. Sometimes pasting the link into Windows Explorer will work when a browser
won’t. Make sure to refresh your screen when you go to a folder for a second time in case we have made changes since
your first visit.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You will load this, over Main uP 8.45, through the GUI connection to Ethernet 1 (or Ethernet 2) as usual. Any warnings
concerning version can be ignored, click PROGRAM at the appropriate time. It is recommend to reboot the exciter prior to
the upgrade… see the note before step 6.

Procedure:
1‐ Set IP address of Flexstar exciter’s Ethernet 1 (or 2) in Home > Setup > Serial on page 4.
2‐ Using a PC with NIC on the same network as Ethernet 1 in the Flexstar.
3‐ Put the Ethernet 1 address in a browser’s address bar.
GatesAir RADIO SERVICE BULLETIN APN‐174‐WCF Connecting What’s Next
Page 2 of 3

4‐ There should be a software upgrade screen, which varies on browser version, and it should display the current main uP
version… verify that it is Version 8.45

Fig 1.

5‐ Click on Browse…, locate the file duc_rev20v01.s19, select it and then click Submit.

Fig 2.

WARNING: In the next step the exciter will reboot and all RF output will be lost momentarily, for about 15 seconds or
less. Historically, based on our experience with exciters that have been running for a long time without power
interruption… a possible weakness could now be present…that would fail after any restart… not specifically a
software upgrade…there is a slight risk of failure to reboot. Therefore do not proceed unless you have an alternate
exciter or transmitter.

6- After about 30 Seconds there may be a warning or simply a new PROGRAM button. Click PROGRAM.

Fig 3.

7. After about 60 seconds the exciter will restart and HD will re‐acquire.

GatesAir RADIO SERVICE BULLETIN APN‐174‐WCF Connecting What’s Next

Page 3 of 3

Fig 4.

(Before the upgrade, in Status > S/W Revisions, for standard Main uP 8.45 load reads: DUC FPGA: 19.14)

After loading the new DUC filter the screen will then read: DUC FPGA: 20.1

This competes the upgrade…. verify normal operation.

Should you test the carrier loss protection in the Flexstar then “simulated carriers” will extend from 200kHz from center
channel down to 100kHz instead of 119kHz as it did with standard Main uP 8.45 loaded with DUC ver 19.14.

Service Bulletins are also available on the GatesAir Web Site at http://www.gatesair.com
Should you have any questions relating to this bulletin, please contact:

Radio Field Service 3200 Wisman Lane Quincy, Illinois 62301 United States
support@GatesAir.com, Fax +1 217 221-7086, Tel +1 217 222 8200

GatesAir RADIO SERVICE BULLETIN APN‐174‐WCF Connecting What’s Next