Server operating environment – 360 Systems MAXX2400HD User Manual

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MAXX-2400HD Owner’s Manual

continuous-conversion UPS suitable for transient suppression or long-term operating power in
the absence of utility power.

Recommended UPS Models

The following makes of continuous conversion UPS systems can be considered for use with
360 Systems’ server products:

APC Smart-UPS 2200-XL
Eaton/Powerware Corporation, Model 9125,

www.powerware.com

. This product is available in

several configurations to accommodate different current load and power failure support times.
The minimum requirement for the MAXX-2400HD server is 3 amps.

Server Operating Environment

A video server is the most critical element in a broadcast operation. Its installation should
safeguard it from every external event that can interfere with it doing the task expected of it.
360 Systems’ engineers have experience with thousands of installations, and have become
aware of a number of environmental factors that can adversely affect performance. Two of
these have already been discussed: power conditioning and inadequate cooling. Two others,
less obvious, should also be considered:

RF Interference by Cell Phones

Many people are not aware that cell phones produce a very high instantaneous power output,
even when no conversation is taking place. You may have experienced the effect of a cell
phone interfering with a common desk phone placed nearby. Carrying a cell phone into a
machine room where it is in close proximity to broadcast equipment and its associated wiring
is unwise. Cell phones can interfere with serial control commands, video synchronization, and
in some cases can crash the CPU in equipment.
Some major broadcasters prohibit the presence of cell phones in certain equipment areas. 360
Systems believes that the risk of undesired equipment behavior from their RF fields is very real.

Static Discharge

Static electricity discharge is accepted by most people as an inevitable consequence of living in
a dry area. It is also a result of floor coverings that may enhance appearances, but are
inappropriate for use around critical broadcast equipment. Static discharge can do two adverse
things:

• Discharge into a connector can—and will—destroy internal circuitry of equipment. The result

will usually be difficult to diagnose.

• Discharge to equipment frames or wiring can crash a CPU and take the station off the air. The

event may seem random or unrelated to static, but it is clearly a catastrophic event—and one
that can repeat indefinitely.

Several steps can be taken to protect equipment from static discharge:
• Do not install critical broadcast equipment (video servers) in a room with carpeting.

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