BC364-OperationGuide-v1 4
Overview
Thank you for purchasing this Bluebell Opticom professional broadcast video product. If you
are new to Bluebell products, or to the subject of transmitting video and/or other types of signal
over fibre links, please take the time to read through this document before putting the BC364
to use.
Introduction
The BC364 plug-in module belongs to the range of Bluebell Opticom BC Series modular fibre
interfaces, designed primarily for Outside Broadcast (OB) and studio applications. The module
cansupporttwoindependent channels,withprimaryinput andoutputinthe formof SFPcarriers.
These will normally be fitted with fibre-optic cartridges of the user’s choice, though compatible
cartridges with coaxial or other types of connector may be installed if wished. Each channel
also has a second “copper” output in the form of a BNC socket.
The BC364 is a very versatile interface. The SFP carriers are capable of bidirectional
operation: when fibre-optic cartridges are fitted, various cartridge combinations - an input and
an output, two inputs, or two outputs - may be used. Also, the two channels may be configured
in several ways; these two factors allow the module to perform a variety of optical/optical and
optical/copper operations often needed in OB and other broadcast situations. Configuration
of the BC364 is selected by a front panel hex switch. The module’s flexibility is enhanced still
further by the interchangeability of SFP cartridge types.
The BC364 is intended for use with SDI video signals (3G, HD or SD), or with ASI video signals,
in situations where it is necessary to interface between two fibre-optic systems using different
fibre connectors. It can also be used as a “break-out” device, allowing a 3G-SDI video signal to
be “tapped-off” from a fibre link between two other locations. If non-fibre optic cartridges are
fitted into one of the I/O carriers, the module can act as a fibre-copper converter with a local
monitoring point.
Physical formats
BC364 modules fit the Bluebell BC100 or BC160 19” modular rack enclosures. The racks can
house fifteen (BC100) or six (BC160) interface modules, and are fitted with dual internal AC
power supplies.
Alternatively, modules may be fitted into smaller aluminium chassis; the BC101 and BC102
hold one and two modules respectively and require an external DC power source, while the
BC120 holds three modules and has an integral mains PSU.
BC364 modules are fitted with two SFP carriers. These will typically be fitted with dual fibre
optic cartridges, but copper interfaces may be fitted alternatively: connectivity options include
composite video, SDI, HDMI and DVI.
For fibre optic implementation, singlemode operation will normally be at 1310 nm or
1550 nm; alternative CWDM grid wavelengths are also possible. The optical option is generally
specified at the time of order.
