Technical data

ASTi DACS: Operation & Maintenance Manual (Version 4, Rev. B.1) www.asti-usa.com

Tactical Data Link Interface

Systems with Model Builder version 3.12 and higher have the ability to receive tactical data link

information from another network computer for transmission over DIS or HLA networks in the

form of Signal PDUs. Tactical data link information received by the DACS from the DIS or HLA

network can also be returned to a network computer.

When using DIS, this operation requires a DACS with two network cards. Packets containing the

raw data are transferred to and from the DACS via the Host Interface network card. When using

HLA, this operation requires only a single ethernet interface.

See the Model Builder Reference Guide or the Tactical Data Link Operation Application Note for

further information.

I/O Interface

The DACS supports the use of a digital input/output card. If using RIUs, a Distributed Digital

Interface (DDI) may also be used.

These I/O cards and modules are useful for monitoring volume controls, press-to-talk switches

and other controls directly by the DACS rather than through an I/O system connected to the host.

The state of these inputs can also be passed back to the host through the host interface network

card.

Digital Input/Output: The Digital Input/Output card/module provides 8 digital inputs and 8 dig-

ital outputs via a 37 pin, male, “D” connector. The digital inputs are voltage-sensing with external

sourcing voltage of +5VDC. Connector pin out information and conﬁguration information are

shown on the engineering drawing included with the system. Consult the system drawing to deter-

mine the part number included with your system and then consult the Digital Input board drawing

for conﬁguration information. 3rd party vendor information is generally provided to assist the

user in interfacing to the board correctly. An ASTi application note is also available to assist with

interface to this board.

Distributed Digital Interface (DDI): This module connects directly to an RIU’s serial port.

DDIs can support 32 digital inputs, 8 digital outputs, and 4 analog inputs. Up to 7 DDIs may be

connected to each RIU serial port, maximum 14 DDIs per RIU. Reference ASTi’s “DDI Technical

Guide” (ASSY-01-DDI-MN-1), available for download from the ASTi website, for more informa-

tion.

DACS Software

Several software packages are installed on the DACS. These include the ASTi Model Builder

sound model generation application software and DOS operating system software. The following

sections describe the DACS software in more detail.

Model Builder Sound Model Generation Tool Kit

The ASTi Model Builder sound model generation software offers a structured, object-oriented

approach to building a simulated audio environment. Through Model Builder’s menu and display

system, sound models are constructed to meet your audio simulation requirements.