Documentation

The Avant 12 series headend amplifiers incorporate new features designed to enhance the professional user experience. This guide outlines the main steps for commissioning the unit and configuring the most relevant operating parameters.

1. Connecting the Avant 12 and ASuite

The first step is to make all required input and output connections, following the labeling on the product housing. Once power is applied, the amplifier can be paired with the ASuite app (available for Android™ and iOS™) using a Bluetooth™ (BT) connection. After opening ASuite, in the product menu, select Programmable Amplifiers > AVANT 12, and select the specific product reference.

To begin configuration, pair the headend from within ASuite (not via the system Bluetooth search). Tap Connect and select the Avant 12 network. A green check mark on the connection icon, along with the Disconnect option, confirms that the connection has been successfully established.

ASuite also allows you to prepare and save configurations offline (for example, at the office) and later upload them to the amplifier once on-site.

2. General Configuration

Once connected, filter programming can begin by selecting the input/output (IN–OUT) path and defining the desired input channel range. PRO models include an auto-programming function, which automatically detects incoming channels and configures the corresponding filters. Simply press the button and wait a few seconds for completion. After the filters are configured, each input can be manually edited to add or remove channels, or to modify the powering type for mast amplifiers or smart antennas.

On the main screen, you can also set the output level and apply equalization (tilt) to the output if required.

To apply changes, send the configuration to the unit by pressing the button.

By swiping left to the ADJUSTMENT option, you can fine-tune individual channels and slightly modify amplification levels by up to ±3 dB. After making adjustments, remember to re-send the configuration to the headend.

3. Additional Relevant Parameters

Beyond basic setup, the Avant 12 offers a range of advanced configuration and monitoring options to optimize installation performance:

• Monitoring: in PRO models, the amplifier can identify whether each configured channel is carrying a DVB-T or DVB-T2 signal and can display related signal quality parameters. A PDF report can be generated showing the full configuration, channels, and measurements.
  Although this feature provides a quick verification tool, a professional field strength meter should always be used for accurate certification of the installation.
• DAB: when receiving DAB radio signalss , connect the DAB antenna to Input 4. In ASuite, configure Input 4 (IN–OUT) to DAB full-band filtering mode.
• FM: the FM input can be enabled or disabled, and the desired output level adjusted.
• SAT: SAT models include a satellite input (enable/disable selectable), with three possible configurations under the LNB/MSW option:
  • Remote: the downstream receiver controls the polarity requested from the LNB or MSW.
  • Local: the user manually sets the LNB/MSW polarity.
  • dCSS: the user defines the desired User Bands (UB), specifying values, frequencies, and related parameters. The dCSS configuration tends to remain stable across installations, allowing it to be saved and restored independently from the DTT configuration to avoid overwriting.
  In the SAT section, you can also set attenuation and equalization levels as needed.
• Save / Open : these options allow previously stored configurations to be saved or reloaded, which is especially useful for saving time when working on multiple installations within the same region. After loading a saved configuration, it must be sent to the headend to take effect.
• Export / Import : this complementary feature enables sharing saved configurations with other users or devices. It is particularly useful for technicians working with multiple mobile devices, or for installation companies employing standard configurations across teams.
• Unit Lock : this function allows a lock code to be set to prevent unauthorized modification of the headend configuration. If the code is lost, the headend must be returned to the factory to be unlocked.
• BT Network Timer: this setting allows adjustment of the Bluetooth network timeout, which by default automatically turns off after two hours of operation. This option is found under the Settings menu .

For more information, watch our step-by-step video tutorial on configuring the Avant 12 with ASuite.