Embedded Files
The Automated Downloader retrieves audio files at scheduled times and imports them into the station’s audio library. It is available on APEX Plus systems.
The Arrakis Automation Engine (AAE) performs the downloads. The client can be closed after saving the schedule, but the AAE must remain running and connected to the internet.
Adding a download event
Open File → Automated Downloader. The station’s current schedule loads automatically.
Enter the event information:
Description: A name identifying the download in the schedule.
Cart Number: The audio-library cart to create or replace.
Title: The title to display in the audio library.
Type: The audio-library type assigned to the downloaded file.
Select the Format and enter the URL Address.
Enter any additional settings required by the provider.
Select the Day(s) of Week, Hour(s), Min, and Sec.
Click Add Download Event. Confirm that the schedule-saved message appears and the event is listed.
Each selected day and hour creates an occurrence. For example, selecting Monday through Friday, hours 6 and 12, and minute 15 schedules downloads at 6:15 AM and 12:15 PM on those days.
Schedule times use the AAE computer’s local time.
Download formats and settings
HTTP / HTTPS
Enter the direct audio-file URL. The selected format must match the URL’s http:// or https:// prefix. Username and password are optional unless required by the provider.
FTP / FTPS
Enter the server/file URL and any required username, password, and port. FTPS uses an encrypted connection. Follow the provider’s instructions for FTP Passive.
SFTP
Enter the server/file URL, credentials, and the provider’s verified SFTP host key fingerprint. For a custom port, include it in the URL, such as sftp://server:2222/news.mp3.
Google Drive
Enter a public file-sharing link. Set access to Anyone with the link → Viewer, and allow downloads.
Dropbox
Enter a shared file link that anyone with the link can view and download. The link must not require a password.
Google Drive and Dropbox do not require connecting an account in APEX. Use links to individual audio files, rather than folders or live streams.
Supported web downloads include MP3, MP2, Ogg, and WAV audio.
Editing, copying, and deleting events
Edit: Click an event’s row. Its settings appear in the entry panel. Make changes and click Save Changes, or click Cancel Edit to discard them.
Copy Day: Select an event on the source day, click Copy Day, and select the destination day.
Delete Event: Check the events to remove and click Delete Event.
Delete Day: Select an event on the day to remove, then click Delete Day.
Saved passwords
When editing an event with a saved password, the password field displays 15 dots. These indicate that a password is stored; they do not reveal its length.
Leave the field unchanged to retain the password, or enter a replacement and save. Clear Saved Password deletes the stored password immediately, without requiring Save Changes. Cancel Edit does not undo that deletion.
Download status and library updates
The top of the screen shows the next event, its scheduled date/time, and a countdown. The status area reports downloading, processing, waiting, success, or errors.
After a successful download and import:
The audio is added to the specified cart, or replaces that cart’s existing audio.
The event’s title and type are applied.
Artist/Text is set to Auto-Downloader.
The completion message includes the AAE’s completion date and time.
If the destination cart is in use, replacement waits until it becomes available. Failed downloads do not replace the existing audio. A save error displays a message explaining what needs correction.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse