DOC00061_HELIX Rmte Cntrl H W Set Up_User Guide_IssA#2 HELIX Remote Control

User Manual: HELIX Remote Control

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HELIX Remote Control:
Hardware Set-up Guide
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User Guide
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Contact Details:
Klark Teknik,
Klark Teknik Building,
Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster.
Worcestershire.
DY11 7HJ.
England.
Tel: +44 1562 741515
Fax: +44 1562 745371
Email: info@uk.telex.com
Website: www.klarkteknik.com
HELIX Remote Control: Hardware Set-up Guide - User Guide
DOC00061 Issue A - August 2007
© Telex Communications (UK) Limited.
In line with the company’s policy of continual improvement, specifications and function may be
subject to change without notice. This User Guide was correct at the time of writing. E&OE.
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CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 7
1.1 Associated documentation .......................................................................................... 7
2 CONTROLLING A NETWORK USING HELIX RCS .................................................... 8
2.1 Solo Tracking System (STS)........................................................................................ 8
2.2 Working with a RapidE (multi-master mode).................................................................. 8
3 HELIX UNIT INTERCONNECTIONS..................................................................... 9
3.1 Connecting the HELIX units in a ‘daisy chain’................................................................. 9
3.2 Connecting the HELIX units to an Ethernet switch or hub................................................10
4 ETHERNET CONNECTION ...............................................................................11
4.1 Ethernet connection – standard ..................................................................................11
4.2 Ethernet connection – wireless option..........................................................................12
4.3 Configuring the network devices .................................................................................13
4.3.1 HELIX unit/PC configuration ................................................................................... 13
4.3.2 RapidE unit/PC configuration .................................................................................. 13
4.3.3 Wireless and Lantronix UDS110 configuration ........................................................... 13
4.3.4 Fault Finding Tips ................................................................................................. 13
5 SERIAL CONNECTION (OPTION) ......................................................................14
5.1 Serial connection details............................................................................................14
5.2 Connection Procedure ...............................................................................................14
6 REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTION OPTIONS..........................................................16
6.1 Single-unit serial connections .....................................................................................16
6.2 Multiple-unit Ethernet connections ..............................................................................17
6.3 Multiple-unit serial connections...................................................................................19
6.4 Ethernet and serial ...................................................................................................20
6.5 RapidE ....................................................................................................................21
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1 INTRODUCTION
This User Guide gives details of HELIX remote control, which is fundamental to the Show Command
system. It shows you how to control a network using HELIX Remote Control Software (RCS), how to
connect HELIX units together in a system or network, what types of system-to-PC/RapidE Ethernet
connections are available and details all of the remote connection options.
The Show Command units covered are: DN9340E, DN9344E, DN9848E, DN9340, DN9344, DN9848 and
DN9331. Units with the “E” suffix are Ethernet units and the DN9331 is the RapidE.
Please note the following when considering your remote control connection options:
• A system comprises two or more units of a single type (Ethernet or non-Ethernet) directly
interconnected or connected to the same Ethernet switch/hub.
• A network comprises one or more systems directly connected to a single port of a laptop/PC, a
wireless access point (Ethernet only) or external port of a RapidE (Ethernet only).
• Although there are many combinations available for remote operation, it is always worthwhile
remembering that Ethernet provides faster operation than serial.
• All units in a system must be running the same protocol version. The protocol version is
determined by the first digit in the software version, for example, if a DN9340E unit was running
host software version 4.00, the protocol version is 4.
• When using dual Ethernet-serial networks, both networks can be running different protocols.
However, the laptop/PC needs to be running an RCS program - of matching protocol - for each
network.
• To combine Ethernet and serial together in a single network, a Lantronix UDS1100 converter is
required. (The Lantronix UDS1100 is a lead-free version of the Lantronix UDS100.)
• Connection to the laptop/PC can be via Ethernet (direct or wireless), serial or USB.
• Wireless operation is only available using Ethernet.
1.1 Associated documentation
To carry out some of the procedures detailed in this guide you will need the following User Guides:
• “ELGAR Library Manager”, part number DOC00045-ELGAR.
• “HELIX Remote Control Software: Brief Guide to Setting Up an Ethernet System”, part number
DOC02-UDS1100.
We also recommend that this User Guide is read in conjunction with the Operator Manual and User
Guide appropriate to your equipment.
The User Guide “A Brief Introduction To Show Command”, part number DOC00062 gives useful
background information on Show Command.
All of this documentation can be found on our website www.klarkteknik.com.
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2 CONTROLLING A NETWORK USING HELIX RCS
To control an equaliser or processing system (or network) using a laptop/PC, a software program called
ELGAR is required. ELGAR is a software shell that allows Add-Ins (product control software) to operate.
So, for example, to control a processing system comprising HELIX DN9848E units, you would run ELGAR
and add the required devices through the HELIX DN9848E Remote Control Software (RCS) Add-In.
When the laptop/PC running the appropriate RCS is connected to a HELIX unit system, it assumes
control of that system. In an equaliser network the PC replaces the master DN9340E unit and assumes
control of the daisy-chained HELIX units under preset slave addresses.
The following laptop/PC-system connections are available:
Ethernet: Three options are available for connecting the system to a laptop/PC via Ethernet:
direct Ethernet; local area network (LAN); and wireless. The wireless option offers
increased flexibility during the event set-up, as the engineer can move around freely
with a laptop and adjust the equalisation while listening to the end effect at any place
in the venue.
Serial (option): The optional RS-232 serial connection is via the “PC PORT” on the front panel of the
first HELIX unit. The other HELIX units can still be connected via the Ethernet
two-port switches on their rear panels. Serial must be used if Solo Tracking input is
required. Please note that this serial method of connection will be slower than using
Ethernet.
2.1 Solo Tracking System (STS)
If Solo Tracking input is required, there are three connection options:
• Direct to console (via a Lantronix UDS1100 converter).
• Via a serial link to the “PC PORT” socket on the front panel of the HELIX unit.
• Via the Rapide.
2.2 Working with a RapidE
The RapidE unit, which forms the networking centre of the Show Command System, allows you to
remotely control the graphic equaliser (GEQ) systems within digital consoles or HELIX units. An
eight-external port Ethernet hub is incorporated into the device, allowing the connection of Helix digital
equalisers and system processors, with wired or wireless connections to laptop or tablet PCs running the
equivalent ELGAR RCS.
The RapidE can be operated in multi-master mode, which uses two masters in a system to control the
GEQ, such as a PC and the RapidE.
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3 HELIX UNIT INTERCONNECTIONS
There are two ways to connect HELIX Ethernet units together to form a system. One method is to
‘daisy chain’ the units and the other is to connect each one directly to an Ethernet switch or hub.
Each HELIX Ethernet unit has an ETHERNET two-port switch on the rear panel that provides Ethernet
connectivity.
Note When connecting the Ethernet cable to the rear panel of a HELIX unit, either of the Ethernet
ports can be used.
3.1 Connecting the HELIX units in a ‘daisy chain’
The following diagrams show typical examples of HELIX DN9340E/DN9344E and DN9848E units
interconnected via their Ethernet two-port switches to form a ‘daisy-chain’.
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3.2 Connecting the HELIX units to an Ethernet switch or hub
The following diagrams show systems of HELIX DN9340E/DN9344E and DN9848E units, with each unit
in both systems directly connected to an Ethernet switch or hub. The switch or hub is then connected to
a laptop/PC.
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4 ETHERNET CONNECTION
For familiarisation purposes, a basic Ethernet connection may be made to a single unit by connecting
the Ethernet cable to either of the unit’s rear panel Ethernet two-port switches and then to the network
socket on the laptop PC or wireless access point (wireless option).
For Ethernet connectivity, the HELIX units must be operating V4.00 (or later) host code, that is, version
4 protocol. For details on setting up the IP address of the HELIX units, please refer to their operator
manual. For HELIX unit interconnection details, refer to Section 3.
4.1 Ethernet connection – standard
The standard system set up is via Ethernet cable, where the network socket of the laptop/PC is directly
connected to an Ethernet two-port switch on one of the HELIX units (daisy chain) or to an Ethernet
switch or hub, depending on system configuration. The following diagrams show typical Ethernet
connection configurations for systems of HELIX DN9340E/DN9344E and DN9848E units.
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4.2 Ethernet connection – wireless option
The system set up for the wireless Ethernet connection option is via an Ethernet cable, where one end is
connected to the network socket of the wireless access point and the other end is connected to either an
Ethernet two-port switch on one of the HELIX units (daisy chain) or to an Ethernet switch or hub,
depending on system configuration. This system is operated remotely from a tablet or laptop PC.
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4.3 Configuring the network devices
4.3.1 HELIX unit/PC configuration
Before setting up the Ethernet system for operational purposes, you must first configure the laptop/PC
and HELIX units to communicate with each other using TCP/IP protocol. This is done by assigning them
unique IP addresses on a shared system.
To add new ports and assign them to the network devices
There are three main steps to this procedure:
1. Adding a new port.
2. Assigning a port to a device.
3. Checking that your unit (Ethernet device) is communicating with the PC.
Steps 1 and 2 are detailed in the port configuration section of the ELGAR Library Manager User Guide.
Please ensure that during the Step 1 procedure you make sure Echo is set to Generic Echo Off for an
Ethernet-type port.
If Step 3 is successful, the system should be ready for online operation. Indication of successful
communication is by illumination of the yellow NETWORK LED on the DN9340E/DN9344E units and by
‘rotating’ symbols at the bottom right-hand corner of the LCD panel (“T1R1” → “T/R/” → “T―R―”) on
HELIX DN9848E units.
4.3.2 RapidE unit/PC configuration
If you are using a RapidE with a PC for remote control, you must configure the RapidE for multi-master
mode operation and assign channels to any connected HELIX units/console. Then go on to add a new
Ethernet port for the RapidE and assign it to the “RAPIDE” audio unit.
To configure the RapidE for multi-mode operation
Enter the RapidE’s set up menu by pressing and holding down the HOME (SETUP) button. Then select
multi-master mode by selecting “Yes” at the “Connect via PC n/y” display prompt and confirming this
choice. After this you can assign any devices connected to the RapidE, that is, HELIX units and console.
For more details, please refer to the HELIX RAPIDE DN9331 Operator Manual (part number
DOC02-DN9331).
To add a new port and assign it to the RapidE
Add a new Ethernet port, ensuring that Echo is set to Generic Echo Off, and then assign this ‘virtual port’ to
the RapidE unit. Refer to the ELGAR Library Manager User Guide for details.
4.3.3 Wireless and Lantronix UDS110 configuration
If you are operating the system remotely with your PC via a wireless access point, you will need to set
up the access point and your PC’s wireless card. Also, if your system includes non-Ethernet units
(DN9340, DN934 or DN9848) it will have a Lantronix UDS1100 converter; this will also need setting up.
Details on setting up this equipment can be found in the “HELIX Remote Control Software: Brief Guide
to Setting Up an Ethernet System” User Guide.
4.3.4 Fault Finding Tips
If you are having networking problems there is a fault finding section at the back of the “HELIX Remote
Control Software: Brief Guide to Setting Up an Ethernet System”.
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5 SERIAL CONNECTION (OPTION)
There is an option to control your system remotely from a laptop PC via an RS-232 connection.
5.1 Serial connection details
The system set up for serial connection is illustrated in the following diagrams, which show
DN9340E/DN9344E and DN9848E systems.
5.2 Connection Procedure
To connect, set up and configure your system for serial operation
1 Connect the HELIX units in a daisy chain configuration, see section 3.1.
2 Power up the HELIX units and assign each one a unique Comms channel address, as
follows:
y On the HELIX unit’s front panel, press and hold the HOME (SETUP) button to access the
Comms menu page.
y Use the left-hand DATA ENTRY knob to select a unique channel address between 1 and 32.
y Press HOME (SETUP) to accept.
The front panel controls, except the HOME (SETUP) button, are locked out to facilitate remote
operation. The display indicates that the unit is under remote control.
Note The order of the addresses does not need to mirror the order of the daisy chain
networking, but each unit MUST have a unique comms channel address.
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3 Referring to Sections 6.1 and 6.3, connect your laptop/PC to the first HELIX unit in the
daisy chain. For details of converters please refer to our website.
4 Open ELGAR by clicking on the ELGAR desktop icon.
5 Select File > Open from the ELGAR menu to locate and open the KTG show file containing the
HELIX unit settings
6 Continue the set up in ELGAR – referring to the ELGAR Library Manager User Guide – by
adding a new port and assigning a port to a device.
7 Your system should now be ready for online operation. Indication of successful
communication is by illumination of the yellow NETWORK LED on the DN9340E/DN9344E
units and by ‘rotating’ symbols at the bottom right-hand corner of the LCD panel (“T1R1” →
“T/R/” → “T―R―”) on HELIX DN9848E units.
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6 REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTION OPTIONS
6.1 Single-unit serial connections
Note
The following converters are the only converters supported by Klark Teknik. Even
though other converters may appear to work, we cannot guarantee their correct
functionality and compatibility when used with our products.
To connect a single unit via serial RS-232
The KT RS-232 host cable (supplied with every unit) is connected to the front panel of the unit and then
to the RS-232 port on the laptop/PC.
To connect a single unit – USB to front panel
The KT RS-232 host cable (supplied with every unit) is connected to the front panel of the unit and then
to a KK Systems USB232 USB-to-serial converter. The converter is then connected to a USB port on the
laptop/PC via a USB cable.
To connect a single non-Ethernet unit – USB to rear panel
A serial RS-485 cable is connected to the rear panel of a DN9340, DN9344 or DN9848 unit and then to a
B+B Systems USOTL4 USB-to-RS-485 converter, using a serial RS-485 cable. The converter is then
connected to a USB port on the laptop/PC via a USB cable.
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6.2 Multiple-unit Ethernet connections
To connect any Ethernet units in an Ethernet system
This fast Ethernet-only system can incorporate the Ethernet units in any combination. The following
diagram shows the standard connection, where the units are daisy chained together and one unit is
directly connected to the laptop/PC, all with Ethernet cable. For other connection options, please refer
to Sections 2.1 and 4.
To connect non-Ethernet units in an Ethernet-to-serial system
The non-Ethernet units are daisy-chained using serial RS-485 cabling. The first unit is connected to a
Lantronix UDS1100 Ethernet-to-serial converter via either a serial RS-232 or RS-485 cable. Connection
to the laptop/PC can be either direct from the Lantronix unit or via a wireless access point for wireless
operation, both using Ethernet cable; see Section 4.
To set up the Lantronix UDS1100 converter, please refer to the “HELIX Remote Control Software: Brief
Guide to Setting Up an Ethernet System” User Guide.
In this system the speed of operation is limited by the serial connection.
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To connect Ethernet and non-Ethernet systems in an Ethernet-serial network
The following diagram shows a typical Ethernet-serial network, which combines Ethernet and
non-Ethernet systems interconnected via a Lantronix UDS1100.
Note
When using this method of connection the laptop/PC is always connected to the Ethernet units.
Connect the Ethernet units together (see Section 3) and connect one of them to the laptop/PC, all with
Ethernet cable. One of the other remaining Ethernet units is then connected to a Lantronix UDS1100
Ethernet-to-serial converter using Ethernet cable. The serial connector at the other end of the Lantronix
converter is then connected to the first non-Ethernet unit via serial RS-485 cabling. All of the non-
Ethernet units are connected in a daisy-chain configuration using RS-485 cabling.
To set up the Lantronix UDS1100 converter, please refer to the “HELIX Remote Control Software: Brief
Guide to Setting Up an Ethernet System” User Guide.
Note
To combine Ethernet and non-Ethernet units in a single system, the Ethernet units need to be
running host software version 4.03 or later and Xport version 2.0 or later. Xport is a
communications device fitted inside all Ethernet units that provides Ethernet access. More
information and details on upgrading the software can be found on our website; go to
www.klarkteknik.com.
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6.3 Multiple-unit serial connections
To connect any combination of non-Ethernet units serial-to-RS-485
Connect any combination of non-Ethernet units in a daisy chain configuration, using serial RS-485 cable.
Connect the first unit to the PC using any of the methods shown in Section 6.1.
To connect any combination of Ethernet units serial-to-Ethernet
Connect any combination of Ethernet units together using Ethernet cable, as shown in Section 2.1.
Connect the KT RS-232 host cable (supplied with every unit) to the front panel of the first unit and then
to the RS-232 port on the laptop/PC.
The speed of system operation is limited by the serial connection to the PC.
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6.4 Ethernet and serial
To connect Ethernet and non-Ethernet units in a dual Ethernet-serial system
In this dual network configuration, both the Ethernet and serial networks are entirely separate, as they
are connected to different ports on the laptop/PC. This allows both networks to be running different
protocols. In this configuration the Ethernet system provides fast operation, while the serial provides
slow operation.
In the Ethernet system, connect the Ethernet units together with Ethernet cable using one of the
options in Section 3. Connect the first Ethernet unit to the PC using one of the options in Section 4.
In the serial system, connect the non-Ethernet units together in a daisy chain configuration using
RS-485 cabling and connect the first of these units to the PC using any of the methods shown in
Section 6.1.
Note
So that the networks can both run on different protocols the PC needs to be running two RCS
programs of equivalent protocol.
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6.5 RapidE
The RapidE acts as an Ethernet network hub allowing you to connect a PC, console and HELIX units. It
gives you the option to control the console/HELIX units remotely without using the PC, if you wish.
To network the RapidE
Each connection to the RapidE must be via Ethernet cable, and any of the RapidE’s eight external ports
can be used for any connection. Each external port connection that connects HELIX units is treated as a
single network.
Note
So that the networks can run on different protocols the PC needs to be running RCS programs
of equivalent protocol.
Any combination of DN9340E,
DN9344E and DN9848E units. See
Sections 6.2 and 6.4 for available
connections, where the PC should be
replaced by the RapidE.
Any combination of DN9340, DN9344
and DN9848 units. See Sections 6.3
and 6.4 for available connections,
where the PC should be replaced by
the RapidE.
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