QSC Audio CM16a manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor HARDW ARE MANUAL TD-000086-00 TD-000086-00 Rev . A[...]

  • Page 2

    ¨ WARNING ¨ While QSC has endeavored to develop and produce the most depend- able and robust ‘network’ audio product for your use, due to the myriad of network situations and equipment that may be encountered in its implementation, QSC cannot be held responsible for network conflicts and associated consequences that may result. For this reaso[...]

  • Page 3

    T ABLE OF CONTENTS: CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor Section 1: INTRODUCTION Overview ...................................................................................................5 Physical Characteristics & Layout........................................................6 List of Functions & Features.....................................[...]

  • Page 4

    EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS The lightning flash with arrowhead sym- bol, within an equilateral triangle, is in- tended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to humans. The exclamation point within an eq[...]

  • Page 5

    Section 1: Introduction- Overview The QSC CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor provides powerful amplifier management and zone paging capability in a QSControl networked audio system using Ethernet networking technology to communicate with the host computer/system controller. From all of us at QSC Audio Products, thank you for your purchase. The host co[...]

  • Page 6

    Section 1: Introduction- Physical Characteristics & Layout PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Each CM16a is one rack space in height (1RU) and has an internal AC power supply. Its chassis depth is 37.7 cm (14.84 in.). The width of the chassis is 44.0 cm (17.32 in.). For the detailed mounting dimensions, please see specification section. The weight of the[...]

  • Page 7

    Section 1: Introduction- Physical Layout Diagram 7[...]

  • Page 8

    Section 1: Introduction- List of Functions & Features FUNCTIONAL LISTING, BLOCK DIAGRAM & DET AILED DESCRIPTIONS The CM16a performs control and monitoring of amplifiers remotely. Below is a listing of the functions that are available for the supported QSC amplifiers. The following two pages (Block Diagram part 1 & 2) graphically illustr[...]

  • Page 9

    Section 1: Introduction- Block Diagram (part 1) The following diagrams illustrate the basic functional blocks of the CM16a. Keep in mind that the first diagram is “duplicated” for each of the eight ports. 9[...]

  • Page 10

    Section 1: Introduction- Block Diagram (part 2) 10[...]

  • Page 11

    Section 1: Introduction- Detailed Description of Functions AUDIO FUNCTIONS Audio Inputs - These are the “Phoenix”-type 3 pin connec- tors used for balanced line level audio-signal input. Input Sensitivity- Sets the sensitivity of the Audio Inputs to either 1 Volt or 3 Volts (r.m.s.). This selection should coincide with the level of the audio si[...]

  • Page 12

    Section 1: Introduction- Detailed Description of Functions AMPLIFIER MONITORING FUNCTIONS Amplifier Model Detect- Identifies what model of QSC amplifier is connected to the CM16a’s DataPort. Amplifier Gain Detect - Reports the setting of the amplifier’s gain setting (in dB) for each channel. Bridge Mode Detect- Detects the position of the bridg[...]

  • Page 13

    Section 1: Introduction- Detailed Description of Functions RS-232 PORT FUNCTIONS RS-232 Port- The RS-232 (serial) port is used to communicate with the CM16a for Ethernet address setup purposes and other diagnostic purposes. Most users will never have a need to access the RS232 port, but for customized networks and for troubleshooting system problem[...]

  • Page 14

    Section 1: Introduction- Network Description 14 QSC CM16a Amplifier Network Monitors are designed to operate on standard 10 BASE -T Ethernet. Each CM16a operates as a respective node on its network; each unit contains a programmable IP address in nonvolatile memory and will therefore present n o conflict with any other node on the same network. Eth[...]

  • Page 15

    Section 1: Introduction- Sample Network T opologies The simplest network configuration is a single system controller computer and a CM16a con- nected by a single Ethernet crossover cable. A standard Ethernet cable would NOT work. The crossover-type cable must be used when con- necting the CM16a directly to the system con- troller computer. This typ[...]

  • Page 16

    Section 1: Introduction- Sample Network T opologies Some networks have multiple system con- troller computers. This configuration is es- sentially the same as the second example with the addition of the second computer attached to the hub. To create the more complex distributed star topologies needed for larger systems, use additional hubs. Some hu[...]

  • Page 17

    Section 2: Installation- Basics and Mounting UNP ACKING There are no special unpacking precautions for the CM16a. However, it is recommended that you keep the original packing material for reuse in the rare event that service be required on the CM16a. If service is required and the original packing material is not available, ensure that the unit is[...]

  • Page 18

    Section 2: Installation- Mounting and AC Power MOUNTING THE CM16a (continued): The illustration below shows the basic mounting technique. The CM16a uses fan-drawn air for cooling. The air intake is on the left side of the chassis and the exhaust vents are on the front panel. Be certain not to obstruct these openings! Allow ample “open space” ar[...]

  • Page 19

    Section 2: Installation- Connections CONNECTING AUDIO INPUTS The audio inputs are located on the rear panel. The CM16a uses “Phoenix”-type (Euro-style) terminal block connectors for the audio inputs. These connectors allow the installer to pre-wire the input termina- tions before the CM16a is installed in the rack. It also allows for re-routing[...]

  • Page 20

    Section 2: Installation- Connections REAR PANEL- PAGE, RELAY & MONITOR CONNECTIONS CONNECTING THE MONITOR CHAIN IN/ OUT The MONITOR CHAIN connector is a five pin version of the “Phoenix”-type connector. The center pin is the shield connection for both the input and output of the monitor chain. Note also that the positive terminal of the inp[...]

  • Page 21

    CONNECTION TO 10BASE-T (network connection) Connection to the Ethernet network is made using the RJ-45 type connector labeled 10BASE-T on the rear panel. The RJ-45 is the standard network connector for Ethernet networks. Insert the RJ-45 plug into the receptacle with the lock-tab oriented toward the bottom of the CM16a and push firmly until the con[...]

  • Page 22

    Section 2: Installation- Rear Panel Detail 22[...]

  • Page 23

    Section 2: Installation- Hookup Example 23[...]

  • Page 24

    Section 3: Operation- General AMPLIFIER SETUP- The amplifiers connected to the CM16a should have their power switches in the ON position and their gain controls set as required by the user (see Initial Testing note below). NOTE! For initial testing, it is advisable that the amplifiers be set for the lowest useful gain (volume) setting until it is v[...]

  • Page 25

    Section 3: Operation- LED Behavior & Bypass Switch Usage BYP ASS SWITCH USE There are two distinctly different BYPASS modes. The first mode is the “Oops, I forgot the computer” or system troubleshooting type of BYPASS . If you are unable to communicate with the CM16a for any reason and you need to bypass the unit, it can be done with the pu[...]

  • Page 26

    26 Section 3: Operation- Bypass Switch Usage (continued) The second mode ( “ safe ” mode)is used if the CM16a becomes inoperable (or behaves in completely unexpected ways) after uploading a new application file (TFTP file transfer). If the CM16a behaves in unexpected ways or is not responding to any communications after a new application file i[...]

  • Page 27

    The RS-232 connector on the rear panel is used as a serial port input/output (I/O). This I/O port is used for accessing controls for the IP address settings, system “health” data, firmware version information and other related data. Typically, this interface is not used by the majority of users. But should any system problems arise, the data th[...]

  • Page 28

    28 Section 3: Operation- Serial Port I/O Interface 5) The Properties window for the selected COM port should now be active. It should be similar in appearance as the example to the right. For the Port Settings, use the following information so that commu- nication between the CM16a and the computer is in the same “language”. Bits per Second 960[...]

  • Page 29

    29 Section 3: Operation- Serial Port I/O Interface 6) The Hyper Terminal main window will appear next, but blank. Type the letter “h” (for help) and then the “Enter” key. This will prompt the CM16a to post its menu text. The “h” key is the Help prompt for the CM16a. 7) The next screen will look similar to the Hyper Terminal window above[...]

  • Page 30

    30 Section 3: Operation- T elnet Access The features outlined for the RS-232 port can also be accessed via the Ethernet network connection. This feature can save a trip out to the remote CM16a with a laptop computer as long as the network and software are fully operable. The Telnet “session” is a standard Windows program. Consult Windows docume[...]

  • Page 31

    31 FUSE REPLACEMENT If the CM16a does not power-up when the POWER switch is in the “on” position ( POWER indicator LED does not illuminate) check the source of AC power and the connection of the power cord at the outlet and IEC receptacle ends. If the AC source is “on” and the power cord is connected and in good condition, then the conditio[...]

  • Page 32

    32 Section 4: Specifications- Dimensions Below are shown the dimensions s of interest for the CM16a. These dimensions are helpful for locating the rear-supports for the CM16a when used in portable or touring installations. This drawing is NOT to scale![...]

  • Page 33

    33 Section 4: Specifications Frequency response 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.5 dB 10 Hz–80 kHz ±3 dB Distortion <0.01% THD+N @ +4 dBu out (page input <0.03%) Dynamic range >110 dB unweighted 20 Hz–20 kHz (page input >100 dB) Polarity In-phase or inverted Level control range -95.5 to 0 dB in 0.5 dB steps Precision attenuator better than 112 d[...]

  • Page 34

    34 Power amplifier management Signal monitoring buses 1 (per CM16) Number of Channels 4 Internal signal tap points Pre-fader input signal 16 Post-fader input signal 16 Power amplifier output 16 Monitor input Mixed with tap point signal at unity gain Nominal level +4 dBu Maximum level +21 dBu Input impedance 10 kOhm balanced Configuration Electronic[...]

  • Page 35

    35 Physical network Ethernet, IEEE 802.3 compliant Raw data rate 10 megabits per second Frame format D.I.X. (Ethernet) Connector RJ-45 female Ethernet type 10 BASE -T Cable type CAT-3 (or better) twisted pair Max cable length 100 m to hub Grounding Floating General Transport network TCP/IP Internetwork protocol IP Transport protocol UDP Application[...]

  • Page 36

    36 SECTION 5: ARCHITECT ’ S AND ENGINEER ’ S SPECIFICA TIONS The Amplifier Network Monitor shall provide input, output, and status control for DataPort equipped QSC power ampli- fiers in an Ethernet-TCP/IP based network audio system. Sixteen independent channels shall be provided, grouped in pairs. Amplifier Input Control and Monitoring —For [...]

  • Page 37

    37 Section 6: Appendix- Ethernet Cable Pinouts A crossover cable has the RX and TX wire pairs switched around at one end. There are only two likely situations that would require a crossover cable: to connect a single system controller computer directly to a single CM16a device; and to cascade hubs that don’t have uplink ports. ETHERNET CABLING Th[...]

  • Page 38

    38 Section 6: Appendix- DataPort Pin-out & Connector P-N ’ s DA T A PORT PINOUT : The diagram to the right shows the pin assignments used for the HD-15 connectors on the CM16a and amplifier . NOTE! This information is shown for reference only and is subject to change without notice as the DataPort feature is specific to QSC products and not i[...]

  • Page 39

    39 Section 7: How to Contact QSC Audio Products ADDRESS: QSC Audio Products, Inc. 1675 MacArthur Boulevard Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1468 USA TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Main Number (714) 754-6175 Sales Direct Line (714) 957-7100 Sales & Marketing (800) 854-4079 toll free in U.S.A. only Technical Services (714) 957-7150 (800) 772-2834 toll free in U.S.A. onl[...]

  • Page 40

    1675 MacArthur Boulevard Costa Mesa, California 92626 USA PH: (714) 754-6175 FAX: (714) 754-6174 “ QSC ” and the QSC logo are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office[...]