BARIX EXSTREAMER WIRELESS User Manual

EXSTREAMER
EXSTREAMER WIRELESS

Network audio player
for digital audio streaming in
custom home installations
and commercial applications

User Manual Version 1.7

For Firmware V6.2

®

EXSTREAMER

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

Page 1

Table of Content

1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................... 2

2 FEATURES................................................................................................... 2

3 PACKAGE CONTENT................................................................................ 3

4 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR EXSTREAMER ............................................ 3

5 INSTALLATION ......................................................................................... 4

5.1 INSTALLING THE MUSIC SERVER PROGRAM ............................................................4

5.2 CONNECTING THE EXSTREAMER TO YOUR AUDIO EQUIPMENT..............................5

5.3 INSTALLING THE EXSTREAMER TO YOUR NETWORK...............................................5

6 CONTROLLING THE EXSTREAMER......................................................... 6

6.1 USER CONTROL INTERFACE ...................................................................................6

6.2 SYNCHRONISATION CONTROL ..............................................................................7

6.3 PLAYLISTS ..............................................................................................................7

6.4 AUDIO ADJUSTMENT INTERFACE ............................................................................8

7 DEVICE CONFIGURATION....................................................................... 9

7.2 CONFIGURATION OVERVIEW ................................................................................9

7.3 NETWORK SETTINGS .............................................................................................9

7.4 SERVER SETTINGS .................................................................................................10

7.5 AUDIO SETTINGS .................................................................................................11

7.6 PLAYLIST SETTINGS ..............................................................................................11

7.7 WLAN SETTINGS (WIRELESS LAN) ....................................................................12

7.8 CONTROL SETTINGS ............................................................................................12

7.9 SERIAL SETTINGS ..................................................................................................12

7.10 SECURITY SETTINGS ...........................................................................................13

7.11 REVERTING TO FACTORY DEFAULTS ..................................................................14

7.12 REBOOTING THE DEVICE....................................................................................14

7.13 UPDATING THE DEVICE......................................................................................15

8 THE STEP BY STEP “HOW TO”.............................................................. 16

8.1 HOW TO SET A STATIC IP ADDRESS.....................................................................16

8.2 HOW TO SET THE EXSTREAMER TO STREAM MUSIC FROM YOUR COMPUTER ........16

8.3 HOW TO SET THE EXSTREAMER TO STREAM MUSIC FROM A SPECIFIC COMPUTER .16

8.4 HOW TO SET THE EXSTREAMER TO STREAM MUSIC FROM A WEB SERVER..............17

8.5 HOW TO SET THE EXSTREAMER TO BE A STREAMING PULLER ...............................17

8.6 HOW TO SET THE EXSTREAMER TO BE A STREAMING RECEIVER ............................17

9 IR REMOTE CONTROL ........................................................................... 18

10 ADVANCED USER SECTION ................................................................ 19

10.1 NETWORK CONFIGURATION USING SUPPLIED SERIAL CABLE ..............................19

10.2 NETWORK CONFIGURATION USING TELNET ......................................................20

10.3 CONTROL APIS FOR SERIAL AND ETHERNET......................................................20

11 FAQ AND TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................................... 21

12 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................. 21

13 DICTIONARY......................................................................................... 22

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

1 Introduction

Congratulations on the purchase of your Exstreamer Digital from Barix AG.

What exactly is the Exstreamer? It is an audio network interface for your home stereo
system that streams MP3s from your PC and radio stations from the internet.

Even though possible, the Exstreamer is not meant to be plugged directly into your
computer but rather into your network.

The Exstreamer brings MP3 to a whole new level using sophisticated technology which
we kept as affordable as possible for you.

We designed this device so that you are not limited to listen to your MP3s being stuck in
front of a computer or having to listen to high quality music through low quality
computer speakers. The Exstreamer lets you enjoy your music in any room of your
home.

To make this manual easier to understand we have included a dictionary at the end of the
manual that links to each technical word (example: DHCP).

2 Features

• Streams MP3s from computers, digital audio servers and the internet

• 10/100 Mbit Ethernet connection

• Plays internet radio (Beta)

• Controllable via a standard web browser (PC, PDA, Web tablet), via a serial port

and Infrared Remote control

• High quality RCA and headphone out

• Features SonicIP

®

and IPzator ™ technology

• Features Infrared Gateway function

• Easy integration into home automation systems

• The device checks for updates automatically and installs them if any are available as

long as there is internet connection to the network.
(Note: This feature will be implemented with the next software version)

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

3 Package content

a1 Exstreamer Wireless or a1 b c d

a2 Exstreamer

b Power supply

c 3.5 mm Jack cable

d RCA stereo cable

e Mounting brackets (not included

in Exstreamer wireless)

f Serial cable

g Network cable

h Earphone a2 e f g h

4 Getting to know your Exstreamer

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 Green light
A static light shows that the Exstreamer has found the
zServer. If blinking the Exstreamer is streaming.

2 Red light

If the light is blinking, it means that the Exstreamer either
lost connection to or can’t find the zServer.

3 Reset button

If you press this button shortly it will reset the Exstreamer.
If you press it until the red light flashes (about 5 seconds)
the device will reset to factory defaults.

4 PC Card slot

16 bit Card slot for Wireless card

A B

E D C
A B

C D E

A Headphone out
This port is for headphones or a 3,5mm line out
connection

B Stereo RCA line output

This port is for connection to your home audio equipment

C RJ45 for LAN 10/100 Half/Full duplex

This port is for the connection to your network.

D DSub9 male, Serial port (RS-232)

This port is for a serial connection to your computer

E Power in (center: +12 VDC, ring: Ground)
This port is for connection to the power supply (Only
provided power supply should be used)

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

5 Installation

Once the Exstreamer is connected to your network, it will
automatically receive an IP address from your DHCP
server (Internet gateways run usually a DHCP server).
If no DHCP server can be reached, our

IPzator function will search the network for a free IP

address.
The Exstreamer will announce the IP address using

Sonic IP technology.

To prepare the usage of the Exstreamer we recommend to
install first our free Music Server software called zServer.

5.1 Installing the Music Server
program

Our free Music Server software called zServer can be
downloaded from our website www.barix.com

.

The music server finds your playlists and streams your
locally stored MP3s to the Exstreamer. If you don’t have
any playlists or .m3u files then the music server can create
them for you.

NOTE: The music server program requires the Sun Java
VM plug-in. If you don’t have it installed on your PC you
will have to download it from www.java.sun.com

(JS2E file)

and install it first.

STEP 1

The music server program requires a Java VM plug-in. If
you don’t have a Java VM plug-in or if you are not sure,
then download J2SE (Version 1.3.0 or above) from
www.java.sun.com

and install it.

STEP 2

Download the setup file of the music server program
zServer from www.exstreamer.com

STEP 3

Run the self extracting zServer.exe file. It automatically will
suggest the path C:\Program Files\zServer but you can also
indicate a preferred path for the installation.
Select <unzip> to extract.

STEP 4

A configuration wizard should start. If not, then manually
execute the file configz.bat in the installed zServer folder.

STEP 5

You will be asked for the location of your playlists. In case
you allready have playlists in the standard .m3u format
generated by MP3 software hit the <browse> button and
show the program where these playlist are. After the
correct path is entered click on <set>. Skip the next step.

If you don’t have any playlists created hit the <browse>
button and click on the <create folder> icon to create a
playlist folder for later use.

STEP 6

This is the playlist creation utility.
The first window asks for the location of your MP3s files.
Hit the upper <browse> button and show the program
where they are. If you click on a folder with subdirectories
then all the songs in the subdirectories will become one
playlist.

The second window asks for the location you want your
playlists files to be stored. Hit the lower <browse> button
and show the program the folder you made in step 5 since
you registered that folder to the zServer as your playlist
folder.

Now you can generate the playlist by pressing the
<generate> button. You can generate more playlists by
repeating this step. You could group music by year or
mood into separate folders and then make playlists from
them after you have grouped them.

The <subdirectory scan deep> tells the generator how
many subdirectories will be scaned down to generate a
playlists from.

If <include subdirectories> is activated then all MP3s in the
current directory and all in its subdirectories will be
included in that playlist.

Count of subdirectories for playlistname tells the generator
how many directory names back of the current one will be
used for the name of the playlist.

The separator between the directories is the separator in
the playlist name between the directory and subdirectories.

STEP 7

Run the file startz.bat in the zServer folder. The music
program is now ready to stream your MP3s to your
Exstreamer.

NOTE
The startz.bat file must always run in order for you to use
the Exstreamer. If you reboot your PC you will not be able
to use the Exstreamer until you again run the startz.bat file.

To stop the zServer simply close its window.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

5.2 Connecting the Exstreamer to
your audio equipment

Connection to your audio equipment is possible by offering
two different audio output options.

For connection to an analog home stereo system, the
Exstreamer features a stereo RCA output (B) .

Simply connect the included stereo RCA cables (d) to
your audio input on your stereo.

5.3 Installing the Exstreamer to your
network

STEP 1

Plug the included network cable (g) into the network port
of the Exstreamer (a) and the other end into your hub or
switch. You can also use a crossover network cable (not
included) for a direct connection to your PC.

STEP 2

Plug the included earphone (h) into headphone out ( A )
and put it in your ear.

Get the pen and paper ready to write down the IP address
that will be announced in the step 5.
The announcement of the IP address is called

Sonic IP.

STEP 3

Plug the power supply (b) into the

power jack (E) of the

Exstreamer and the other end into the power outlet of the
wall.

NOTE

When power cycling the Exstreamer we recommend to
disconnect/connect the power supply at the wall socket.
To prevent electrical overload of the device the power
supply should only be plugged into the wall socket with the
power supply connected to the Exstreamer first.

STEP 4

The Exstreamer will now search for a DHCP server
to get an IP address and announce this address over
the earphone.

Example: 192.168.0.12 (Voice: one nine two dot …)

Make sure you write this IP address down. If no DHCP
server is found then our

IPzator function will search the network for a free IP

address (this could take up to 5 minutes).

NOTE

Your Exstreamer is now ready to start working, we
recommend, however, that you set a Static IP address so
that the IP address will not change every time you power
up the Exstreamer.
To set a static IP see section 8.1.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

6 Controlling the Exstreamer

The Exstreamer has a local web server built in.
You can control the Exstreamer from anywhere on your
network using a standard web browser (from your PC,
PDA or web tablet).

STEP 1

Open your web browser.

STEP 2

Type in the IP address of the Exstreamer in the address bar
then press Enter

You should now see the control panel of the Exstreamer
and all the playlists in the browser window:

F1 USER CONTROL INTERFACE

This frame shows the play control options.

F2 FILE INFO

This frame shows the file information of the current song.
A click on the arrow picture refreshes this frame. If a name
for the Exstreamer was configured it will be showed on
top.

F3 PLAYLISTS

This frame shows the playlists that the music server has
found.

F4 SONG LIST

This frame shows the songs of the current playlist.

To start playing music, use the navigation control panel on
the top left corner. To see what each button does, place
the mouse cursor on top of the selected button and it will
inform you of its function. Click on the playlist title to start
playing it. You can also adjust the sound properties of the
Exstreamer by clicking on the <SET> button.

6.1 User control interface

PLAY

This action plays the media file.

NEXT TRACK

This action skips to the next media file in the playlist.

PREVIOUS TRACK

This action skips to the previous media file in the playlist.

PAUSE

This action stops playing the media file but keeps the
progress at the spot it was at when the player was paused
so you can continue listening from the same position.

FAST FORWARD

This action forwards within the media file.

STOP

This action stops playing the media file.

MUTE

This action mutes the audio output. Click again to activate
audio or click on the volume slider.

SHUFFLE PLAY

This action automatically shuffles the media files inside a
playlist and plays them randomly.

SHUFFLE PLAY OFF

This action terminates the shuffle play mode.

REPEAT PLAYLIST

This action repeats the selected playlist non stop.

REPEAT OFF

This action terminates the repeat play mode.

SET

This action brings you to the audio adjustment interface.

EXSTREAMER

A click on the Exstreamer logo will bring you to the Barix
homepage. (www.barix.com)

( + )

This action increases the volume by increment.

VOLUME SLIDER

This action lets you adjust the volume level. Click closer to
the + (plus) sign for higher volume or closer to the – (dash)
sign for lower volume.

( - )

This action decreases the volume by increment.

F1

F2

F4F3

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

6.2 Synchronisation control

If other Exstreamer or Instreamer devices are found in the
network they will be displayed on top of the playlist frame.

When Own name is set then this name will be displayed
instead of the devices IP address.

A click on the name or the IP address will bring you to the
control panel of the selected device making it easy to
navigate to all devices in the network.

Note
The following part is only functional when a sync license is
entered (see license under section 7.9 Security settings).

A click on the sync link will cause the viewed Exstreamer
to synchronize with the selected device to allow both
devices to play the same sound at the same time.
In other words: While viewing the control panel of
Exstreamer kitchen, clicking the Exstr. Living room’s sync
link will make Exstreamer kitchen a sync slave. Control of
the sound that both play is possible only on Exstr. Living
room which becomes the sync master.

Once synchronized the name or the IP address of the sync
master is displayed in the song list frame:

To stop the synchronization click on the stop link.

To control the sync master click on the name of the device
you have synchronized to.

When viewing the control panel of a sync master clicking
any stop link will cancel the synchronization to all sync
slaves and will also stop the playback on the sync master.

6.3 Playlists

In the playlist frame you can select the playlist you would
like to listen to.

A click on the playlist starts playing the selected playlist
immediately

A click on the symbol to the left of the playlist gives you a
preview of the songs in the Songlist frame.

A click on one of the alphabetical letters on top creates a
filtered list that only shows the playlists that start with the
selected letter.

The Exstreamer only can show a few playlists at a time. To
see the rest of them click on “…next playlists…”,
“…previous playlists…” or “top”.

If there is more than one Exstreamer in your network and
all of them have names, this names will be showed on top
of the playlists. A click on one of the names moves you
direct to the control page of the selected Exstreamer.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

6.4 Audio adjustment interface

Click on the SET button in the control interface to switch
to the audio adjustment interface:

BALANCE

This action adjusts the Left and Right audio balance.
Click into the Balance bar to set the balance to a specific
position or click <L> or <R> to move the position to the
appropriate side in steps.

BASS

This action adjusts the bass level. Click into the Bass bar to
set the bass to a specific level or click <+> or <-> to
increment/decrement the bass level in steps.

TREBLE

This action adjust the treble level. Click into the Treble bar
to set the treble to a specific level or click <+> or <-> to
increment/decrement the treble level in steps.

LOUDNESS ON

This action turns on the loudness level.

LOUDNESS OFF

This action terminates the loudness level.

SET AS DEFAULT
This action saves the current settings as default. Every time
you restart the Exstreamer it will use these settings. The
device will restart.

LOCK VOLUME

This action locks the volume level so it cannot be adjusted.

UNLOCK VOLUME

This action unlocks the volume level.

PLAY

This action brings you back to the user control interface.

EXSTREAMER

Clicking on the Exstreamer logo will bring you to the Barix
homepage.

( + )

This action increases the volume by increment.

VOLUME SLIDER

This action lets you adjust the volume level. Click closer to
the + (plus) sign for higher volume or closer to the – (dash)
sign for lower volume.

( - )

This action decreases the volume by increment.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

7 Device Configuration

To enter the Exstreamer configuration mode you can log
onto its local web server.

STEP 1

Open your web browser

STEP 2

Type in the IP address of the Exstreamer and press Enter

Example: 192.168.0.12

STEP 3

Click on the Config link

7.2 Configuration Overview

A INFO FRAME

This frame shows the Exstreamer’s MAC address and the
installed version of Firmware, Web application, Bootloader
and Setup.

B MENU FRAME

This frame shows the available menu icons.
A click on SETTINGS brings you to the settings page when
you are on the DEFAULTS, REBOOT or UPDATE page.
A click on HOME brings you to the device status page.

C SETTING TABS

This bar shows the available tabs within the settings menu.

D HELP FRAME

This frame shows the help for all settings and menus.

7.3 Network settings

Here you can configure the Exstreamer’s Static IP address.

With this you can set a permanent IP address so that the
device does not have to get a new one upon power-up.

We recommend that you set a Static IP address.

IP Address

Enter the 4 values of the desired device IP address e.g.:
"0.0.0.0" for automatic discovery (DHCP, IPzator, AutoIP)
"192.168.0.12" for an internal LAN

Netmask

Enter the 4 values of the desired Static IP e.g.: "0.0.0.0" for
a default Netmask depending on the used IP Address.
"255.255.255.0" for a C class network

Gateway IP Address

Enter the 4 values of the desired Gateway IP address e.g.:
"0.0.0.0" for no Gateway
"192.168.0.1" for a Gateway in a LAN

Primary DNS IP Address

Enter the 4 values of the desired primary DNS IP address
e.g.: "0.0.0.0" for no DNS, "192.168.0.111" for a DNS

Note: A correct setting of the primary DNS IP address is
needed to connect to URLs (e.g. www.radio.com

).

Alternative DNS IP Address

Enter the 4 values of the desired alternative DNS IP
address e.g.: "0.0.0.0" for no alternative DNS
"192.168.0.111" for a DNS

Note: An alternative DNS IP address is needed in case the
primary DNS is not reachable.

Use Sonic IP

If set to yes, the Exstreamer will announce its IP address
over the audio output.

To store these settings click on Apply button.
The device will restart with the new settings.

A

B

D

C

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

7.4 Server settings

This settings adjust the way Exstreamer will get its stream.

Mode settings

The Exstreamer basically supports 5 different operating
modes.
For easy to follow step by step instructions see The step by
step “How To” section.

Mode 0 zServer (autodetect)

In Mode 0 the Exstreamer works as a Network MP3 Player
using the zServer. It will automatically detect the zServer.
To work correctly the following settings are needed.

Server IP Address Always 0.0.0.0
Server Port Always 8888
Server Path Always /
Playlist List Path Always /playlist.html

Mode 1 zServer (fix)

In Mode 1, the Exstreamer works as a Network MP3
Player with the zServer IP address configurable. Here the
user is able to manually configure the IP address of the
target zServer. This Mode is used running multiple zServers
on your network.

Server IP Address
Input the 4 values of the IP address of the PC on which
zServer is running.

Server Port Always 8888
Server Path Always /
Playlist List Path Always /playlist.html

Mode 2 Webserver

In Mode 2 the Exstreamer gets the playlists and music from
a standard web server.

Server IP Address
In this field you have to enter the IP address of your web
server.

Server Port
In this field you have to enter the port number on which
your web server is communicating (standard web servers
work on port 80). A zero in this field indicates the default
value port 80.

Server Path
In this field you have to enter the path where your playlists
are stored on the web server. Please note that you have to
put a "/" in front and at the end of the path. A single "/" in
the field indicates the root directory of the Web server.

Example: /Music/

Playlist List Path
In this field you have to enter the path where your list of
playlists is stored on the web server.

Example: /Music/playlist.txt

Mode 3 Streaming Puller

In Mode 3 the Exstreamer works as a Streaming Puller.
This enables the Exstreamer to stream MP3s from most
brands of MP3 jukeboxes on the market.

Server IP Address
In this field you have to enter the IP address of your MP3
server or your MP3 jukebox.

Server Port
In this field you have to enter the port number of your
MP3 server or your MP3 jukebox.

Server Path
Some jukeboxes allow you to choose between different
virtual streaming servers. Enter the path of the streaming
server here. If the jukebox does not support this feature
you then enter a single "/".

Mode 4 Streaming Receiver

In Mode 4 the Exstreamer works as a simple passive
Streaming Receiver. See section Receiver settings on next
page.The parameters Server IP Address, Server Port,
Server Path and Playlist List Path are ignored in this
mode.

Receiver settings

TCP Streaming Listen Port

Use this parameter to configure the TCP streaming listen
port on which the Exstreamer is listening for a stream.
The listener is always active in Exstreamer Mode 4. In all
other modes the listener is active when the Exstreamer is
stopped.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

UDP Streaming Listen Port

Use this parameter to configure the UDP streaming listen
port on which the Exstreamer is listening for a stream.
The listener is always active. The Exstreamer has to be
stopped before a stream can be sent to this port.

General settings

Start Threshold

The Start Threshold is the amount of bytes the Exstreamer
will buffer the stream before starting the playback. Valid is a
value from 0 to 65535.

Init Sequence

This command sequence is always executed immediately
after startup. See the Exstreamer Technical Documentation
for a complete list of commands.

7.5 Audio settings

You only need to adjust this section if you would like your
Exstreamer to start up with custom sound adjustments.
For example you would like your Exstreamer to always
start with maximum bass, than you could adjust that here
to become default. These adjustments will be stored even if
the unit looses power.

Volume
Choose between "0%" and "100%" in 5% steps.

Mute Volume
Choose "On" to mute the sound output at startup else
choose "Off".

Lock Volume

Choose "On" to lock volume on the control interface. This
denies the volume control by the user. "Off" allows free
volume control.

Balance

Choose between "Left max." and "Right max." (L10..R10).

Bass
Choose between "-10" and "10".

Treble
Choose between "-10" and "10".

Loudness Level
Choose between "0" and "20".

Loudness
Switch the Loudness "On" or "Off".

Configuration Auto Store
Stores the configuration automatically 30 sec after the last
change in the control interface. The stored parameters are
volume, mute, volume lock, balance, bass, treble, loudness
on/off, shuffle and repeat.

Output Mode

Select Stereo, Mono or Bridge. If Mono is selected the
audio output is always mono. On Bridge mode the right
channel is inverted and audio output is mono. The Bridge
mode is used to allow a bigger output signal.

7.6 Playlist settings

This settings adjust the playlist properties.

Own Name
You can enter the name of the Exstreamer here. This name
is displayed in the file info frame on the device status page.
This name will be returned when using the DISCOVER
command (see technical documentation) and will be used
for the SYNC function by other Exstreamers.

Shuffle
This action automatically shuffles the media files inside a
playlist and plays them randomly non stop.

Repeat
If "Off" then nothing is repeated. If "Song" is selected the
actual song is played non stop. If "Playlist" is selected the
actual playlist is repeated non stop.

Walk Through Playlists
If set to "Yes", then it will play the next playlist after the
last one finishes. With "Yes" all playlists will play back to
back automatically.

Playlist Path Match String / Subst String
If the path of a song in a playlist starts with the match
string, it will be replaced with the subst string.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

7.7 WLAN settings (Wireless LAN)

This settings adjust the Wireless LAN properties.

SSID (WLAN NAME)

Every wireless network is identified by a given name. Here
you can enter the name of your wireless network that is
indicated by your wireless access point. If you don’t enter a
name, then the Exstreamer will log onto the first wireless
network it finds.

WLAN MODE

To communicate with a wireless access point you must
leave this setting on infrastructure mode else to ad hoc
mode.

WEP MODE

This is to encrypt the data that is being wirelessly trans­mitted to the wireless access point. Set WEP mode to On
for using encryption else set to Off. If you use encryption
make sure to enter a WEP key.

WEP KEY

For 40 bit encryption choose a key with exactly five
alphanumerical or 10 hexadecimal characters. The selected
key has to be the same key as in your access point is
activated. For a 128 bit encryption exactly 13 alpha­numerical or 26 hexadecimal characters are expected.
To work wireless unplug the network cable and power
cycle the Exstreamer after applying these settings.
.

7.8 Control settings

This settings adjust the control ports, IR source and IR
gateway properties.

UDP command port
Define the port on which the device will receive commands
via UDP.

Default: 12301

TCP command port

Define the port on which the device will receive commands
via TCP.

Default: 12302

IR Source

Always select "IR Serial Dongle". "IR IN" is non functional.

IR Gateway
When activated all received IR remote control commands
will be transmitted to other Barix devices IR OUT output.
Leaving the IP address at 0.0.0.0 and setting a valid port
(not 0) will broadcast the IR commands in the LAN.
To direct to a specific device set the IP Address of the
device and the port (

Example: 192.168.0.24:12301

).
To disable the IR Gateway set the IP address to 0.0.0.0 and
the port to 0.

7.9 Serial settings

This settings adjust the serial port, serial gateway and IR
Dongle LED properties.

Baud rate
Select the serial transmission speed (300 to 115200 Baud).

Data bits
Select 7 or 8 data bits.

Parity
Select no, even or odd parity.

Stop bits
Select 1 or 2 stop bits.

Flow control
Select the type of flow control:
none, software (XON/XOFF) or hardware (RTS/CTS).

Local port
Define the port on which the serial port can be accessed
for serial gateway application. Only when Local port is set
to 0 the serial port can be used as a command interface.

RTS function
Select the function of the RTS output pin.
On "IR Status" the LED on the connected IR Dongle will
flash upon reception of an IR Remote Control (default
setting). On "activate AVR" RTS is on during streaming and
60 sec after the last streaming. It can be used to activate an
Audio Video Receiver or Amplifier. On "RTS" it can be
used for flow control as usual or as an additional output.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

7.10 Security settings

This settings can be used to secure the access to the
Exstreamer on several levels. The status is shown next to
each password (set or not set). Access is free for levels
without a password (default setting).

Telnet / Serial configuration
Enter up to 7 characters to secure the access to the Telnet
and Serial configuration. Without a valid password the
network configuration cannot be changed.
Enter 8 characters to erase the current key.

Save configuration
Enter up to 24 characters to secure the saving of the
device configuration (Clicking on Apply). Without a valid
password the device configuration cannot be saved!
Enter 25 characters to erase the current key.

Save configuration password usage
When the password is set the user has to type in the
password in the "Save Config Password field" before hitting
the "Apply" button.

Otherwise a warning will be displayed without saving the
changes made.

View configuration
Enter up to 24 characters to secure the viewing of the
device configuration (Clicking on Config link). Without a
valid password the device configuration cannot be viewed!
Enter 25 characters to erase the current key.

View configuration password usage
When the password is set the user clicking on the "Config"
link has to type in the password in the password field of
the pop up window (the user name does not matter).

Only one user can log in at a time. Further connections will
be refused while one user is logged in.

To log out click on the "Logout" link next to the "HOME"
icon in the menu bar.

Please hit your browser’s Reload button if the "Logout" link
is not visible while logged in.

Control / Command
Enter up to 24 characters to secure the access to all
control and command interfaces (WEB/CGI, Serial, TCP
and UDP). Without a valid password the device cannot be
controlled. Enter 25 characters to erase the current key.

Note
This security option should be used very carefully and is
intended for advanced users only. Since the CGI commands
used in the web interface do not make use of passwords,
setting this password would disable any control of the
Exstreamer using a browser.

Level 4 to 6 (User)
Enter up to 24 characters to secure the access to
customized web pages in 3 levels. Intended for advanced
users only, for details see the Exstreamer Digital Technical
Documentation). Without a valid password these user web
pages can not be viewed.
Enter 25 characters to erase the current key.

License
Type here the license you've received to enable the related
functionality.
To enable the synchronization feature a free license can be
obtained by email to [e-mail] stating the MAC
address (Example: 0008E1000D71) of each of your
Exstreamer Digital devices (see barcode sticker on bottom
or copy it from the info frame in the device configuration).

For Exstreamer and Exstreamer Wireless a license can be
purchased at your local dealer.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

7.11 Reverting to factory defaults

Click on the DEFAULTS button to enter the defaults page.

You will see the following screen:

Click on "Factory defaults" to revert all settings except
"Network configuration" to factory defaults.
While restarting the device the following screen appears
showing a number counting down:

Upon start up the following screen appears stating the
successful reverting to factory defaults:

Hard default settings
To revert all settings (including the network settings) to
factory defaults the Reset button has to be pressed for
about 5 seconds while the Exstreamer is powered.

Important note

Use this method if connection to the Exstreamer cannot be
established.

This can happen if you have set a Static IP address once,
switched off Sonic IP and then forgotten the IP address.
The Hard default settings sets the IP Address to automatic
discovery (0.0.0.0) and enables Sonic IP.

If this fails we recommend to download the Exstreamer
Digital Rescue Kit from www.barix.com

. This Rescue Kit
reloads the entire firmware using the supplied serial cable.
Unzip the Kit and read "readme1st.txt" for instructions.

7.12 Rebooting the device

Click on the REBOOT button to enter the reboot page.

You will see the following screen:

Click "Reboot the device" to restart the Exstreamer.
While restarting the device the following screen appears
showing a number counting down:

Upon start up the following screen appears stating the
successful restart:

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

7.13 Updating the device

Barix constantly enhances the capabilities of their products.
Therefore we recommend to keep the software on the
Exstreamer up-to-date.

To download the latest firmware version please visit
www.barix.com

.

Click on support, click on DOWNLOAD SECTION and
scroll down to the Exstreamer Digital.
Download the firmware update package and unpack to a
local drive. If no update package is available then the
Rescue Kit must be used. Read "readme1st.txt" for
instructions. This Rescue Kit reloads the entire firmware,
resets the device to factory default settings using the
supplied serial cross cable and a PC running W2K or XP.

STEP 1

Click on the UPDATE button to enter the update page.

You will see the following screen:

STEP 2
Click on "Please click here to continue" to launch the
update process. The device will restart in a special mode
called Bootloader and the following screen appears
showing a number counting down:

Upon start up the following screen appears ready for the
update process.

STEP 3
To upload an update click on "Browse..." to locate the file
you want to update.

The file is named exstreamer_

version_date

.bin

Example: exstreamer_v14_20040305.bin

If you load the wrong file the device will not work and then
the Rescue Kit must be used.

Once selected, click on "Upload".
This process can take a few minutes.

After a successful upload the following window appears:

Click on the update link before updating the next
component. Unplug power supply to reboot the device or
type "reboot" in the resource field (without the ")

and click on "Upload".

The following screen appears:

STEP 4
Close the browser window. After the device has rebooted
open a new browser window to continue.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

8 The step by step “How To”

8.1 How to set a static IP address

STEP 1

Open your Web Browser.

STEP 2

Enter the IP address of the Exstreamer and press Enter.

Example: 192.168.0.12

STEP 3

Click on the Config link.

STEP 4

Enter an IP address into the 4 IP address fields. At default it
is 0.0.0.0 for automatic. You can use the address that was
announced by the Exstreamer.

STEP 6

In normal operating conditions leave the Netmask as is.

STEP 5

The Gateway can be left at default in normal operating
conditions. The Gateway enables the Exstreamer to
connect to the internet (For advanced users).

STEP 7

Hit the Apply button to save all changes. The Exstreamer
will reboot and has now a Static IP address.

8.2 How to set the Exstreamer to

stream music from your computer

The Exstreamer is in this operating mode by default. Follow
this steps to ensure correct settings.

STEP 1

You must have the zServer running on a computer (see
section 5.1)

STEP 2

Open your Web Browser

STEP 3

Enter the IP address of the Exstreamer and press Enter.

Example: 192.168.0.12

STEP 4

Click on the Config link.

STEP 5

Click on the SERVER tab in the SETTINGS menu

STEP 5

Choose "0 zServer (auto detect) " in the Mode field.

STEP 6

Make sure that Server Port says: 8888

STEP 7

Make sure that Server Path says: /

STEP 8

Make sure that Playlist List Path says: /playlist.html

STEP 9

Hit the Apply button to save the changes. The Exstreamer
will reboot.

STEP 10

After the reboot wait until the green LED stays steady
(zServer was found), click on the HOME icon to get to the
main page. You should see now your playlists served by the
zServer. Clicking on a playlist will start the music.

8.3 How to set the Exstreamer to
stream music from a specific
computer

For use with multiple zServer in the network.

STEP 1

You must have the zServer running on the computer you
want to stream from.

STEP 2

Open your Web Browser

STEP 3

Enter the IP address of the Exstreamer and press Enter.

Example: 192.168.0.12

STEP 4

Click on the Config link.

STEP 5

Click on the SERVER tab in the SETTINGS menu

STEP 6

Choose "1 zServer (fix) " in the Mode field.

STEP 7

Enter the IP address of the computer you want to stream
from in the Server IP Address field.

Example: 192.168.0.99

STEP 8

Make sure that Server Port says: 8888

STEP 9

Make sure that Server Path says: /

STEP 10

Make sure that Playlist List Path says: /playlist.html

STEP 11

Hit the Apply button to save the changes. The Exstreamer
will reboot.

STEP 12

After the reboot click on the HOME icon to get to the
main page. You should see now your playlists served by the
zServer. Clicking on a playlist will start the music.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

8.4 How to set the Exstreamer to
stream music from a web server

For use with standard web servers

STEP 1

Open your Web Browser

STEP 2

Enter the IP address of the Exstreamer and press Enter.

Example: 192.168.0.12

STEP 3

Click on the Config link.

STEP 4

Click on the SERVER tab in the SETTINGS menu

STEP 5

Choose "2 Web server" in the Mode field.

STEP 6

In the Server IP Address field enter in the IP address of the
target web server the Exstreamer should stream from.

STEP 7

In the Server Port field you have to enter the port number
of which your web server is communicating (standard web
servers work on port 80). Example: 80

STEP 8

In the Server Path field you have to enter the path where
your playlists are stored on the web server. Please note
that you have to put a "/" in front and at the end of the
path. A single "/" in the field indicates the root directory of
the Web server. Example: /Music/

STEP 9

In the Playlist List Path field you have to enter the path
where your list of playlists is stored on the web server.

Example: /Music/playlist.txt

STEP 9

Hit the Apply button to save the changes. The Exstreamer
will reboot.

STEP 10

After the reboot click on the HOME icon to get to the
main page. You should see now your playlists served by the
web server. Clicking on a playlist will start the music.

8.5 How to set the Exstreamer to be a
streaming puller

For use with standard MP3 jukeboxes

STEP 1

Open your Web Browser

STEP 2

Enter the IP address of the Exstreamer and press Enter.

Example: 192.168.0.12

STEP 3

Click on the Config link.

STEP 4

Click on the SERVER tab in the SETTINGS menu

STEP 5

Choose "3 Streaming Puller" in the Mode field.

STEP 6

In the Server IP Address field enter in the IP address of the
target jukebox the Exstreamer should stream from.

STEP 7

In the Server Port field enter in the port number required
by the jukebox (check the jukebox documentation)

STEP 8

In the Server Path field you have to enter a "/".
Some Jukeboxes allow you to distinguish between different
server Paths: Example: /music2

STEP 9

Hit the Apply button to save the changes. The Exstreamer
will reboot.

STEP 10

After the reboot the Exstreamer will start pulling music
from your Jukebox.

8.6 How to set the Exstreamer to be a
streaming receiver

For use with applications sending a stream.

STEP 1

Open your Web Browser

STEP 2

Enter the IP address of the Exstreamer and press Enter.

Example: 192.168.0.12

STEP 3

Click on the Config link.

STEP 4

Click on the SERVER tab in the SETTINGS menu

STEP 5

Choose "4 Streaming receiver" in the Mode field.

STEP 6

Hit the Apply button to save the changes. The Exstreamer
will reboot.

STEP 7

After the reboot the Exstreamer will wait for a stream on
the selected TCP and/or UDP Streaming Listen Port.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

9 IR Remote control

Follow this instructions if you have purchased the optional
IR Remote control kit.

To prepare the IR Remote Control for usage open the
battery compartment and check the signs of polarity.
Insert the two batteries accordingly into the IR remote
control. The IR Remote Control is now ready to operate.

Connect the serial cable of the IR Serial receiver to the
serial port of the Exstreamer. Make sure you have lign of
sight with the IR Serial receiver from where you want to
use the IR remote control.
On power up the blue LED will be on until the Exstreamer
has set the network and announced the IP Address. The
function of this LED can be changed in the configuration
Serial settings by the field "RTS function" (see section 7.7
Serial settings). The Installation is completed.

The Exstreamer can now be controlled through your IR
remote control. Enjoy the comfort and ease of use!

Mute / Unmute the Exstreamer Output.

Switch to previous / next song in the current playlist.

Decrease / Increase volume of Exstreamer Output.

Switch to first song of previous / next playlist.

Play playlist one to ten.

Stop the current song.

Play the current song.

Pause the current song.

REPEAT Toggle repeat mode for song / playlist / off.

SHUFFLE Toggle shuffle mode on / off.

The following keys are currently not being used (ready for
future use): ON/OFF | * | # | WAKEUP

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

10 Advanced user section

10.1 Network configuration using
supplied serial cable

STEP 1

Open a Terminal program.

STEP 2

Go to the settings menu and adjust the following settings:
Baud rate 9600 bit/sec, 8 Data Bits, no Parity and 1 Stop
Bit.

STEP 3

Unplug the power supply of the Exstreamer.

STEP 4

Connect the supplied serial cable to your PC’s COM port
and to the serial port of the Exstreamer.

STEP 5

Keep the Reset button pushed and plug in the power
supply. Release the Reset button as soon as you see
following screen:

STEP 6

Hit <s> to skip network discovery if not connected to a
network and the following screen appears:

STEP 7

Hit <s> to get to the Annuncicom IC setup.

STEP 8

Hit <enter> to enter the Exstreamer setup mode.

STEP 9

Type in <0> and hit <enter> to enter the Network
configuration. Enter all requested values:

STEP 10

Type in <9> and hit <enter> to save the Network
configuration.

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

10.2 Network configuration using telnet

STEP 1

Unplug the power supply of the Exstreamer.

STEP 2

Keep the Reset button pushed and plug in the power
supply. Release the Reset button after 5 seconds.

STEP 3

Run a command session. Type telnet in the run window
with the IP address announced by Sonic IP on port 9999.

Example: telnet 192.168.0.12 9999

You will see the following screen:

Hit <enter> to access the Exstreamer in the setup mode.

STEP 9

Type in <0> and hit <enter> to enter the Network
configuration. Enter all requested values.

STEP 10

Type in <9> and hit <enter> to save the Network
configuration.

10.3 Control APIs for serial and
Ethernet

For integration of the Exstreamer into various control
applications and home automation systems, Barix has
developed a control API (Application Protocol Interface)
for the serial port and Ethernet UDP and TCP control.

Serial Port control API

The serial port on the Exstreamer can be used to send
control commands from a home automation system and
other PC or embedded applications. In the device
configuration the serial port can be adjusted to suit your
application.

For a detailed list of serial commands refer to the
Exstreamer Digital Technical Documentation available on
the Barix website www.barix.com

Ethernet UDP or TCP control commands

The same control commands used on the serial port can be
used as UDP or TCP commands over Ethernet.

For more information and a detailed list of UDP and TCP
control commands refer to the Exstreamer Digital
Technical Documentation available on the Barix website
www.barix.com

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

11 FAQ and Troubleshooting

Q: I don’t see any status lights on at all.

A: Make sure the power cable is correctly plugged into the
unit and make sure the power supply is plugged into the
wall.

Q: Red status light is flashing red.

A: Make sure the network cable is plugged into the unit.
The status light on the jack indicates if you are connected
to the network or not. Make sure the Music Server
program is running on the network. You can also ping the
device to see if it’s on your network.

Q: How do I ping the Exstreamer to see if it’s on my
network?

A: You can ping any device on your network by opening a
DOS command box.

Type ping and the IP address of the unit to see if you can
get a response.

Example: ping 192.168.2.10

The proper response would be to see the message “reply
from 192.168.2.10”.

If you see the message “request timed out”, it means that
the Exstreamer is not on your network or that you have
entered the wrong numbers for the IP address.

Q: When I type in the IP address in the browser I get a
“This Page Cannot Be Displayed” Message

A: This means that you can not connect to the Exstreamer.
There could be a couple of different reasons. Make sure
you are typing in the IP address correctly. Check the cables
to make sure the Exstreamer is properly connected to the
network.

Q: Will the Exstreamer work on my operating system?

A: The Exstreamer works on virtually any operating system
because the zServer software is a portable java application
that was designed to run regardless of which operating
system it is on. To control the Exstreamer a standard web
browser is all you need.

12 Technical specifications

Audio Format:

MP3 (up to 320 kBit), uncompressed formats
(WAV) in future versions

Audio Interfaces:

Stereo RCA, 4.2Vpp max (0dbFs) SNR>90dB,

Frequency Response: -0.05dB (20Hz), 1.45dB (20kHz)
THDN + N: 0.015% (0dBFs)

3.5mm Headphone Jack, 2Vpp max. output level

volume, bass and treble adjustable by browser

Network Interface:

RJ45 10/100 Mbit Ethernet (Auto),TCP/IP,UDP, ICMP,
DHCP, AutoIP, SonicIP

®, IPzator™,SMB/CIFS, integrated

web server for control and configuration

PC Card slot for 802.11b Wireless LAN card (only
Exstreamer Wireless)

Control Interfaces:

DSub 9pin male, 9600 Baud 8, N,1

Misc:

Two LED (red and green) status indicators
Reset/Factory default button

Power supply (Exstreamer)

9V 500mA DC power plug

Consumption: max. 4W

Power supply (Exstreamer Wireless)

12V 1000mA DC power plug

Consumption: max. 4W

Case (Exstreamer)

approx. 3.15” x 2.0” x 4.5” / 80 x 50 x 115 mm metal case

Weight: 320 grams

Case (Exstreamer Wireless)

approx. 7.1" x 1.97" x 4.73" / 180mm x 50mm x 120mm

extruded aluminium case

Weight: 500 grams

Certifications:

FCC, CE

User Interface:

browser based (integrated webserver),
serial port or ethernet control API for home
automation systems

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

Page 22

13 Dictionary

DHCP

Short for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, DHCP is a
protocol used to assign an IP address to a device
connected to a Network.

DOS

Microsoft DOS (Disk Operating System) is a command line
user interface. MS-DOS 1.0 was released in 1981 for IBM
computers. While MS-DOS is not used commonly today, it
still can be accessed from Windows 95, XP, Windows 98
or Windows NT by clicking Start / Run and typing
command or CMD in Windows 2000.

IP

Short for Internet Protocol, the IP is an address of a
computer or other network device on a network using IP
or TCP/IP. Every device on an IP-based network requires
an IP address to identify its location or address on the
network.

Example: 192.168.2.10

IPzator

Barix IPzator™ technology is designed for the purpose that
the Annuncicom IC can create its own IP address according
to the network structure in case it can’t receive one from
your network. If DHCP, AUTO IP or BOOTP fail, IPzator
will create an IP address within the subnet and test it. If the
address works and is not being used by another device on
the network, it will give the address to the Annuncicom IC.

MAC address

Abbreviation for Medium Access Control, a MAC is a
unique address number formatted in hexadecimal format
and given to each computer and/or network device on a
computer network. Because a MAC address is a unique
address a computer network will not have the same MAC
address assigned to more than one computer or network
device.

Example: A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6

Netmask

A number used to identify a sub network so that an IP
address can be shared on a LAN (Local Area Network).
A mask is used to determine what subnet an IP address
belongs to. An IP address has two components, the
network address and the host address. For example,
consider the IP address 150.215.17.009. Assuming this is
part of a Class B network, the first two numbers (150.2)
represent the Class B network address, and the second
two numbers (.017.009) identify a particular host on this
network. The Netmask would then be 255.255.0.0

Ping

Ping is a basic Internet program that lets you verify that a
particular IP address exists and can accept requests.

Example: ping 192.168.2.10

Sonic IP

Barix Sonic IP® technology is designed to vocally announce
the Annuncicom IC’s current IP address. This makes it
easier and faster to obtain the necessary network
information. To make use of Sonic IP plug in the included
earphone into RCA audio out, connect the network and
plug in the power supply. It will announce the address over
the earphones right after power up.

Static IP

A Static IP is a fixed IP address that you assign manually
to a device on the network. It remains valid until you
disable it.

Telnet

Telnet is a user command and an underlying TCP/IP
protocol for accessing remote computers. On the Web,
HTTP and FTP protocols allow you to request specific files
from remote computers, but not to actually be logged on
as a user of that computer. With Telnet, you log on as a
regular user with whatever privileges you may have been
granted to the specific application and data on that
computer.

Example: telnet 192.168.2.10

Exstreamer User Manual Version 1.7

Page 23

© 2004 Barix AG, Zürich, Switzerland.

All rights reserved.

All information is subject to change without notice.

All mentioned trademarks are belonging to their respective owners and are used for
reference only.

Barix, Exstreamer, Instreamer, SonicIP and IPzator are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Barix AG, Switzerland in certain legislations.

For information about our devices and the latest version of this manual please visit

www.barix.com.

Barix AG

Seefeldstrasse 303

8008 Zürich

SWITZERLAND

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Internet

web: www.barix.com

email: [e-mail]