Camco Amplifier User Manual

VORTEX USER MANUAL

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USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

INFORMATION FOR USE FOR VORTEX 3 QUADRO

V3QUM_GB_2004-2007-R2_12-2007

für Beschallungs- und Beleuchtungsanlagen

Fischpicke 5, D-57482 Wenden, Germany

Telephone +49 (0) 27 62/4 08- 0

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1) Read the information for use (user manual).

2) Please keep this user manual in a safe place during the lifetime of the ampliﬁer. The user manual forms an integral part of the ampliﬁer. Reselling of the ampliﬁer is only possible if the user manual is available. Any changes made to the ampliﬁer have to be documented in writing and passed on to the buyer in the event of resale.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this ampliﬁer near water (for example, in damp rooms or near a swimming pool).

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the user manual.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.

9) Protect the power cord from being walked on, pinched or damaged in any other way. Pay particular attention to plugs and the point where they exit from the ampliﬁer.

The ampliﬁer may only be used in accordance with the information provided

10) in the user manual. Before and during the usage of the ampliﬁer please ensure that all recommendations, especially the safety recommendations as detailed in the user manual, are adhered to. The VORTEX-Ampliﬁer is designed for the ampliﬁcation of pulsed audio signals and the ampliﬁer should only be connected to speakers with an average impedance that is not lower than the impedances speciﬁed in points 3.8.1, 3.8.2 and 3.8.3.

11) Do not place this ampliﬁer on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The device may fall, causing serious injury, and serious damage to the device itself.

12) The ampliﬁer can only be disconnected from the power supply by removing the plug, which must be freely accessible at all times. Unplug this ampliﬁer during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

13)

Refer all servicing to qualiﬁed service personnel.

Servicing is required when

the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the ampliﬁer, the ampliﬁer has been exposed to rain or moisture, the ampliﬁer has been dropped or suffered damage in any other way. the ampliﬁer exhibits a distinct change from its normal function or

performance.

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USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION – HIGH VOLTAGE HAZARDS

EXIST WITHIN THIS PRODUCT.

REFER ALL SERVICING TO

AUTHORISED PERSONNEL.

1. Read the information for use (user manual)

When shipping the VORTEX ampliﬁer, always use the original shipping carton and packing materials. For maximum protection, repack the unit as it was originally packed at the factory.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS / SAFETY

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USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

THE LIGHTNING FLASH WITH ARROW HEAD SYMBOL, IS INTENDED TO

ALERT THE USER TO THE PRESENCE OF UNINSULATED DANGEROUS

VOLTAGE WITHIN THE PRODUCT’S ENCLOSURE.

THE EXCLAMATION MARK IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER

TO IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ALSO FOR MAINTENANCE IN THE

LITERATURE ACCOMPANYING THE AMPLIFIER.

THE LIGHTNING FLASH WITH ARROW HEAD SYMBOL ALERTS

THE USER TO DANGEROUSLY HIGH VOLTAGE AT THE SPEAKON

CONNECTORS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE LIFE THREATENING.

CAUTION – RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK – DO NOT OPEN.

WARNING – TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

AMPLIFIER TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

THE AMPLIFIER MAY ONLY BE CONNECTED

TO A SOCKET WITH A CONNECTION TO GROUND.

2. Environments

Use this ampliﬁer only in E1, E2, E3 or E4 environments according to EN55103-2 “Electromagnetic compatibility – Product family standard for audio, video and audio-visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use – Part 2: Immunity”.

3. Ventilation

Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation, to ensure reliable operation of the ampliﬁer and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. This ampliﬁer should not be installed unless proper ventilation is provided or manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

4. Water And Moisture

Do not use this ampliﬁer near water (for example, in damp rooms or near a swimming pool).

5. Cleaning

Unplug this ampliﬁer from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

6. Power-cord Protection

Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon them or against them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, and the point where they exit from the ampliﬁer.

7. Lightning

For added protection of this ampliﬁer during lightning storms, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent damage to the ampliﬁer due to lightning and power-

SAFETY

line surges. Disconnection from the mains power supply can only be achieved by removing the plug from the mains socket and by external disconnecting all poles from the mains.

8. Interference of external objects and/or liquids with the appliance

Never push objects of any kind into this ampliﬁer through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a ﬁre or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the ampliﬁer.

9. Accessories

Do not place this ampliﬁer on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The ampliﬁer may fall, causing serious injury, and serious damage to the product. Any mounting of the ampliﬁer should follow the manufacturers instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

10. Connecting

When you connect the ampliﬁer to other equipment, turn off the power and unplug all of the equipment from the supply source. Failure to do so may cause an electric shock and serious personal injury. Read the user manual of the other equipment carefully and follow the instructions when making the connections.

11. Sound Volume

Reduce the volume to minimum before you turn on the ampliﬁer to prevent sudden high levels of noise which may cause hearing or speaker damage. (See

also 4.1.1 Volume control)

12. Damages that require service

Unplug this ampliﬁer from the mains supply and refer to your dealer/distributor or other authorised repair workshop if any of the following situations occur:

if liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the ampliﬁer if the ampliﬁer does not operate normally as described in the user manual.

Operate the controls only as described in the user manual. if the ampliﬁer has been dropped or damaged in any other way. when the ampliﬁer exhibits a distinct change from its normal function or

performance.

13. Servicing

Do not attempt to service this ampliﬁer yourself. As opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards, the ampliﬁer may only be opened by qualiﬁed personnel. Please refer to your dealer/distributor.

14. Servicing and Replacement Parts

All service and repair work must be carried out by a CAMCO authorised dealer. When replacement parts are required, please ensure that the dealer/distributor only uses replacement parts speciﬁed by the manufacturer. The use of unauthorized replacement parts may result in injury and/or damage through ﬁre or electric shock or other electricity-related hazards.

15. Safety Check

Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the dealer/distributor to per form safety checks to determine that the ampliﬁer is in proper operating condition. Recommendations on how to carry out the safety test can be found in DIN VDE 0701-1 “Maintenance, Modiﬁcation and Test of Electronic Appliances“.

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USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

EC Declaration of Conformity in accordance to EC Directives:

electro-magnetic compatibility (Council Directive 89/336/EEC, as amended by Directives 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC); low-voltage electrical equipment (Council Directive 73/23/EEC )

Manufacturers Name:

CAMCO Produktions- und Vertriebs- GmbH für Beschallungs- und Beleuchtungsanlagen

Manufacturers Address:

Fischpicke 5, D-57482 Wenden, Germany

Declares that the product with the model name:

CAMCO Power ampliﬁer VORTEX-3-QUADRO

Conforms to the following standards:

EN60065 Safety EN55103-1 Emission EN55103-2 Immunity

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

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USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

The operating conditions and application environments presupposed in the information for use (user manual) are to be kept accordingly. Please Note: The following formulations have been chosen:

VORTEX-3-QUADRO for the type plate and for the EC declaration of conformity. VORTEX 3 QUADRO for the front face of the appliance and VORTEX 3 QUADRO

or VORTEX for the text in the user manual.

Wenden, 06.06.2006

Joachim Stöcker

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS / SAFETY

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EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

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CONTENTS

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1 WELCOME

CONTENTS

1.1 Welcome To CAMCO

1.2 Unpacking

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1.3 The Amplifier

2 FACILITIES

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2.1 VORTEX 3 QUADRO – The Front

2.2 VORTEX 3 QUADRO – The Rear

2.3 Factory Settings

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3 INSTALLATION

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3.1 Mains Supply

3.2 On/Off Switch

3.3 Mounting

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3.4 Cooling

3.5 Ground Lift

3.6 Mode Indicators

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3.7 Mode Selector

3.8 Basic Concepts

3.8.1 Stereo

3.8.2 Parallel-Mono

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3.8.3 Mono-Bridge

3.9 Wiring

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3.9.1 XLR Connection

3.9.2 SPEAKON Connection

3.9.3 Four-Channel Operation

3.9.4 Three-Channel Operation

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3.9.4.1 Stereo / Parallel-Mono

3.9.4.2 Stereo / Mono-Bridge

3.9.5 Two-Channel Operation

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3.9.5.1 Parallel-Mono / Parallel-Mono

3.9.5.2 Mono-Bridge / Mono-Bridge

3.9.5.3 Parallel-Mono / Mono-Bridge

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4 OPERATION

4.1 Controls

4.1.1 Volume Control

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4.1.2 Gain Selector

4.1.3 Limiter Switch

4.2 Indicators

4.2.1 On LEDs (multifunctional)

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4.2.2 Signal LEDs

4.2.3 Clip LEDs (multifunctional)

4.3 Power Amp Protection Systems

4.3.1 Clip Limiter

4.3.2 Under Impedance Limiter

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4.3.3 SOA Protection

4.3.4 Speaker Protect Limiter

4.3.5 DC Protection

4.3.6 DC Servo

4.3.7 Over Current Protection

4.3.8 Thermal Protection

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4.4 Mains Protections

4.4.1 Inrush Current Limitation

4.4.2 Mains Over Voltage Detection

4.4.3 Mains Failure Detection

4.4.4 Fuse Protection

4.5 Main SMPS Protections

4.5.1 Over Current Protection

4.5.2 Thermal Protection

4.6 Fans

4.7 Filter Cleaning

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5 OPTIONS

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5.1 CAI (CAMCO Audio Interface)

5.1.1 Wiring

5.1.2 CAI Address Settings

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5.1.3 CAI Status Indicator

6 TROUBLESHOOTING

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6.1 On LED Flashing Sequences

6.2 Problem: No Sound

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6.3 Problem: No Sound Or Sound Is Too Low

6.4 Problem: No Channel Separation

6.5 Problem: Distorted Sound

6.6 Problem: Hiss

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6.7 Problem: Squeals And Feedback

7 SPECIFICATION

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8 MEASUREMENTS

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9 WARRANTY INFORMATION

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9.1 Summary Of Warranty

9.2 Items Excluded From This Warranty

9.3 What CAMCO Will Do

9.4 How To Obtain Warranty Service

9.5 CAMCO’s Product Improvement

10 SERVICE INFORMATION

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11 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 12 DECOMISSIONING COMPANY INFORMATION

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USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

1.1 Welcome To CAMCO

Established in 1983, CAMCO has gained worldwide experience with professional sound reinforcement technology. Within the audio market, CAMCO specialises in the production and marketing of high quality power ampliﬁers and sound systems for use both on tour and in static installations.

The success of the LA, DL and DX series power amps has made the CAMCO

1 WELCOME

name synonymous with professional quality, high performance and utterly reliable power amps.

1.2 Unpacking

Please unpack and inspect your new ampliﬁer for any damage that may have occurred during transit. If damage is found, notify the transportation company immediately. Only you the consignee may initiate a claim for shipping damage. CAMCO will be happy to cooperate fully as needed. Please save the shipping carton as evidence of damage for the shipper’s inspection.

Even if the ampliﬁer has arrived in perfect condition, save all packing materials so you will have them if you ever need to transport the unit.

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CAMCO’s commitment to research and development, seen not just in the area of materials and technology but also most importantly in its highly skilled and motivated workforce, is one of the keys to its ongoing success.

With its all-new VORTEX power amp series, CAMCO is pioneering a new dimen- sion in professional power amp construction. The seamless combination of groundbreaking technology with secure and proven elements is the hallmark of the new series.

Welcome to the new world of professional power ampliﬁers –

WELCOME TO CAMCO!

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

NEVER SHIP THE AMPLIFIER WITHOUT THE ORIGINAL PACKING MATERIALS.

When shipping the VORTEX ampliﬁer, always use the original shipping carton and packing materials. For maximum protection, repack the unit as it was originally packed at the factory.

1.3 The Ampliﬁer

The VORTEX 3 QUADRO is a Class-H four channel power ampliﬁer with a power output of 750 W per channel / 4 Ω load (1,5 kW in stereo / 2 Ω or 8 Ω load). These four channels are subdivided in two stereo ampliﬁers A/B and C/D which can be independently set to stereo, Mono-Bridge or Parallel-Mono operation. This feature guarantes the most ﬂexibility of the VORTEX 3 QUADRO. It is supplied by Switched Mode Power Supplies (SMPS). These SMPS’s radically

1 WELCOME

reduce the weight and size (only 2U) of the ampliﬁer. Using SMPS, the 2 symmetrical supply voltages of the power ampliﬁer are more stable than the power supplies used in conventional ampliﬁers.

The VORTEX also uses three microprocessors for controlling and monitoring the power amp. Controlling a power amp designed for use in modern sound systems, has four main advantages over more traditional power amp systems:

Reduced Distortion Improved Noise Characteristics Integrated Remote Control Indication of protection or failures by different LED sequences

The VORTEX has been designed as an intelligent and powerful product for performing specialised tasks within a complex audio system. Users can adapt the power amp to meet their speciﬁc audio requirements before use. Controls mounted on the front and the rear of the VORTEX allow access to the functionality.

Since some of the externally mounted controls have multiple functions, it is important that users should familiarise themselves with the entire range of controls and programmable features before using the power amp.

If you have questions about features of the VORTEX power amp that are not covered by the basic descriptions in this manual, CAMCO would be pleased to offer you further information. Alternatively, contact your dealer/distributor.

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USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

2 FACILITIES

 

      

    

  

P.9

VORTEX 3 QUADRO – The Front

1 On LEDs (multifunctional) 2 Signal LEDs 3 Clip LEDs (multifunctional) 4 Volume Control Channel A 5 Volume Control Channel B 6 Volume Control Channel C 7 Volume Control Channel D

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

13 14

VORTEX 3 QUADRO – The Rear

8 On/Off Switch 9 Enter-Switch (behind Front Panel) 10 CAI Status Indicator 11 Operating Mode Indicators Ch. A/B 12 Operating Mode Indicators Ch. C/D 13 Removable Air Filter System 14 Cooling Air Inlet Vents

15 CAMCO Audio Interface (CAI)

16 Cooling Air Outlet Vents

17 Gain Selector Ch. C/D

18 Mode Selector Ch. C/D

19 Input Ground Lift Switch

20 Limiter Switch Ch. A/B/C/D

21 Gain Selector Ch. A/B

22 Mode Selector Ch. A/B

17 18

23 AC Power Cable 24 SPEAKON Outlet Ch. C/D 25 SPEAKON Outlet Ch. A/B 26 XLR-Line Input Ch. D 27 XLR-Line Input Ch. C 28 XLR-Line Input Ch. B 29 XLR-Line Input Ch. A 30 Rating Plate

2827 29

 

      

    

  

2.3 Factory Settings

VORTEX 3 QUADRO ampliﬁers are delivered with the following factory settings

2 FACILITIES

Front panel: On/Off Switch Off Ampliﬁer is switched off

Rear panel:

Mode Channel C/D Stereo Limiter SpP Mode Channel A/B Stereo Gain Channel C/D 26 dB Input Ground Lift Grounded Gain Channel A/B 26 dB

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USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

  

        

      

    

xxxxxxx

VORTEX-3-QUADRO

230 V ~ 50/60 Hz 7,8 A 1070 W

750 W / 4 Ohm

3.1 Mains Supply

When mounting or connecting the amp always disconnect it from mains. Only connect the VORTEX ampliﬁer to an appropriate AC circuit and outlet, according to the requirements indicated in the second line on the rating plate.

3 INSTALLATION

Exemplary a rating plate of an ampliﬁer with a mains supply of 230 V ~ 50/60 Hz.

Power Supply Data:

VORTEX 3 QUADRO 100 V 50/60 Hz 22 A 1140 W VORTEX 3 QUADRO 120 V 50/60 Hz 15,6 A 1070 W VORTEX 3 QUADRO 220 V 60 Hz 7,8 A 1070 W VORTEX 3 QUADRO 230 V 50/60 Hz 7,8 A 1070 W

NOTE: Even under normal conditions the mains current can reach levels up to 60 A (230 V) and 120 A (120 V), respectively; this could cause lamps to ﬂicker if connected to the same mains as the amp. The impedance of the AC circuit should be less than 0,157 Ohms to avoid ﬂicker according to EN61000-3-11. “Electromagnetic compatibility – Part 3-11: Limits – Limitation of voltage changes, voltage ﬂuctuations and ﬂicker in the public low-voltage supply systems – Equipment with rated current less than 75 A and subject to conditional connection”. If in any doubt, consult your local power provider. Never attempt to measure this impedance level with your ohmmeter. This may

P.11

damage your meter and expose you to the risk of electric shock!

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

Voltage Mains Frequency Current

Power Consumption

3.2 On/Off Switch

NOTE: This switch does NOT disconnect the ampliﬁer from mains.

The switch initiates start-up by activating the current limiting function. As soon as the power ampliﬁer is connected to the mains power supply, a voltage is supplied to both the line-ﬁlter and the fused input of the controllable rectiﬁer. Disconnecting the ampliﬁer from the main power supply can only be achieved by physically separating the ampliﬁer from the mains by pulling the mains plug. The mains plug therfore has to be freely accessible. Disconnect the mains plug from the mains during a lightning storm or when the ampliﬁer remains unused or un-supervised for a prolonged period of time. Alternatively, you can disconnect the ampliﬁer via an external all-pole disconnection from the mains. If a power cut occurs while the ampliﬁer is switched on, it will restart automatically once the power supply has been restored. All settings operation prior to the loss of power will be maintained.

Ampliﬁer is switched off. Ampliﬁer is switched on

(On LEDs are lighting up).

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3.3 Mounting

Use four screws and washers when mounting the ampliﬁer to the front rack rails. For mobile use, the ampliﬁer should also be secured using the 19” mounting elements on the rear panel.

10,5 mm

76,2 mm

88,9 mm

3INSTALLATION

420,0 mm

465,0 mm 442,0 mm

3.4 Cooling

Under normal operation of the power amp, overheating should never be a problem. The air is taken in from the front and out through the back, it is of course essential that while the power amp is running air is able to circulate around it freely. The temperature of the cooling air will depend on the immediate environment (e.g. an enclosed rack, direct sunlight) and on whether the front ﬁlter is clogged.

USER MANUAL

VORTEX 3 QUADRO

10,5 mm

437,0 mm

446,0 mm

76,2 mm

If the amp is installed in a case, the open area at the back of the case must be at least 140 cm². This area should be in line with the amp. If this can not be achived a forced ventilation system has to be used.

3.5 Ground Lift

Pin 1 for all 4 XLRs is tied to the ground potential in the mains supply. Opening the ground lift switch causes this connection to be broken. This allows ground loops that sometimes occur in practice to be eliminated. The ground potential of the power amp and therefore of the loudspeaker outputs is independent of the switch setting and remains at the ground potential of the mains supply.

to Pin 1 of the XLRs

Removing or taping the mains connector ground is illegal and dangerous.

DO NOT REMOVE MAINS CONNECTOR GROUND

IT IS ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS

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Camco Amplifier User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual