Clear-Com HelixNet Digital Partyline 4.2 Users Guide

User Guide

HelixNet Digital Partyline 4.2

User Guide

Part Number: 399G229 Rev C

Date: February 25, 2021

HelixNet | User Guide

Document reference

HelixNet Digital Partyline User Guide

Part Number: 399G229 Rev C

Legal disclaimers

Copyright © 2021 HME Clear-Com Ltd

All rights reserved

Clear-Com and the Clear-Com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HM Electronics,

Inc.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement and may be used

only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

The product described in this document is distributed under licenses restricting its use, copying,

distribution, and decompilation / reverse engineering. No part of this document may be

reproduced in any form by any means without prior written authorization of Clear-Com, an HME

Company.

Clear-Com Offices are located in California, USA; Cambridge, UK; Dubai, UAE; Montreal,

Canada; and Beijing, China. Specific addresses and contact information can be found on Clear-

Com’s corporate website: www.clearcom.com

Clear-Com contacts

Americas and Asia-Pacific Headquarters

California, United States

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Europe, Middle East, and Africa Headquarters

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

China Office

Beijing Representative Office

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Beijing, P.R. China

Tel: [phone]

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Table of contents

1 Introduction 8

1.1 Simple installation 8

1.2 System scalability 8

1.3 Important Safety instructions 8

1.4 Methods of connection: system overview 10

1.5 System Resource 14

1.6 Further Information 15

2 Panels and Interfaces 16

2.1 Main Station/Remote Station: Front panel 16

2.2 Main Station/Remote Channel Keyset and Display 20

2.3 HMS-4X Main Station: Rear Panel 23

2.4 Remote Station rear panel 29

2.5 Speaker Station 32

2.6 HBP-2X Beltpack 38

2.7 HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack 43

3 Installing HelixNet Partyline 52

3.1 Planning your HelixNet Partyline installation 52

3.2 Installing the Main Station/Remote Station 57

3.3 Installing the Speaker Station 57

3.4 Installing the HBP-2X Beltpacks 60

3.5 Installing the HXII-BP-X4 Beltpacks 61

3.6 HelixNet Infrastructure 62

3.7 Converting Analogue Partylines to HelixNet 64

4 IP Network Structure 65

4.1 Multiple Groups in the Same IP Network 65

4.2 Link Local Environments 66

5 Configuring and managing the Main Station from front menus 69

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5.1 Using the Menus 69

5.2 Configuring the Audio settings 70

5.3 Selecting Station Settings 76

5.5 Configuring the Control I/O 80

5.6 Configuring Module Settings 83

5.7 Administration 95

5.8 Diagnostics 99

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6 Configuring and Managing the Remote Station from Front Menus 102

6.1 Configuring the audio settings 102

6.2 Selecting Station Settings 106

6.3 Configuring the Channel settings 107

6.4 Configuring the Control I/O 107

6.5 Connecting the Remote Station to a Main Station using LAN 109

6.6 Networking 109

6.7 Administration 110

6.8 Diagnostics 112

6.9 Setting up a Key Expansion Group 114

7 Configuring and managing the Speaker Station from front menus 115

7.1 Using the Menus 115

7.2 Configuring the Audio settings 116

7.3 Station Settings 116

7.4 Connecting the Speaker Station to a Main Station 117

7.5 Networking 117

7.6 Administration 117

7.7 Diagnostics 118

8 Configuring and managing the beltpacks from front menus 119

8.1 Using the Menus 119

8.2 Configuring the Role Settings 120

8.3 Configuring the Audio Settings 120

8.4 Audio Settings for the Microphone 122

8.5 Configuring the beltpack Settings 122

8.6 Configuring the Display Settings 124

8.7 Network - Powerline 126

8.8 Network - Ethernet 126

8.9 Administration 127

8.10 Diagnostics 127

9 Using the Main Station/Remote Station 129

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9.1 Using the Gooseneck Mic, Loudspeaker and Headset 129

9.2 Entering and Exiting Menu Mode 131

9.3 Using the Channel Keysets 131

9.4 Using the All Talk Key 132

9.5 Using the SA [Stage Announce] key 132

9.6 Using the RMK [Remote Mic Kill] Key 133

9.7 Line 1 and 2 LEDs 135

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9.8 Line and LAN LEDs 135

10 Using the Speaker Station 136

10.1 Using the gooseneck mic, loudspeaker and headset 136

10.2 Entering and exiting Menu Mode 138

10.3 Using the Channel Keysets 138

10.4 Using the speaker station with push-to-talk (PTT) actions 139

11 Using the HBP-2X Beltpack 140

11.1 Using the Beltpack Keysets 140

11.2 Entering and Exiting Menu Mode 141

11.3 Adjusting the Program Feed Volume Level 141

12 Using the HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack 142

12.1 Using the Beltpack Keysets 142

12.2 Entering and Exiting Menu Mode 143

12.3 Adjusting the Program Feed Volume Level 143

12.4 Binaural Audio 143

13 Roles 144

13.1 Roles overview 144

13.2 Example Roles Set Up 145

13.3 Device Default Roles 147

13.4 To Select a Role for a Device 148

13.5 Creating and Editing Roles in the CCM 148

13.6 Roles (System Limits) 150

14 Core Configuration Manager (CCM) 151

14.1 Access the CCM 152

14.2 Minimum Requirements for the CCM 152

14.3 Overview Page 153

14.4 Device Page 154

14.5 General Page 155

14.6 Save/Restore System Settings 157

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14.7 Linking Page 158

14.8 Network Page 159

14.9 Ports Page 160

14.10 Roles Page 163

14.11 Assignments Page 164

15 Using the CCM to configure Roles 168

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15.1 Editing Main Station roles 168

15.2 Editing the Keyset 168

15.3 Editing the Station 170

15.4 Editing the Headset 172

15.5 Editing the Microphone 173

15.6 Editing the Program Input 174

15.7 Editing the Stage Announce Output 175

15.8 Editing the Hot Mic Output 175

15.9 Editing the Loudspeaker 175

15.10 Logic Input/Output Options 177

15.11 Editing Remote Station roles 179

15.12 Editing Speaker Station roles 181

15.13 Editing the beltpack roles 184

15.14 Configure a Stacked Key on a Beltpack using the CCM 186

15.15 Call a Beltpack Using the USB Flasher Feature 187

15.16 Disable Menu Access on any Device from the CCM 188

16 Linking in the Core Configuration Manager (CCM) 190

16.1 A HelixNet Link-Group Overview 190

16.2 Device Configuration in the CCM 191

16.3 Linking Main Stations in the CCM 192

17 Linking Main Stations (Cabling and Linking from Device Menus) 195

17.1 Linking Scenarios 195

18 Pairing Remote Stations, Speaker Stations and HXII-BP-X4 Beltpacks to the
Main Station 200

18.1 Pairing Scenarios 200

18.2 Networking Specifications 205

19 Connecting to other Intercom Systems 207

19.1 Connecting LQ to HelixNet 207

19.2 LQ to HelixNet connectivity 207

19.3 Connecting HelixNet Partyline to Encore® 213

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19.4 Connecting HelixNet Partyline to RTS (Telex) two-wire systems 215

19.5 Four-Wire Connection to FreeSpeak II Base II 218

19.6 Connecting HelixNet Partyline to the DX210/DX410 218

19.7 Connecting HelixNet Partyline to Eclipse® 222

19.8 Connecting HelixNet Partyline to Two-Way Radio Systems 226

20 System Specifications 229

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20.1 Main Station (HMS-4X) 229

20.2 Two-Wire Module (HLI-2W2) 232

20.3 Four-Wire Module (HLI-4W2) 234

20.4 Fiber interface module (HLI-FBS) 234

20.5 Remote Station (HRM-4X) 235

20.6 Speaker Station (HKB-2X) 240

20.7 Beltpack (HBP-2X) 243

20.8 Beltpack (HXII-BP-X4) 244

20.9 Network (Ethernet) 246

20.10 Roles (System Limits) 248

21 Glossary 249

22 HMS-4X Main Station Menu Map 251

22.1 HRS-4X Remote Station Menu Map 262

22.2 HKB-2X Speaker Station Menu Map 268

22.3 HBP-2X and HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack Menu Map 272

23 Cabling reference 277

23.1 Interoperability 277

23.2 Clear-Com EthernetCable Recommendations 278

23.3 Clear-Com Microphone Cable Recommendations (Capacitance Versus Distance) 278

23.4 Cable Connections 281

24 Troubleshooting 285

25 Compliance 288

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1 Introduction

This guide is intended to help you install, configure, and use the HelixNet Partyline™ system.

HelixNet Partyline is a digital intercom system designed to combine the simplicity and ease of use

of an analog partyline system with the quality and deployment flexibility of Ethernet networks.

1.1 Simple installation

User stations can be added to the system without configuration

l Simple and fast global web browser or front panel configuration

l All partyline channels are available on every cable

l Easy integration with other 2-wire or 4-wire systems

l Standard Infrastructure:

HelixNet | User Guide

l Ethernet networks – PoE powered user stations

l XLR Cables – daisy changing and passively splitting

l Digital distribution for low noise floor

Note: Cabling for a HelixNet system should always be screened.

1.2 System scalability

HelixNet Partyline is easily expanded by adding additional HMS-4Xs (up to a maximum of 6) or LQ

devices (up to 3 in a Link-Group).

l 12 or 24 channels per system with optional feature license

l 64 Endpoints (user stations and ports) per HelixNet system

l LQ devices can be mixed in a HelixNet Link-Group for audio port expansion as well as the

optionally licensed Agent-IC mobile app and SIP/VoIP clients.

l Expansion option to enable talk and listen on more than four Channels.

l A choice of beltpacks and the option of wall/desktop Remote Stations that connect to a

system that contains a Main Station

1.3 Important Safety instructions

HelixNet digital Partyline uses cable infrastructure to transport audio and data over a range of

frequencies. The maximum frequency used for transmission is approximately 25MHz. Depending

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HelixNet | User Guide

on the amount of audio and data transmitted, HelixNet digital Partyline can work with as much as

90dB signal attenuation. However, the receivers are very sensitive and are susceptible to

crosstalk between cables.

Therefore it is important to maintain cable shield integrity through all connectors,

splitter boxes and patch panels.

Read these instructions.

Keep these instructions.

Heed all warnings.

Follow all instructions.

Do not use this apparatus near water.

Clean only with dry cloth.

Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus

(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two

blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If

the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete

outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience

receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with

the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to

avoid injury from tip-over.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has

been damaged in any way, such as power-cord supply or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled

or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,

does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture.

1.3.1 Safety symbols

Familiarize yourself with the safety symbols in the diagram below.

These symbols are displayed on the apparatus and warn you of the potential danger of electric

shock if the system is used improperly.

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Note: For compliance purposes see Compliance.

1.4 Methods of connection: system overview

HelixNet devices can be connected in several different ways. A combination of these methods can

be used.

1.4.1 Connecting by cable (Powerline)

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In this scenario devices are connected by cable in either a daisy chain or home run fashion. Power

and data are passed down this connection in what is known as a powerline.

See Linking Remote Stations and Speaker Stations for detail on different types of device layout

(topologies).

Up to 20 beltpacks can be connected to one Main Station, and Remote and Speaker Stations can

be included in the powerline.

However, including Remote and Speaker Stations in the powerline will affect the amount of

devices that can be connected, as Main and Remote Stations draw more power than beltpacks.

You can find the URL to an online powerline/distance calculator at the beginning of Installing

HelixNet Partyline

1.4.2 Pairing by LAN

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When pairing by LAN, devices are connected to the same network by Ethernet cable (RJ45) and

then paired from the device menus.

See Ethernet point-to-point link for more detail.

Note: Pairing by LAN offers better latency than connecting with cable.

1.4.3 Connecting more than one Main Station (Linking)

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Up to six Main Stations can be linked. In earlier versions of HelixNet (2.0 and below) linking Main

Stations was a way of expanding the Channel capacity of your system (4 Channels on each Main

Station). In HelixNet 3.0 and later, this is no longer necessary as each Main Station already has 12

Channels, with the option of licensing another 12 (24 Channels in total). A system, regardless of

the number of linked HMS units, will have 12 Channels by default with the potential of increasing

that number to 24 with the purchase of a license for each HMS within the Link-Group.

Linking Main Stations in HelixNet has the following benefits:

l More beltpack connections (20 per Main Station)

l System distribution as far as your LAN allows.

l The ability to configure all devices from an Internet browser using the CCM (Core

Configuration Manager).

l Using a role-based setup.

l Expanding a Main Station from four keys to 24 key using the expansion key mode.

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Main Stations can be linked using different methods:

By Ethernet and RJ45 cable in your LAN. See Linking Main Stations (cabling and linking from

device menus).

By fiber cabling between units.

1.4.4 Key Expansion Groups (Main Stations and Remote Stations)

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Devices can be set up as a key Expansion Group to allow convenient control of audio from one

device, and to increase the “key” capacity so that a user can view and control more than 4 keys (up

to 24 with 5 expansion panels).

See Setting up a key Expansion Group for detail.

1.5 System Resource

System Resource Units (up to 70)

Color Indication Units

Green ≤ 59 Within system limits

Amber 60 - 63 Approaching limits

Red ≥ 64 Exceeding limits

A HelixNet system/Link Group will support up to 64 endpoints.

Endpoints consume system resources depending on the number of audio paths the endpoint

contains and may include: user stations, assigned interface ports, program audio inputs, LQ,

Agent-IC and SIP accounts.

Exceeding the system endpoint limits will cause a sluggish system response.

1.5.1 Conserving system resource

In larger systems it is recommended to balance the loading of endpoints on the HMS-4X Main

Stations in the Link Group. LQ interface ports and LQ Agent-IC, IVC and SIP accounts load the

resources of the system's Link Master.

HRM-4X Remote Stations include multiple audio interfaces which can be assigned to the system's

channels. When assigned to channels, these use resources. The Remote Station allows you to

disable the unit's program audio input as well as to configure the stage announce output for local

use. In this way you can conserve system resources in larger systems.

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1.5.2 System resource meter

There is a resource meter on the main station device icon. This is found in the Overview page of

the CCM. Hover your mouse over this icon to see how many system resource units are in use.

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1.6 Further Information

For the latest information about HelixNet Partyline, including software updates, see:

helixnet-digital-network-partyline

For information about Clear-Com accessories, including headsets and gooseneck

microphones, see:

http://www.clearcom.com/product/headsets-accessories

HelixNet | User Guide

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2 Panels and Interfaces

Key to Main Station/Remote Station: Front panel

Feature Description

Ear for rack mounting Main Station/Remote Station.

Headset socket (4-pin XLR–M)

Pin Function

1 Mic ground

2 Mic +

3 Earphone ground

4 Earphone

Gooseneck microphone socket (3-pin female Tuchel connector)

Mic control [MIC ON]. Press to activate mic audio.

2.1 Main Station/Remote Station: Front panel

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Key to Main Station/Remote Station: Front panel

Headset key [HSET]. Press to activate the headset mic. When the headset is

connected, the gooseneck microphone is disconnected. Audio output to the

loudspeaker is diverted to the headphones.

Menu. Press to display the Main Station menus in the display screens [ G ]. Use the

rotary control for each display screen to scroll and select menu items. See Main

Station/Remote Channel keyset

Channel keyset. There is a keyset (set of controls) addressable to any of the

available Channels. See Main Station/Remote Channel keyset

Stage Announce [SA]. Press to talk to connected Public Address (PA) / Stage

Announce (SA) system, See HMS-4X Main Station: rear panel

SA mutes any active Talk key on the station, and transmits audio from either

headset or gooseneck microphone to the SA Output port on the rear of the unit. If

the SA is assigned to a Channel, then any talker within the Channel has their audio

routed to the associated SA Port.

When the SA is pressed, Mic select [MIC ON] is also lit bright red, indicating that mic

audio is active. See Using the SA [Stage Announce] key

Master Station

LEDs for lines 1 and 2 (digital Partylines). The LEDs indicate the status of

the intercom circuit powering. When an LED is lit:

l Green, the line is functioning.

l Amber, the line is busy.

l Red, there is an error or fault on the line.

Remote Station

LEDs for line status and LAN status. The LEDs indicate the status of the

intercom circuit powering. When an LED is lit:

Green, the line is functioning.

Amber, the line is busy.

Red, there is an error or fault on the line.

If there is a fault on a powerline output, the Line STATUS indicator will turn off and

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Key to Main Station/Remote Station: Front panel

the red FAULT indicator will flash. Possible causes of a fault include overvoltage,

overcurrent, short circuit to ground or severe brown-outs.

Loudspeaker. When a headset is connected [ B ] and selected [ E ], loudspeaker

output is diverted to the headphones.

Program feed audio level rotary control [Program].

l To increase the volume of the program feed to the loudspeaker /

headphones, turn clockwise (up to 360°).

l To decrease the volume, turn anticlockwise (up to 360°). As you increase or

decrease the volume, the level control LEDs pass through a range of

indicator colors:

LED color Volume level

Green Low

Amber / Green Low / Medium

Amber Medium

Red / Amber Medium / High

Red High

l To mute or unmute the program audio, push the rotary control.

Upper and lower volume limits can be set in the HMS Role settings in the CCM

under Roles > Main Station (HMS) > select role > Station > Program

Volume Limits.

Loudspeaker / Headphone audio level rotary control [Main]. To increase the

volume to the loudspeaker / headphones, turn clockwise (up to 360°). To decrease

the volume, turn anticlockwise (up to 360°). Push to mute or unmute.

As you increase or decrease the volume, the level control LEDs pass through a

range of indicator colors.

Upper and lower volume limits can be set in the HMS Role settings in the CCM

under Roles > Main Station (HMS) > select role > Station > Main Volume

Limits.

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Key to Main Station/Remote Station: Front panel

Main Station:

Remote Mic Kill [RMK]. Press to:

l Unlatch all latched talk keys for either all displayed Channels or all Channels

within the system (configurable within the Role)

Remote Station:

Option [OPT] – Can be configured as an RMK button, see Using the RMK

[Remote Mic Kill] key.

All Talk. Press to talk to all Channels (intercom devices and systems) connected to

the Main Station.

USB 2.0 (Micro-AB) connector

Note: This connector is not present on the Remote Station.

USB 2.0 (Standard-A) connector.

Note: The Main Station/Remote Station does not have a power switch, button or key. The

system powers up when you connect the power supply. Power up time depends on the

amount of equipment connected.

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2.2 Main Station/Remote Channel Keyset and Display

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Key to Main Station/Remote Station front panel: Channel keyset

Feature Description

Display screen.

There are multiple screensaver options. If the Rotary controls are touched, this

screen also displays the sound level on the Channel (controlled by the rotary) and

the system information icons. See the next table for an explanation of system

information icons.

In Menu mode, the display screens display the four levels of menu. The menu

hierarchy proceeds left to right:

l The top level menu is presented in the first screen (furthest left on the front

panel).

l The lowest level menu is presented in the fourth screen (furthest right on the

front panel).

If the display is in Menu mode, the display screen times out of Menu mode and

displays the Channel label if no key is pressed for 20 seconds.

For more information about Menu mode, see Using the Menus

Rotary control. Turn to increase or decrease the listen volume level for the

Channel. Also, push the control to mute or unmute audio level. In Menu mode, use

the control to scroll menu items. To select menu items, press the control.

Talk key. Press to talk on the Channel and to all nodes (intercom devices and

systems) listening into the Channel.

Call key. Press to send a call signal to all nodes (intercom devices and systems)

listening into the Channel.

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Note:

If the Main Station/Remote Station remains inactive for 10 minutes, the display screens

enter screensaver mode, see Setting the screensaver

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Main Station/Remote Station display icons and indicators

Name Icon Description

Channel label A descriptive name for the Channel. The maximum length

is 10 characters.

Channel listen

volume level

The volume of the Channel audio.

Link with

another HMS

Appears on the Main Station when linking is enabled.

Not linked Appears on the Main Station when a connection to

another Main Station is lost.

Paired Appears on the Remote Station and Speaker Station

when it is connected properly over LAN.

Not paired Flashes on the Remote Station and Speaker Station when

the connection is not configured properly.

Signal strength Appears on the Remote Station, Speaker Station and

beltpack. One to five bars indicate the strength of the

signal from the Main Station.

Locked Locked Appears on the beltpack when you try to access the menu

while the menu has been locked at the Main Station.

Mute Appears on the Main Station, Remote Station and

Speaker Station when the rotary control for any Channel

on the Main/Remote Station is pressed.

Opto (GPI) Appears on the Main Station and Remote Station close to

the Call or Talk button if it is associated with an Opto.

Relay

(GPO)/Logic

Output Option

Appears on the Main Station and Remote Station close to

the Call or Talk button if it is associated with a Relay (Logic

Output Option).

Program PGM Appears on the Main Station, Remote Station, Speaker

Station and beltpack when a program input is assigned to

a Channel.

IFB IFB Appears on the Main Station, Remote Station, Speaker

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Main Station/Remote Station display icons and indicators

Station and beltpack when a program input is assigned to

a Channel and IFB is enabled.

2W/4W 2W/4W Appears on the Main Station, Remote Station and

Speaker Station when a 2W/4W input is assigned to a

Channel.

Limiter LIM Appears on the Main Station, Remote Station, Speaker

Station and beltpack when the headset limiter is enabled.

Expansion Appears on the Main Station and Remote Station when

the device is part of an Expansion Group.

Warning Appears on the Main Station, Remote Station, Speaker

Station and beltpack when something is wrong. Warning

messages can be accessed in the Diagnostic menu.

Key to Main Station: rear panel

Feature Description

Power supply with metal cable clip. The power supply operates at 100 - 240

VAC / 50-60Hz / 250 watts / T 3.15A H 250 V.

Control I/O (25 way female D-type). Use to connect up to 4 relay control outputs

and 4 optically isolated control inputs, see Configuring the Control I/O)

2.3 HMS-4X Main Station: Rear Panel

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Key to Main Station: rear panel

Pin Function Pin Function

Pin 1 Relay 1 NC Pin 14 Relay 1 Pole

Pin 2 Relay 1-NO Pin 15 Relay 2 NC

Pin 3 Relay2-Pole Pin 16 Relay 2-NO

Pin 4 Relay 3 NC Pin 17 Relay 3 Pole

Pin 5 Relay 3-NO Pin 18 Relay 4 NC

Pin 6 Relay4-Pole Pin 19 Relay 4-NO

Pin 7 Pin 20 +5V

Pin 8 GND Pin 21 +5V

Pin 9 GND Pin 22 Opto 1-

Pin 10 Opto 1+ Pin 23 Opto 2-

Pin 11 Opto 2+ Pin 24 Opto 3-

Pin 12 Opto 3+ Pin 25 Opto 4-

Pin 13 Opto 4+

Hot Mic output. This connection is a 1/4-in (0.64 cm) phone jack. It provides an

output signal from the selected headset or panel microphone. The Hot Mic output is

always live. Audio from the mic is routed through the Hot Mic output even if the mic

is inactive (off).

Pin Function

Tip Mic

Ring IFB mute signal

Sleeve Ground

SA [Stage Announce] line out (3-pin male XLR).

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Key to Main Station: rear panel

Pin Function

Pin 1 Ground

Pin 2 Positive

Pin 3 Negative

Program Input (3-pin female XLR).

Pin Function

Pin 1 Ground

Pin 2 Positive

Pin 3 Negative

Line 1 (digital Partyline). (3-pin male and female XLR connectors).

Pin Function

Pin 1 Ground

Pin 2 +30V DC and Audio

Pin 3 -30V DC and Audio

Line 2 (digital Partyline). (3-pin male and female XLR connectors).

Pin Function

Pin 1 Ground

Pin 2 +30V DC and Audio

Pin 3 -30V DC and Audio

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Key to Main Station: rear panel

Slots for optional interface modules.

H – Slot 1

I – Slot 2

J – Slot 3

For more information, see HMS-4X Main Station rear panel: Interface modules

Warning: Only connect power supply to earthed supply sockets. Ensure that the power supply is

routed to avoid sharp bends, hot surfaces, pinches and abrasion.

For more safety guidance, see the Safety Instructions at the front of this guide.

Note: The HMS-4X Main Station does not have a power switch, button or key. The system

powers up when you connect the power supply.

2.3.1 HMS-4X Main Station Rear Panel: Interface Modules

Up to three Interface modules (of the same or different types) can be fitted to the extension bay of

the Main Station. When looking at the rear of the Main Station, expansion slot 1 is the left-hand

slot, expansion slot 2 is the middle slot, and expansion slot 3 is the right-hand slot.

Warning: The interface modules are NOT hot pluggable. Ensure that the Main Station is powered

down before inserting or removing modules.

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Interface module Description

Two-wire interface

module (HLI-2W2)

This is a two Channel, 2-wire device that enables interoperability

with, CellCom®/ FreeSpeak®, and HME DX systems, as well as

both Clear-Com and RTS analog Partyline systems.

Note: This module requires a powered analog Partyline.

The module provides two analog Partyline connectors (3 pin female

XLR connectors) with the following pin out:

Pin Function

1 Ground

2 Power [Option for RTS mode: power and audio]

3 Audio

Use HelixNet Main Station menus to set the module for either RTS or

Clear-Com systems. If RTS mode is selected, you can set either:

l Pin 2 for power to mixed audio Channel (1 – 24)

l Pin 3 for power to mixed audio Channel (1 – 24)

l Select either pin and assign required Channel to it.

Four-wire interface

module (HLI-4W2)

This is a two Channel, 4-wire device that enables interoperability with

the Eclipse®digital matrix system and other four-wire audio sources

such as telephone hybrids, AB-120/-100, PA (Public Address) / SA

(Stage Announce) systems. The module also enables HelixNet-to-

HelixNet connections using four-wire audio ports. Two four-wire

connectors (etherCON type RJ45 socket) are provided with the

following pin out:

Pin Function

1 RS-422 data TX+

2 RS-422 data TX-

3 Audio send +

4 Audio receive +

5 Audio receive -

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Interface module Description

Pin Function

6 Audio send -

7 RS-422 data RX+

8 RS-422 data RX-

Ethernet interface

module (HLI-ET2)

Enables linking of Main Stations, and connection of Remote Stations,

Speaker Stations and the HXII-BP beltpack via LAN. Contains Two

10/100 Mbps RJ45 etherCON ports.

An LED on the right-hand side above the connector flashes green

when there is network activity.

Pin Name Function

1 TX+ Transmit Data+

2 TX- Transmit Data-

3 RX+ Receive Data+

4 n/c Not connected

5 n/c Not connected

6 RX- Receive Data-

7 n/c Not connected

8 n/c Not connected

Warning: Both ports are configured to bridge traffic

from one port to the other in order to work in a daisy-

chained configuration. Spanning Tree Protocol is not

enabled on these ports, therefore do not connect them

both to the same network.

Fiber interface module

(HLI-FBS)

Enables linking of Main Stations. Contains two SFP cage slots. The

module is supplied with one transceiver fitted.

Any 100BASE-X SFP can be connected.

An LED at the side of each connector flashes green when there is

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Interface module Description

network activity.

Warning: Both ports are configured to bridge traffic

from one port to the other in order to work in a daisy-

chained configuration. Spanning Tree Protocol is not

enabled on these ports, therefore do not connect them

both to the same network.

2.4 Remote Station rear panel

Key to Remote Station: rear panel

Feature Description

PSU holder for a separate external AC-DC power supply. The external

PSU provides the 48V required and at its input takes 100-240V, 50-60Hz.

Power supply. The power input connector is a low voltage DC connection. It is

48VDC at a max power of 12.95W.

Line 1 (digital Partyline). (3-pin male and female XLR connectors).

Pin Function

Pin 1 Ground

Pin 2 +30V DC and Audio

Pin 3 -30V DC and Audio

HelixNet | User Guide

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Key to Remote Station: rear panel

Ethernet/Power Over Ethernet (RJ45 connector)

An LED on the left-hand side of the connector illuminates when the link is working.

An LED on the right-hand side of the connector flashes green when there is

network activity.

Pin Name Function

1 TX+ Transmit Data+

2 TX- Transmit Data-

3 RX+ Receive Data+

4 n/c Not connected

5 n/c Not connected

6 RX- Receive Data-

7 n/c Not connected

8 n/c Not connected

When connected over PoE, the Remote Station draws 13 Watts from the PoE

switch.

Control input/output (DB9 connector)

Pin Function

Pin 1 Audio out +

Pin 2 Audio in +

Pin 3 GND

Pin 4 Relay NC

Pin 5 Relay NO

Pin 6 Audio out -

Pin 7 Audio in -

Pin 8 Opto

Pin 9 Relay pole

HelixNet | User Guide

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Key to Remote Station: rear panel

The audio connections in this connector are wired directly to the SA and program

connectors. Only one or the other can be used at one time.

SA [Stage Announce] line out (3-pin female XLR).

Pin Function

Pin 1 Ground

Pin 2 Positive

Pin 3 Negative

Program Input (3-pin m XLR).

Pin Function

Pin 1 Ground

Pin 2 Positive

Pin 3 Negative

Hot Mic output. This connection is a 1/4-in (0.64 cm) phone jack. It provides an

output signal from the selected headset or panel microphone. The Hot Mic output is

always live. Audio from the mic is routed through the Hot Mic output even if the mic

is inactive (off).

Pin Function

Tip Mic

Ring IFB mute signal

Sleeve Ground

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2.5 Speaker Station

Key to Speaker Station front panel

Feature Description

Tilt adjustable display screen. The following default information is displayed:

l The Channel label.

l The Channel listen (volume) level.

For a full description of the display screen information, see (link…)

In Menu mode, the display screens display the two levels of menu. The menu

hierarchy proceeds left to right:

l The top level menu is presented in the first screen (furthest left on the front

panel).

l The lower level menu is presented in the second screen.

If the display is in Menu mode, the display screen times out of Menu mode and

displays the Channel label if no key is pressed for 20 seconds.

For more information about Menu mode, see Using the Menus

Rotary control. Turn to increase or decrease the listen volume level for the

Channel. Also, push the control to mute or unmute audio level. In Menu mode, use

the control to scroll menu items. To select menu items, press the control.

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Key to Speaker Station front panel

Talk key. Press to talk on the Channel and to all nodes (intercom devices and

systems) listening into the Channel.

Loudspeaker / Headphone audio level rotary control [Main]. To increase the

volume to the loudspeaker / headphones, turn clockwise (up to 360°). To decrease

the volume, turn counter clockwise (up to 360°). As you increase or decrease the

volume, the level control LEDs pass through a range of indicator colors. For more

information, see (link…)

Program feed audio level Trim Pot control [PGM]. To increase the volume of

the program feed to the loudspeaker / headphones, turn clockwise (up to 360°).

To decrease the volume, turn counter clockwise (up to 360°).

To mute or unmue the Channel audio, push the control.

Call key. Press to send a call signal to all Keysets assigned to the same Channel.

There are two Call keys on the beltpack, one for each of the displayed Channels.

Headset socket (4-pin XLR–M)

Pin Function

1 Mic ground

2 Mic positive

3 Earphone ground

4 Earphone positive

Headset/microphone key set. There is a keyset (set of controls) to control

the headset/microphone inputs and menu options. See (link…)

Gooseneck microphone connector (3-pin female Tuchel connector)

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2.5.1 Speaker Station Front Panel Function Buttons

HelixNet | User Guide

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HelixNet | User Guide

Key to Speaker Station front panel function buttons

Feature Description

Mic control [MIC ON]. Press to activate mic audio.

Shift key. Press to display two alternative Channels on the Speaker Station

displays.

Menu. Press to display the Speaker Station menus in the display screens. Use the

rotary control for each display screen to scroll and select menu items.

Headset key [HSET]. Press to activate the headset mic. When the headset

is connected, the gooseneck microphone is disconnected. Audio output

to the loudspeaker is diverted to the headphones.

2.5.2 Speaker Station Rear Panel

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HelixNet | User Guide

Speaker Station rear connectors

Digital Intercom

1 Not connected

2 -30V DC

3 Not connected

4 +30V DC

5 Ground

Power

1 Ground

2 48V DC

For power draw, see the Specifications section in this manual.

2.5.3 S-Mount Rear Panel

The S-Mount is an optional unit that allows you to mount the Speaker Station on a desk or wall.

Note: There are cables pre-installed in the S-Mount that connect to the Speaker Station

terminals.

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Key to S-Mount rear panel keyset

Feature Description

Ethernet/Power over Ethernet connection (RJ45).

Pin Name Function

1 TX+ Transmit Data+

2 TX- Transmit Data-

3 RX+ Receive Data+

4 n/c Not connected

5 n/c Not connected

6 RX- Receive Data-

7 n/c Not connected

8 n/c Not connected

Power connection.

The power input connector is a low voltage DC connection. It is 48VDC at a max

power of 12.95W.

Line 1 Digital Partyline. (3-pin male XLR connector).

Pin Function

Pin 1 Ground

Pin 2 +30V DC and Audio

Pin 3 -30V DC and Audio

Table 1-26 Line 1 pinout

Line 2 Digital Partyline. (3-pin female XLR connector).

Pin Function

Pin 1 Ground

Pin 2 +30V DC and Audio

Pin 3 -30V DC and Audio

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2.6 HBP-2X Beltpack

Key to HBP-2X user controls (front and side view)

Feature Description

Menu key. Press firmly to enter Menu mode (see also D,E ). To exit Menu mode,

press the Menu key again.

The display screen times out of Menu mode and displays the Channel label(s) if no

key is pressed for 20 seconds.

USB 2.0 (Micro-AB) connector. Used for the USB light flasher feature. See Call

a beltpack using the USB flasher feature

For information about the HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack, see HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack

2.6.1 HBP-2X User Controls (Front and Side View)

HelixNet | User Guide

Note: The beltpack has two Keysets, each containing one Call button (E) and one Talk button

(F).

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HelixNet | User Guide

Key to HBP-2X user controls (front and side view)

Casing. Metal casing for robust use. For information about the beltclip, beltloops,

and feet, see HBP-2X beltclip, beltloops and feet

Keyset

Rotary control. Turn to increase and decrease the listen volume level for the

Channel.

In Menu mode, you can turn either of the side-mounted rotary controls to scroll

menu items. To select (enter) items, press the right-hand Call key (see E ).

Call key. Press to send a call signal to all Keysets assigned to the same Channel.

There are two Call keys on the beltpack, one for each of the supported Channels.

In Menu mode, press the right-hand Call key to select (enter) menu items (see also

A, D ). Use the left-hand Call key to go back one menu level.

Talk key. Press to talk to all nodes (intercom devices and systems) listening into

the Channel. There are two Talk keys on the beltpack, one for each of the

supported Channels.

Display screen. When the beltpack is not in Menu mode, the labels and volume

level for each of the two Channels supported by the beltpack are displayed on

screen. For a full description of the display screen information, see Main Station

Remote.

Note: The beltpack has two Keysets, each containing one Call button (E) and one

Talk button (F).

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2.6.2 HBP-2X Connectors and Controls (Rear View)

Key to HBP-2X Beltpack (Rear view)

Feature Description

Line (Digital Partyline) (3-pin female XLR connector).

Pin Function

1 Ground

2 +30V DC and Audio

3 -30V DC and Audio

Line (Digital Partyline) (3-pin male XLR connector). Pass-through for daisy

chain connection, see diagram in Topologies.

Pin Function

1 Ground

2 +30V DC and Audio

3 -30V DC and Audio

HelixNet | User Guide

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Key to HBP-2X Beltpack (Rear view)

Program feed (volume) control wheel. Turn to increase or decrease the overall

listen volume level of the program feed. To assign programs to a Channel, see

Assigning the Program Listen to a Channel and Editing the Program Input.

2.5 mm TRS headset input.

Function

Tip Earphone Positive

Ring Mic Positive

Sleeve Ground

Headset connector (4-pin male or 5-pin female XLR connector).

Pin Function

1 Mic ground

2 Mic positive

3 Earphone ground

4 Earphone positive

Pin Function

1 Mic ground

2 Mic positive

3 Earphone ground

4 Earphone left

5 Earphone right

HelixNet | User Guide

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2.6.3 HBP-2X Beltclip, Beltloops and Feet (Base View)

Key to HBP-2X Beltpack (Base view)

Feature Description

Beltclip. The beltclip is secured to the unit with three screws, and may be

removed, according to your requirements.

Feet (positions only). The beltpack can also be placed on a level surface (once

the beltclip has been removed). To give the beltpack more grip on the surface,

attach the four rubber feet supplied with the beltpack.

HelixNet | User Guide

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Key to HBP-2X Beltpack (Base view)

Beltloops (one either side). Use to thread through a belt or strap for securing

the beltpack to a belt or a fixed position.

2.7 HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack

For information about the HBP-2X Beltpack, see HBP-2X Beltpack.

2.7.1 HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack User Controls (Top View)

HelixNet | User Guide

Note: The beltpack has two Keysets, each containing one Call button (C and D) and one

Talk button (A and B).

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Key to HXII-BP-X4 user controls (top view)

Feature Description

Talk keys. Press to talk to all nodes (intercom devices and systems) listening into

the Channel. There are two Talk keys on the beltpack, one for each of the

supported Channels.

Call keys. Press to send a call signal to all Keysets assigned to the same Channel.

There are two Call keys on the beltpack, one for each of the supported Channels.

In Menu mode, press the right-hand Call key to select (enter) menu items. Use the

left-hand Call key to go back one menu level.

HelixNet | User Guide

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2.7.2 HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack Connectors and Controls (Front View)

HelixNet | User Guide

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HelixNet | User Guide

Key to HXII-BP-X4 user controls (front view)

Feature Description

Channel volume control. Turn to increase and decrease the listen volume level

for the Channel.

In Menu mode, you can turn either of the side-mounted rotary controls to scroll

menu items. To select (enter) items, press the right-hand Call key.

In Menu mode, you can turn either of the side-mounted rotary controls to scroll

menu items. To select (enter) items, press the right-hand Call key.

These controls also adjust binaural audio volume in beltpacks with 5-pin headset

connectors.

Menu key. Press firmly to enter Menu mode. To exit Menu mode, press the

Menu key again.

The display screen times out of Menu mode and displays the Channel label(s) if

no key is pressed for 20 seconds.

Program feed volume controls. Use the up and down arrow buttons to

increase or decrease the overall listen volume level of the program feed. To

assign programs to a Channel, see Assigning the Program Listen to a Channel

and Editing the Program Input

OPT Programmable function key. This button selects the binaural audio

volume adjustment screen on beltpacks with a 5-pin headset connector.

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2.7.3 HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack (Base View)

HelixNet | User Guide

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HelixNet | User Guide

Key to HXII-BP-X4 user controls (base view)

Feature Description

Line (Digital Partyline) (3-pin female XLR connector).

Pin Function

1 Ground

2 +30V DC and Audio

3 -30V DC and Audio

etherCon connector. Used for Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Pin Name Function

1 TX+ Transmit Data+

2 TX- Transmit Data-

3 RX+ Receive Data+

4 n/c Not connected

5 n/c Not connected

6 RX- Receive Data-

7 n/c Not connected

8 n/c Not connected

When using PoE, the beltpack draws 4 Watts from the PoW switch.

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HelixNet | User Guide

Key to HXII-BP-X4 user controls (base view)

USB 2.0 (Micro-AB) connector. Used for the USB light flasher feature. See

Call a beltpack using the USB flasher feature

Headset connector (4-pin male or 5-pin female XLR connector).

Pin Function

1 Mic ground

2 Mic positive

3 Earphone ground

4 Earphone positive

Pin Function

1 Mic ground

2 Mic positive

3 Earphone ground

4 Earphone left

5 Earphone right

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2.7.4 HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack (Beltloops and Clip)

HelixNet | User Guide

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HelixNet | User Guide

Key to HXII-BP-X4 beltloops and clip

Feature Description

Beltloops. Use to thread through a belt or strap for securing the beltpack to a belt

or a fixed position. You can also extend the beltloops to allow you to mount the

beltpack on a flat surface.

Beltclip. Use to fasten to a belt or similar structurer. The beltclip also has three

holes for wall mounting.

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3 Installing HelixNet Partyline

This section describes how to install your HelixNet Partyline system. It also provides basic

guidance on planning your installation.

For related information, see Cabling reference and the Online Powerline cable distance calculator

at:

https://clearcom.com/DownloadCenter/technicaldocs/HelixNetCablingCalculator/index.html#/

Tip: For guidance on connecting HelixNet Partyline to other systems, using the optional interface

modules, see Connecting to Other Intercom Systems.

Do not plug any non-approved equipment into HelixNet Partyline.

HelixNet Partyline operates at different voltage levels than analog two-wire Partyline systems.

Do not plug any analog two-wire Partyline equipment into the HelixNet Partyline ports, as this

may cause damage.

For more safety instructions, see Important Safety Instructions

HelixNet | User Guide

3.1 Planning your HelixNet Partyline installation

3.1.1 Comparing digital with analog cabling

Note: The program is always a participant within a Channel and cannot exist outside of a Channel.

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Key to analog and digital cabling comparison diagram

Feature Description

Key to analog and digital cabling comparison diagram

Example 4-Channel analog Main Station (MS-704 shown).

HMS-4X Main Station (digital Main Station).

Partyline Channel 1

Partyline Channel 2

Partyline Channel 3

HelixNet | User Guide

Partyline Channel 4

Program Feed

Note: The program is always a participant within a Channel and cannot exist outside

of a Channel.

In a traditional analog Partyline system, one cable is dedicated to each Partyline

Channel. This can make it more difficult to build redundancy or spare capacity into the

installation (owing to the number of connectors / cables dedicated to the delivery of

Channels).

In the HelixNet system, one cable can carry multiple Channels. Because one cable

can carry all Channels, the second connector for each line can either be used for

redundancy (flybacks) or for future extensions / changes to the cabling topology

(layout).

Example analog Partyline devices including RS-701 beltpacks. Analog beltpacks must

be re-cabled to use alternative Channels, requiring the physical re-location of cabling

for new configurations.

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To aid switching, Clear-Com sells additional switching equipment (the SB-704 and

RCS-2700 devices). The RS-702 (6-pin XLR) beltpack requires the YC-36 splitter /

combiner to combine 2 Channels into a 6-pin configuration, and multi-conductor

cables.

The RS-703 (3-pin XLR) beltpack requires a TWC-701 device to combine 2 Clear-

Key to analog and digital cabling comparison diagram

Com Channels in a single twisted pair.

Example digital Partyline devices including beltpacks. Digital beltpacks can support

any of the Partyline Channels (plus Program Feed) whenever they are physically

located on the system.

New configurations of beltpacks and Channels can be deployed without the physical

relocation of assets.

Note: The capabilities of different cable types may impact how far away beltpacks can be

placed from the Main Station, and the topologies you use. For more information about

cabling, see Cabling reference.

3.1.2 Topologies

HelixNet Partyline can be deployed using a wide range of topologies, both complex and

straightforward. The following table describes three standard types of topology:

HelixNet | User Guide

Topology Description

Daisy-

chain

Star In a star topology, the Main Station is connected to a passive (Y) splitter such as an

Tree A tree topology is a more complex version of the star topology, using serially

In a daisy-chain topology, the Main Station is connected to the first unit. The units are

then connected in a series, using the pass-through connector on the back / rear of the

device to pass on the connection. No termination is required. HXII-BP-X4 beltpacks

require a passive Y splitter for daisy chaining.

Daisy-chains can be either linear or loop back to the Main Station to form a ring for

redundancy.

XLR Bulkhead or Mult-box. The units are then connected to the splitter point-to-point.

connected passive ( Y ) splitters. The units are connected to each splitter point-to-

point (forming a branch of the tree).

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HelixNet | User Guide

Key to example system topologies (layouts) diagram

Feature Description

HMS-4X Main Station (digital Main Station) (rear panel).

There are two lines (digital Partylines) on the Main Station, each of which can support

up to 10 digital beltpacks. There are two connectors (3-pin XLR, male and female) for

each line.

Daisy chained beltpacks. To create a ‘daisy chain’ of connected beltpacks:

Connect the first beltpack to the Main Station, using either of the 3-pin XLR

connectors (female or male) on the base of the beltpack.

Pass on the connection to the second beltpack, using the remaining connector as the

pass through.

Repeat for all beltpacks (up to 10) in the chain. No cable termination is required.

Note: For the HXII-BP-X4 beltpacks, you must use a passive Y splitter.

You can locally power an HRM or HKB within a daisy chain. This prevents the normal

draw off the powerline by the locally powered device.

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Key to example system topologies (layouts) diagram

The second layout uses an XLR Bulkhead and a Mult-box (passive (Y) splitters) to

combine:

A daisy chain (with optional redundancy flyback).

Point-to-point connected beltpacks (using the Mult-box).

The XLR Bulkhead and splitters should be screened.

The complexity and variety of layouts does not restrict physical access to Channels.

Because HelixNet Partyline is a digital system, the HelixNet Stations can access any

of the available Channels (plus a Program Feed), however they are connected to the

Main Station, see diagram in Comparing digital with analog cabling.

HelixNet | User Guide

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3.2 Installing the Main Station/Remote Station

The Main Station/Remote Station is a 19” 1RU-height device that you can install to either:

A standard 19” rack.

A shelf, cabinet or other flat surface.

3.2.1 Main Station Power Up

There is no power switch, button or key on the Main Station. To power up the unit:

1. Connect the power cord to the power supply connector on the Main Station.

Note: The Main Station has a cable retaining clip to secure the power cord. The

retaining clip is detached for shipping and must be refitted.

Note: For the location of the power supply connector, see A in HMS-4X Main

Station: Rear Panel on page 23

HelixNet | User Guide

2. Connect the power cord to the power source. The unit requires an input voltage between 100

- 240 VAC / 50-60Hz/ 250 watts / T 3.15A H 250 V.

Only connect power supply to earthed supply sockets. Ensure that the power supply

is routed to avoid sharp bends, hot surfaces, pinches and abrasion.

For safety guidance, see the Safety Instructions at the front of this guide.

3.2.2 Remote Station Power Up

The Remote Station is powered by an external power source. This can be:

An external power supply (supplied)

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Note: To use PoE, you must connect a third-party PoE switch between the Remote Station

and the Main Station.

From the Main Station digital power line.

3.3 Installing the Speaker Station

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The Speaker Station can be installed either:

l Mounted in an S-Mount bracket for desktop use

l Mounted in an S-Mount bracket for installation on a wall

l Mounted inside a NEMA standard 4-gang wall box.

Note: The S-Mount bracket is an optional item ordered separately.

3.3.1 Speaker Station in an S-Mount Bracket

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You can adjust the S-Mount bracket by pressing one of the release buttons on either side of the

bracket. You can adjust the bracket in 10-degree steps from 80 degrees to horizontal. Indicators

are present beside the release buttons that show the adjustment steps.

To install the Speaker Station (already fitted inside the S-Mount):

1. Connect a powerline XLR-3 port on the Speaker Station to a powerline XLR-3 port on a Main

Station.

Or

Connect via Ethernet on the Speaker Station to an IP network which the HMS-4X

(HLI-ET2) is also connected to.

2. Connect a headset or microphone to the Speaker Station.

3. Connect power supply to the DC power port on the Speaker Station. (Not necessary if using

Powerline or PoE.)

3.3.2 Speaker Station in an S-Mount Bracket Wall Installation

When the Speaker Station is fully closed, you can mount it on a wall using the rear keyholes:

1. Space the wall screws to match the distance between the rear keyholes. See the diagram

below.

2. If necessary, remove the Speaker Station from the S-Mount bracket.

3. Hang the S-Mount bracket on the wall screws.

4. Tighten the wall screws.

5. Install the Speaker Station.

HelixNet | User Guide

3.3.3 Speaker Station Mounted Inside a NEMA Standard 4-Gang Wall Box

To connect the Speaker Station:

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1. Connect the Digital Intercom screw terminals on the Speaker Station to a powerline XLR-3

port on an HMS-4X.

Or

Connect the Ethernet port on the Speaker Station to either the IP network in which

the HMS resides or directly to one of the Ethernet ports on the HMS.

2. Connect a headset or microphone to the Speaker Station.

3. If required, remove the connector from the optional power supply and connect the power

supply to the Power screw terminals on the Speaker Station.

3.4 Installing the HBP-2X Beltpacks

The HBP-2X Beltpack is a device that you can:

l Wear at your belt using the beltclip.

HelixNet | User Guide

l Install to a shelf or other flat surface.

l Attach to a pole or other fixed upright position.

For more information, see HBP-2X beltclip, beltloops and feet (base view).

3.4.1 Power Up

The HBP-2X Beltpack is powered from the standard mic cable that connects the device with the

HMS-4X Main Station (see below).

3.4.2 Connecting the HBP-2X Beltpack to the Main Station

To connect the HBP-2X Beltpack to the Main Station:

1. There are two powerline connections on the Main Station which can each support up to 10

digital HBP-2X Beltpacks. There are two connectors (3-pin XLR, male and female) for each

line.

Connect the cable to the selected connector on the Main Station.

Note: For the location of Lines 1 and 2 (the powerlines) on the Main Station, see F & G in

diagram in HMS-4X Main Station: rear panel.

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2. Connect the cable to the beltpack, using one of the two 3-pin XLR connectors (male and

female) on the base / rear of the beltpack.

For examples of topologies see Topologies.

3.5 Installing the HXII-BP-X4 Beltpacks

The HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack is a device that you can:

Wear at your belt using the beltclip.

Install to a shelf or other flat surface.

Mount on a table or other flat surface.

For more information, see HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack (beltloops and clip).

3.5.1 Power Up

The HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack is powered from:

The standard microphone cable that connects the device with the HMS-4X Main Station (see

below).

Power over Ethernet (PoE) using a cat5, 5e or 6 cable.

Notes: To use PoE, you must connect a third-party PoE switch between the Main Station and

the HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack.

HelixNet | User Guide

You can power the HXII-BP-X4 over both microphone cable and PoE. In this case, the

PoE takes priority. After the beltpack boots up, you cannot switch between PoE and

powerline (microphone cable) mode.

3.5.2 Connecting the HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack over Powerline to the Main Station

To connect the HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack to the Main Station:

1. There are two powerline connections on the Main Station which can each support up to 10

digital HXII-BP-X4 Beltpacks. There are two connectors (3-pin XLR, male and female) for

each line.

Connect the cable to the selected connector on the Main Station.

Note: For the location of Lines 1 and 2 (the powerlines) on the Main Station, see F,

G in diagram in (HMS-4X Main Station: rear panel.

2. Connect the cable to the beltpack, using the 3-pin XLR connector on the base / rear of the

beltpack.

For examples of topologies, see Topologies

3.5.3 Powering the HXII-BP-X4 using PoE

To connect the HXII-BP-X4 to the Main Station for PoE:

1. Connect the Main Station to a network switch using the HLI-ET2 Ethernet interface module.

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2. Connect the HXII-BP-X4 Beltpack to the PoE switch on the same network as the Main

Station.

Note: The beltpack must be paired to the Main Station.

Important: When using an IEEE-802.3af compliant PoE switch, be sure to note the

switch's power budget. Each HXII-BP-X4 requires 4 Watts of power. Do not exceed

the power budget of the switch when attaching HXII-BP-X4 beltpacks.

3.6 HelixNet Infrastructure

This section contains guidelines for using HelixNet infrastructure components including cables,

connectors, splitter boxes and patch panels. HelixNet digital Partyline uses cable infrastructure to

transport audio and data over a range of frequencies. The maximum frequency used for

transmission is approximately 25MHz. Depending on the amount of audio and data transmitted,

HelixNet digital Partyline can work with as much as 90dB signal attenuation. However, the

receivers are very sensitive and are susceptible to crosstalk between cables.

HelixNet | User Guide

Therefore it is important to maintain cable shield integrity through all connectors,

splitter boxes and patch panels.

The symptoms of crosstalk are:

l Main Station front panel LINE LED indicator turns amber or red

l Beltpacks, Remote Stations and Speaker Stations take longer than usual to boot and

connect.

l Beltpack, Remote Station and Speaker Station front panel signal strength indicators show

lower than usual signal strength (zero or one bar).

l Main Station diagnostics screen (Diagnostics->Powerlines) indicates collisions or errors

on the line.

3.6.1 Cables and Connectors

Clear-Com recommends the following shielded cables:

Microphone cables

Belden 9207 and 9463F with the two main conductors connected to XLR pin 2 and 3 and the drain

wire to pin 1.

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Cat cables

Belden 1351A or 1533P with the following connections at the XLR connector:

HelixNet | User Guide

Cat5/5e/6 XLR

White/Orange 1

Orange 1

White/Green 3

Blue 2

White/Blue 3

Green 2

White/Brown 3

Brown 2

Shield/Drain 1

It is important to connect the cable shield or drain wire to the XLR pin 1 to maintain the

shield integrity throughout the cable and connector.

Note: The total amount of cable deployed for a digital intercom line contributes to the total

capacitance of the line, even though some cables might not have a beltpack connected at

the other end. The more capacitance there is, the more attenuation there will be. Clear-

Com recommends that you use the minimum amount of cable. For example, daisy-chain

or split a cable at the far end, close to the beltpacks, rather than make two home runs to a

central patch panel.

3.6.2 Patch Panels

Clear-Com recommends XLR patch panels. These should be made of 3 pin XLR feed-through

adapters (for example, Neutrik NA3MDF) that maintain shield integrity from the back to the front.

These adapters also enable easier rewiring of the back or the front of the panel.

3.6.3 Splitter Boxes

Ensure that you split the digital intercom lines within a shielded enclosure. For example, a 1RU

shielded chassis, such as Middle Atlantic CH1, and daisy-chained XLR connectors (for example,

Neutrik NC3MD or NC3FD).

To prevent crosstalk between lines, ensure that each shielded splitter box contains only one digital

intercom line. If you have to split more than one digital intercom line, use multiple shielded

enclosures.

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For more information on cabling see Cable connections.

3.7 Converting Analogue Partylines to HelixNet

HelixNet | User Guide

Many Partyline installations use daisy-chained power terminal blocks to passively split analog

Partylines. This way of splitting works relatively well for one HelixNet Main Station. But because

the cable shielding through those blocks is not maintained, it makes the communication much

more sensitive to interference.

Also, crosstalk occurs if two or more Main Stations use terminal blocks that are close to each

other.

To maintain shield integrity, Clear-Com recommends that you:

Place existing terminal blocks in shielded and grounded enclosures

Or

Replace the terminal blocks with shielded and grounded XLR splitter boxes and XLR patch

panels.

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4 IP Network Structure

Connecting into an existing IP network requires planning with your IT department in order to plan

the IP addressing scheme. By default, HelixNet Main Station uses automatic IP addressing

(DHCP) enabled. In order for that to work properly in an existing IP network there must be a

DHCP server handing out IP addresses. If no DHCP server is found, a Main Station will revert to

an unused link-local address in the 169.254.0.0/16 block. (See Link Local Environments for more

information).

Through the Networking menu on the devices, you can disable DHCP and set static IP addresses.

For HelixNet 3.0 and above, it is not necessary for Main Stations or Remote Stations to be on the

same Subnet, the devices will link across your LAN.

HelixNet | User Guide

4.1 Multiple Groups in the Same IP Network

You can link six Main Stations together to form a Link Group. You must select one of the Main

Stations to be a Link Master. You can have multiple groups in the same network by having multiple

Link-Masters. Each Link-Master heads a group of Main Stations, and does not interfere with other

groups.

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HelixNet | User Guide

Specification Value

Latency on Powerline 40-80ms (Depends on cable type and length, and how

many devices are connected. The greater the number of

devices, the greater the latency).

Latency over IP Network 30ms + Network Latency (Main Station to Main Station).

Bandwidth used 300 kbps per active Talker, for a maximum of one talker

per device in the system.

Each Beltpack and Speaker Station counts as one

device.

Each Main Station and Remote Station counts as two

devices.

Each HLI-2W2 or HLI-4W2 counts as two devices.

IP version IPv4

4.2 Link Local Environments

4.2.1 What is link-local?

A link-local address is an IP address within the local segment of any network. Routers do not pass

information to these as link-local addresses are not guaranteed to be unique beyond a single

network segment. When first connected to a network, your HelixNet device will attempt to get an

IP address via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). If no DHCP server is available, the

unit will automatically enter link-local IP mode. A link-local IP address will take the form:

169.254.xxx.xxx.

4.2.2 Working with a Device in Link-Local Mode

Devices will revert to link-local mode if they are configured to DHCP and fail to find a DHCP

address on the network or device they are attempting to connect to. Any DHCP enabled device

connected directly to a device in link-local mode using a standard Ethernet cable will enter link-

local mode automatically.

The HelixNet units will operate in link-local mode, but for optimum performance it is recommended

that they are used with either static or DHCP network settings. In link-local, the address will

change each time the device reboots resulting in potential loss of connection to endpoints.

Note: The easiest way to take a HelixNet device out of link-local mode is to allocate a new IP

address to the unit from the device front menus. Please ensure with your network

administrator that there will be no IP clashes with this address.

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HelixNet | User Guide

4.2.3 Change the IP Address of a HelixNet Device from the Front Menu Screens

To change a unit’s IP address, you must first disable DHCP. Press the Menu button on front of

device to enter Menu mode.

1. To enable or disable DHCP

a. In Menu mode, select Networking.

Note: The Networking menu only appears if an Ethernet or Fiber interface module is

detected.

b. From the second menu, select Preferences.

c. From the third menu, select DHCP.

d. From the fourth display screen, select one of the following:

n Disabled

n Enabled (default)

2. To edit the IP address

a. In Menu mode, select Networking.

Note: The Networking menu only appears if an Ethernet or Fiber interface module is

detected.

b. From the second menu, select Preferences.

c. From the third menu, select IP Address.

d. From the fourth display screen, edit the IPv4 address.

Note: The HelixNet system uses 10.0.0.x and 172.23.x.x IP address ranges internally

between the Main Station and the Beltpacks, and therefore will not allow setting the

external IP address to anything in that range.

Note: If you change the IP address (either manually or through DHCP), the link between

stations will be broken and you have to reboot the Main Station to link again. The following

message will appear as a banner (inverted text) at the bottom across the four displays on

the Main Station

IP address | changed, | reboot | to link

If that message appears, pressing the Menu key will bring you directly to:

Administration->Reset->Reboot->Reboot Now

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HelixNet | User Guide

4.2.4 Accessing the Core Configuration Manager (CCM) of a HelixNet unit in link­local mode

As an alternative to configuring your device from the front menu screens you can use the browser

based CCM.

To access the CCM of a HelixNet unit in link-local, you must connect to it from a computer that is

also in link-local mode.

A computer can be put into link-local mode by ensuring it is in DHCP mode and connecting it to a

unit that is already in link-local mode with a standard Ethernet cable. The computer will look for a

dynamically generated IP address (DHCP), and when it does not find one will enter link-local

mode automatically.

Once the computer is connected to the HelixNet device and in link-local mode, you can connect to

your unit by opening a browser window on the computer and inputting the unit’s IP address (from

the front panel display) into the address field. This takes you to the Core Configuration Manager

where you can configure the device as usual. See Core Configuration Manager (CCM) for more

detail.

Note: The units will operate in link-local, but for optimum performance it is recommended that

they are used with either static or DHCP network settings.

For the CCM password see CCM Password on page 152

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HelixNet | User Guide

5 Configuring and managing the Main Station from front

menus

This section describes how to configure the settings and manage the Main Station using Menu

mode. It also shows you how to monitor and diagnose performance issues, using the

Diagnostics menus.

Tip: For a quick reference to the Main Station menus, see Menu maps.

5.1 Using the Menus

To place the Main Station in Menu mode, press the Menu key to the left of the first display

screen.

In Menu mode, the display screens display the four levels of menu. The menu hierarchy proceeds

left to right:

The top level menu is presented in the first screen.

The lowest level menu is presented in the fourth screen (furthest right on the front panel).

Note: If Menu mode is locked, you must unlock the menus from CCM before you can enter the

menu. See Administration.

5.1.1 Configuring Settings

To configure settings:

1. For each menu, turn the rotary control clockwise to scroll down the menu items. Turn

counter clockwise to scroll up the menu items.

Off-screen menu items are indicated by arrows at the top and/or bottom of the

screen.

Selected menu items (which create your path through the four menus) are

highlighted in solid yellow.

The fourth menu displays the settings that relate to your previous menu choices

(system features or functionality).

The current setting is indicated by a dotted box around the menu item

2. When you have selected a setting by rotating the right hand rotary control, push that rotary

control to enable the setting on the Main Station.

5.1.2 Exiting Menu Mode

To exit menu mode press the menu key.

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Note: If no key is pressed for 20 seconds, the menu will time out and display screens will revert to

their normal mode of operation.

5.2 Configuring the Audio settings

5.2.1 Audio settings for the headset

To configure the audio settings for the headset:

1. In Menu mode, select Audio Settings and then Headset.

2. To adjust the level of sidetone on the headset:

In the third menu, select Sidetone Gain.

a. In the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n 0dB

HelixNet | User Guide

n - 6dB

n - 12dB (default)

n - 18dB

b. To enable (confirm) the selected setting, press the rotary control.

3. To limit the audio level delivered to the headphones (or to disable headphone limiting):

a. In the third menu, select Headphone Limit.

b. In the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n Off

n +6dB

n 0dB (default)

n - 6dB

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

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Note: When Headphone Limit is set to anything but Off, a LIM indication will be

shown on the leftmost display.

4. To set the Headphone Gain:

a. In the third menu, select Headphone Gain.

b. In the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n OdB (default)

n +3dB

n +6dB

n +9dB

n +12dB

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5. To set (or disable) sidetone tracking on the headset:

a. In the third menu, select Sidetone Control.

b. In the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n Tracking - The sidetone volume will follow (track) the Main volume level.

n Non-Tracking - The sidetone volume is set to use the selected level.

HelixNet | User Guide

n Disabled - Sidetone is disabled.

Note: The default is Tracking.

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

6. To select the type of microphone on the headset:

a. In the third menu, select HS Mic Type.

Note: HS = Headset.

b. In the fourth menu, select either of the following types of microphone:

l Electret (-15dB)

l Dynamic (0dB) (default)

l Dynamic (low)

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.2.2 Audio Settings for the Microphone

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To configure the audio settings for the microphone:

1. In Menu mode, select Audio Settings and then Microphone.

2. To select the Headroom:

a. From the third menu, select Headroom.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n Normal (default)

n High - Reduces the analog input gain and increases the digital gain accordingly. That

reduces digital clipping at the A/D converter but increases the noise floor. This setting is

intended for use in environments with very high background noise.

3. To enable or disable the Contour Filter:

a. From the third menu, select Contour Filter

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n Enabled - The Contour filter is a Clear-Com algorithm enhancing speech intelligibility,

especially when whispering or talking at a low volume.

n Disabled

Note: The default is Disabled.

HelixNet | User Guide

5.2.3 Audio Settings for the Program Input

To configure the label (name) for the Program Input (Program Feed) gain:

1. In Menu mode, select Audio Settings and then Program Input.

2. From the third menu, select Label.

3. From the fourth menu, select the existing label by scrolling to it and pushing the rotary

controller. Edit the label by rotating the controller to scroll through letters and digits and

pushing to select a letter/digit.

4. When you have done, scroll to Save and push the rotary controller. To exit without saving

changes, go back to the third screen.

To configure the audio setting for the Program Input (Program Feed) gain:

1. In Menu mode, select Audio Settings and then Program Input.

2. From the third menu, select Gain.

3. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

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l + 12dB

l + 6dB

l 0dB (default)

HelixNet | User Guide

l - 6dB

l - 12dB

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5. The action trigger activates a relay when receiving a call or activating a talk on a Partyline

Channel. You can enable or disable the action trigger. To configure the audio setting for the

action trigger:

a. In Menu mode, select Audio Settings and then Program Input.

b. From the third menu, select Action Trigger.

c. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n Enabled (default)

n Disabled

d. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

Note: You can also configure the action trigger using Menu Mode > Modules

Settings.

To select the VOX:

1. From the third menu, select VOX.

2. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

l Enabled

l Disabled (default)

3. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

To select the VOX Off Delay:

1. From the third menu, select VOX Off Delay.

2. From the fourth menus, select one of the following:

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l .5 sec (default)

l 1 sec

l 2 sec

l 3 sec

l 4 sec

3. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.2.4 Audio Settings for Program IFB [Interruptible Foldback]

IFB allows you to temporarily interrupt the continuous program listen (program feed) and speak to

the Channels connected to the program listen. This applies to a Channel to which the Program

Input is assigned. If any participant within the Channel talks, the program is dimmed. See also

Assigning the Program Listen to a Channel.

To configure the audio settings for Program IFB [Interruptible Foldback]:

1. In Menu mode, select Audio Settings and then Program IFB.

2. From the third menu, select IFB Dim Level.

Note: The IFB Dim Level determines the amount that the volume level of the

Program Level is reduced by when it is interrupted by the IFB.

3. From the fourth menu (fourth display screen), select one of the following:

HelixNet | User Guide

l IFB Disabled (default)

l - 6dB

l -12dB

l -18dB

l -24dB

l Full Cut

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.2.5 Audio Settings for the SA [Stage Announce] Output

To configure the audio settings for the SA [Stage Announce] Output:

1. In Menu mode, select Audio Settings and then SA Output.

2. From the third menu, select Gain.

3. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

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l + 12dB

l + 6dB

l 0dB (default)

l - 6dB

l - 12dB

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.2.6 Audio Settings for the Hot Mic Output

To configure the audio settings for the Hot Mic Output:

1. In Menu mode, select Audio Settings and then Hot Mic Output.

2. From the third menu, select Gain.

3. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

l + 12dB

l + 6dB

HelixNet | User Guide

l 0dB (default)

l - 6dB

l -12dB

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.2.7 Audio Settings for the Front Panel

To configure the audio settings for the Front Panel:

1. In Menu mode, select Audio Settings and then Front Panel.

2. From the third menu, select Loudspeaker Dim.

3. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

l 0 dB

l -3 dB

l -6 dB (default)

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l -12 dB

l -24 dB

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.3 Selecting Station Settings

Key(s) Description

Talk #1 Talk keys for the available Channels.

Talk #2

Talk #3

Talk #4

SA Out key Key used to talk to a connected public address or Stage Announce

(SA) system.

5.3.1 Setting Keyset Assignments

To set the Keyset Assignments:

1. In Menu mode, select Station Settings and then Keyset Assign.

2. From the third menu, select required Keyset (1 – 4).

3. From the fourth menu, select a Channel (1 – 24) to assign to the Keyset.

4. Repeat this procedure for the remaining Keysets.

5. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.3.2 Setting Key Latching

To enable or disable front panel keys for latching:

HelixNet | User Guide

1. In Menu mode, select Station Settings and then Keysets.

2. From the third menu, select either:

Note: The All Talk and RMK (Remote Mic Kill) key are also displayed in the list. Those keys

cannot be latched. To find out how to configure the RMK and All Talk keys, see Setting the All

Talk key

Note: The All Talk key allows you to talk to all Channels at once with the push of a button. Select

All Channels to talk to all 12 (or 24 according to license) Channels on your system. Select Visible

Channels to talk to the Channels visible on your four device Keyset screens.

3. In menu mode select Station Settings and then Keysets.

4. From the third menu, select All Talk.

5. From the fourth menu, select All Channels or Visible Channels.

6. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

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5.3.3 Setting the All Talk Key

The All Talk key allows you to talk to all Channels at once with the push of a button. Select All

Channels to talk to all 12 (or 24 according to license) Channels on your system. Select Visible

Channels to talk to the Channels visible on your four device Keyset screens.

1. In menu mode select Station Settings and then Keysets.

2. From the third menu, select All Talk.

3. From the fourth menu, select All Channels or Visible Channels.

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.3.4 Setting the RMK (Remote Mic Kill) Key

The RMK (Remote Mic Kill) key is used to:

Deselect any latched keyset Talk routes.

HelixNet | User Guide

Turn off any latched Talk on connected analog Partyline equipment.

To enable or disable the RMK (Remote Mic Kill) key:

1. In Menu mode, select Station Settings and then Keysets.

2. From the third menu, select RMK.

Note: Talk Latch and the SA Output Key are also listed in this menu. See link...

3. From the fourth menu, select either of the following:

l All Channels (12 or 24 according to license)

l Visible Channels (default)

l Disabled

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.3.5 Setting Display Screen Brightness

By default, the display screens are set for medium brightness. To set the
brightness of the display screens:

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1. In Menu mode, select Station Settings and then Display.

2. From the third menu, select OLED Brightness.

3. From the fourth menu, select one of the following brightness settings:

l High

Key(s) Description

High / Low

The default setting.

Keys are lit bright when active and lit dim when inactive.

High / Off Keys are lit bright when active and are unlit when inactive.

Low / Off Keys are lit dim when active and are unlit when inactive.

Off / Off Keys are unlit, whether or not they are active or inactive.

l Medium (default)

l Low

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.3.6 Setting Key Brightness

By default, the front panel keys are set to High / Low. To set the brightness of
all front panel keys:

1. In Menu mode, select Station Settings and then Display.

2. From the third menu, select Key Brightness.

3. From the fourth menu, select one of the following brightness settings:

HelixNet | User Guide

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.3.7 Setting the Screensaver

The screensaver features the Channel label and is enabled by default. The display screens enter

screensaver mode when the Main Station has been inactive for 10 minutes.

Tip: To exit screensaver mode, press any key on the front.

To enable or disable the screensaver:

1. In Menu mode, select Station Settings and then Display.

2. From the third menu, select Screensaver.

3. From the fourth menu, select:

l Channel Name (default)

l Hostname

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l Role Name

Characters Description / range

Numbers (numeric) 0 to 9

Letters

Capital letters = A to Z

Small letters = a to z

Symbols

# & * ( ) - _ = + / ! @ :

Note: You can also select a space.

l Blank

l Disabled

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.4.1 Editing the Channel label

The maximum length for a Channel label is 12 characters. To edit the Channel label:

Note: Channel labels will be dictated by the Link Master when Main Stations are linked.

1. In Menu mode, select Channels and then the name of the Channel you want to edit.

2. From the third menu, select Label.

3. Select Clear and press the rotary control to clear the Channel label.

4. In the fourth menu, the following prompt is displayed above the Channel label:

HelixNet | User Guide

[Press to edit]

Press the rotary control.

5. The first letter of the Channel label is shown as selected. The following prompt is displayed

above the Channel label:

[Scroll / Press to Select]

Scroll to the character you want to edit by turning the rotary control. To begin

editing, press the rotary control.

6. The character you have selected for editing is shown in a box with a dotted border.

To display alternative characters in the box, turn the rotary control. The range of

available characters comprises the following:

To select a character, press the rotary control.

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7. When you have selected a replacement character, scroll to the next character you want to

edit. When you have finished editing the Channel label, scroll to Save (displayed beneath the

Channel label).

To save the Channel label, press the rotary control.

5.4.2 Assigning the Program Listen to a Channel

To assign (or unassign) the Program Listen (Program Feed) to a Channel:

1. In Menu mode, select Channels and then the name of the Channel.

2. From the third menu, select Program Listen.

3. From the fourth menu, select either None, or choose from the list of available programs.

Note: The default is None.

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

HelixNet | User Guide

Tip: When you assign the Program Listen to a Channel, PGM is displayed on the display screen

(under the listen level bar, to the left) for that Channel.

5.4.3 Assigning a GPO relay to a Channel

You can assign a relay that is triggered on receiving a call or detecting a talk on a Partyline

Channel. To assign (or unassign) a relay:

1. In Menu mode, select Channels and then the name of the Channel.

2. From the third menu, select GPO on Talk or GPO on Call.

3. From the fourth menu, select either None, or choose from the list of available relays.

Note: The default is None.

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

Note: An ActionTrigger initiated by a Program Audio Input VOX can on only be assigned to a GPO on

the same device.

5.5 Configuring the Control I/O

The Control I/O connector (25 way female D-type) on the rear panel allows you to connect up to 4

relay outputs or 4 opto inputs and control them through the Main Station keysets:

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I/O type Description

Opto inputs Opto inputs enable you to connect a foot switch or other control

device and use it to trigger Call or Talk functions.

There is also an option to open the mic. You can use this option

to talk, hands-free to one or more pre-latched channels.

Relay outputs Relay outputs enable you to use Call or Talk keys to trigger any

external device that accepts a standard contact closure (such

as a theater curtain or an On Air light, or the beltpack USB

flasher).

5.5.1 Configuring Opto Inputs

To configure the Control I/O for Opto inputs:

1. In Menu mode, select Control I/O.

HelixNet | User Guide

2. From the second menu, select Inputs.

3. From the third menu, select one of the following:

l Opto 1

l Opto 2

l Opto 3

l Opto 4

4. From the fourth menu (fourth display screen), select one of the following:

l None

l Call Key 1

l Talk Key 1

l Call Key 2

l Talk Key 2

l Call Key 3

l Talk Key 3

l Call Key 4

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l Talk Key 4

l Mic

5. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.5.2 Configuring Relay Outputs

To configure the Control I/O for Relay outputs:

1. In Menu mode, select Control I/O.

2. From the second menu, select Outputs.

3. From the third menu, select one of the four available Relay outputs:

l Relay 1

l Relay 2

HelixNet | User Guide

l Relay 3

l Relay 4

4. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

l None (default)

l Call Key 1

l Talk Key 1

l Call Key 2

l Talk Key 2

l Call Key 3

l Talk Key 3

l Call Key 4

l Talk Key 4

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l SA Key

Note: The number of the key relates to the keyset to which it belongs (for example,

Call Key 1 is the Call key for the first keyset / display screen).

5. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.6 Configuring Module Settings

Up to three optional interface modules can be fitted to the expansion bay of the HMS-4X Main

Station.

Warning: The interface modules are not hot pluggable. Ensure that the Main Station is powered

down before inserting or removing modules.

The Menu mode > Module Settings are used to set up the interface modules.

Tip: For more detailed information about interface modules, including pin out information, see

HMS-4X Main Station rear panel: Interface modules

5.6.1 Configuring a Four-Wire Interface Module

The following procedure shows you how to configure the Module Settings for a Four-wire

interface module.

To configure the Module Settings for a four-wire interface module:

HelixNet | User Guide

1. In Menu mode, select Module Settings.

2. From the second menu, select one of the two available ports on the two-wire interface

module:

a. Slot 2/Port A 4W

b. Slot 2/Port B 4W

Note: In this example, the four-wire module has been fitted to slot 2 in the expansion

bay. The expansion bay contains three slots.

4W = four-wire.

3. To associate any available Channel with the selected port, or to disable Channels

associations:

a. From the third menu, select Channel Assign.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n Disabled (default)

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n Channel 1.

n Channel 2.

n Channel 3.

n Channel 4.

HelixNet | User Guide

n …

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

4. The Program Output allows a program feed associated with the Channel assigned to the four

wire port to either be delivered to that 4 wire port alongside the other Channel audio or not. To

set the Program Output:

a. From the third menu, select Program Output.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n Unmute

n Mute (default)

5. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

6. To set the input level for the four-wire port:

a. From the third menu (third display screen), select Input Gain.

b. From the fourth menu (fourth display screen), select one of the following:

n +12dB

n + 6dB.

n 0dB (default)

n -6dB.

n -12dB

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

7. To set the output level for the four-wire port:

a. From the third menu, select Output Gain.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n +12dB

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n + 6dB.

n 0dB (default)

n -6dB.

n -12dB

HelixNet | User Guide

8. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

9. To set the action trigger for the Program Output:

a. From the third menu, select GPO.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n Enabled

n Disabled

10. If you are setting up a continuous audio (program) feed using the four-wire interface module,

then you may want to enable the VOX functionality. To help reduce redundant noise, the

VOX functionality automatically deactivates and activates the continuous audio feed, at an

automatically determined volume threshold.

Note: If you assign a program and a four-wire interface to the same Channel, VOX is

automatically enabled.

To enable or disable VOX:

a. From the third menu, select VOX.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

l Enabled.

l Disabled (default)

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

11. The VOX Delay OFF setting determines the length of time to wait before deactivating the

incoming audio. To set the VOX Delay OFF setting:

a. From the third menu, select VOX Delay OFF.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n .5 sec (default)

n 1 sec

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n 2 sec

n 3 sec

n 4 sec

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.6.2 Configuring a Two-Wire Interface Module

The following procedure shows you how to configure the Module Settings for a Two-wire interface

module.

Note: The Two-wire interface module must receive power from the Partyline.

To configure the Module Settings for a Two-wire interface module:

1. In Menu mode, select Module Settings.

2. From the second menu, select one of the two available ports on the two-wire interface

module:

Slot 1/Port A 2W

Slot 1/Port B 2W

Note: In this example, the two-wire module has been fitted to slot 1 in the expansion

bay. The expansion bay contains three slots.

HelixNet | User Guide

2W = Two-wire.

a. To associate any available Channel (or to disable Channels associations) with

the selected port:

From the third menu (third display screen), select Channel Assign.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n Disabled (default)

n Channel 1

n Channel 2

n Channel 3

n Channel 4

n ...

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

3. The Program Output allows a program feed associated with the Channel assigned to the four

wire port to either be delivered to that 4 wire port alongside the other Channel audio or not. To

set the Program Output:

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a. From the third menu, select Program Output.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

HelixNet | User Guide

RTS pinout option Description

RTS Audio Pin 2 Pin 2 is used for both power and audio.

RTS Audio Pin 3 Pin 3 is used for audio (Pin 2 is used for power only).

n Unmute

n Mute (default)

4. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5. Auto-nulling helps to reduce echo while talking on a two-wire audio system. To start Auto-

nulling on the selected port:

a. From the third menu, select Auto-Nulling.

b. From the fourth menu, select Start.

Note: Auto-nulling is only applicable to two-wire audio. All Talk routes/keys must be

disabled before Auto-nulling can commence. If an echo persists, ensure all Talk

routes are disabled and re-null the system.

6. The Two-wire interface module is set for Clear-Com systems by default. However, you can

also set the two-wire ports for use with RTS analog Partyline systems. If you are connecting to

an RTS system, you also have a choice of two different pinouts:

Note: For detailed pinout information, see HMS-4X Main Station rear

panel: Interface modules..

To configure the port for either Clear-Com or RTS systems:

a. From the third menu, select Mode.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

l Clear-Com

l RTS Audio Pin 2

l RTS Audio Pin 3

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

7. To set the Input Gain:

a. From the third menu, select Input Gain.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

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l +3 dB

l +2 dB

l +1 dB

l 0 dB (default)

l -1 dB

l -2 dB

l -3 dB

8. To set the Output Gain:

a. From the third menu, select Output Gain.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n +3 dB

HelixNet | User Guide

n +2 dB

n +1 dB

n 0 dB (default)

n -1 dB

n -2 dB

n -3 dB

9. To set the action trigger for the Program Output:

a. From the third menu, select GPO.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n Enabled

n Disabled

10. Enabling RMK [Remote Mic Kill] Input allows an external 2-wire analogue partyline device

such as the main (base) station (MS-702) to send an RMK signal to the digital HelixNet

devices attached to the same HelixNet channel.

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Note: If this is enabled and the analog Partyline system is powered down, it will be

interpreted by the HelixNet Main Station as an RMK input and all talk routes will be

switched off.

To enable RMK Input:

HelixNet | User Guide

a. From the third menu (third display screen), select RMK Input.

b. From the fourth menu (fourth display screen), select one of the following:

l Enabled

l Disabled (default)

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

11. Enabling RMK [Remote Mic Kill] Output allows you to send an RMK signal from the

HelixNet Main Station to any connected analog 2-wire partyline system.

To enable RMK Output:

a. From the third menu, select RMK Output.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

l Enabled

l Disabled (default)

To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

12. If you are setting up a continuous audio (program) feed using the two-wire interface module,

then you may want to enable the VOX functionality. To help reduce redundant noise, the VOX

functionality automatically deactivates and activates the continuous audio feed, at an

automatically determined volume threshold.

Note: If you assign a program and a two-wire interface to the same Channel, VOX is

automatically enabled.

To enable or disable VOX:

a. From the third menu, select VOX.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

l Enabled

l Disabled (default)

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c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

13. The VOX Delay OFF setting determines the length of time to wait before deactivating the

incoming audio. To set the VOX Delay OFF setting:

a. From the third menu, select VOX Delay OFF.

b. From the fourth menu, select one of the following:

n .5 sec (default)

n 1 sec

n 2 sec

n 3 sec

n 4 sec

c. To confirm the selected setting, press the rotary control.

5.6.3 Configuring an Ethernet or Fiber interface module

The following procedure shows you how to configure the Module Settings for an Ethernet

interface module.

HelixNet | User Guide

To configure the Module Settings for an Ethernet interface module:

1. To view status information about Main Stations:

a. In Menu mode, select Networking.

Note: The Networking menu only appears if at least one Ethernet or Fiber interface module is

detected.

b. From the second menu, select Stations. A list of station IDs is given for each

Main Station in the network. Each station ID in the list is preceded by the letter M-

for the Link-Master station itself and S- for all Link-Member (S stands for Slave).

c. From the third menu select the required station ID.

d. From the fourth menu you can view the following:

l Status – Enabled or Disabled

l IP – The IP address.

2. To edit or change the Hostname for your device:

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a. In Menu mode, select Networking.

b. From the second menu, select Preferences

c. From the third menu, select Hostname

d. From the fourth menu, select the name by pushing and turning the Rotary controller.

HelixNet | User Guide

e. Edit the name by turning the controller to select a letter or number and pushing to select it.

Then turn to scroll through letters. Push to commit.

f. When you have done, scroll to SAVE and push to commit.

3. To enable or disable DHCP:

a. In Menu mode, select Networking.

Note: The Networking menu only appears if an Ethernet or Fiber interface module is detected.

b. From the second menu, select Preferences.

c. From the third menu, select DHCP.

d. From the fourth display screen, select one of the following:

l Disabled

l Enabled (default)

4. To edit the IP address:

a. In Menu mode, select Networking.

Note: The Networking menu only appears if an Ethernet or Fiber interface module is detected.

b. From the second menu, select Preferences.

c. From the third menu, select IP Address.

d. From the fourth display screen, edit the IPv4 address.

Note: You can only edit the IPv4 address if DHCP is disabled.

Note: The HelixNet system uses 10.0.0.x and 172.23.x.x IP address ranges internally between

the Main Station and the Beltpacks, and therefore will not allow setting the external IP address to

anything in that range.

Note: If you change the IP address (either manually or through DHCP), the link between stations

will be broken and you have to reboot the Main Station to link again. The following message will

appear as a banner (inverted text) at the bottom across the four displays on the Main Station

IP address | changed, | reboot | to link

If that message appears, pressing the Menu key will bring you directly to: Administration->Reset-

>Reboot->Reboot Now

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5. To edit the Gateway:

a. In Menu mode, select Networking.

Note: The Networking menu only appears if an Ethernet or Fiber interface module is detected.

HelixNet | User Guide

b. From the second menu, select Preferences.

c. From the third menu, select Gateway.

d. From the fourth display screen, edit the gateway.

Note: You can only edit the gateway if DHCP is disabled.

6. To edit the Subnet Mask:

a. In Menu mode, select Networking.

Note: The Networking menu only appears if an Ethernet or Fiber interface module is detected.

b. From the second menu, select Preferences.

c. From the third menu, select Subnet Mask.

d. From the fourth display screen, edit the Subnet Mask.

Note: You can only edit the Subnet Mask if DHCP is disabled.

7. To enable or disable linking:

a. In Menu mode, select Networking.

Note: The Networking menu only appears if an Ethernet or Fiber interface module is detected.

b. From the second menu, select Linking.

c. From the third menu, select Link Mode.

d. From the fourth display screen, select one of the following:

l Disabled (default)

l Master

l Member

5. If Member is selected, the menu asks you to pick a Link-Master to connect to in the

Networking>Link To Master menu. It can be done by picking from a hostname list or by

entering an IP address.

5.6.4 Setting up a Key Expansion Group

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HelixNet units can be expanded and stacked to allow for visual monitoring and easy control of

multiple Channels. Up to five devices (HMS-4X, HRM-4X) can be stacked in an Expansion Group,

allowing for convenient observation and control of up to 24 Keysets. This gets rid of the need for

multiple key presses and microphones. When using this type of connectivity, the Expanded panels

act as slaves to the Host panel.

HelixNet | User Guide

To set up an Expansion Group, once the devices have been connected to the same LAN by

Ethernet cable, you will need to identify a Host device. This is done from the front panel menu of

the device under Station Settings. Then designate the panel(s) to be stacked as Expansion

Panel(s).

Once this set up is established, you will be able to control all Channels from the Host panel.

Volume and buttons are synched.

Unused buttons on Expanded panel are disabled: HSet, Mic On, SA, All Talk, OPT, Main, PGM.

Restrictions:

Devices can only connect as an Expansion Group over LAN, not when connected over digital

Partyline.

HMS-4X or HRM-4X can act as Host Panel.

HMS-4X can only act as a key Expansion Panel to another HMS-4X.

HRM-4X can act as a Key Panel to an HMS-4X and an HRM-4X.

If an HRM-4X is already Paired to an HMS-4X, it will only see Host Panels that are part of the

same group.

If an HRM-4X is not Paired yet to an HMS-4X, it will see all Host Panels in the subnet and will

automatically Pair at the same time if a Host Panel is selected.

An Expansion Group must be set up from the device menus, and cannot be set up from the CCM.

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To set up a key Expansion Group (example set-up)

Designate the expansion Host unit:

1. On the Host device, press the MENU button to enter menu mode.

HelixNet | User Guide

Stacking icon

Note: For each menu, turn the rotary control clockwise to scroll down the menu

items. Turn counter clockwise to scroll up the menu items.

Off-screen menu items are indicated by arrows at the top and/or bottom of the

screen.

Selected menu items (which create your path through the four menus) are

highlighted in solid yellow.

The current setting is indicated by a dotted box around the menu item

When you have selected a setting by rotating the right hand rotary control, press that

rotary control to enable the setting on the Main Station.

2. Navigate to Menu > Networking > Expansion Mode. Select Host.

3. From the 4thscreen on the device select Enabled. The device will then be open for

expansion.

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Note: On both Host and Expansion panels a “stacking” icon will flash until connection is

established.

Designate the Expansion panel and link it to the host:

4. From the front panel menus of the panel you wish to expand from the host, navigate to Menu

> Networking > Expansion Mode > Expand To Host.

5. Select the required host panel using the rotary controllers, which, providing the devices are on

the same network, will be visible in the 4thscreen.

6. The stacking icon will flash in the screen until connection is established. Once the connection

is established, the icon will show solid.

5.6.5 Viewing the Module Settings: Version Information

The software (firmware) for the ports on the interface module must match that on the HelixNet

Main Station itself.

HelixNet | User Guide

Note: Ethernet and fiber option modules do not contain software.

To check the software version for the Main Station and each port on the interface module:

1. In Menu mode, select Administration > Software > Current.

2. In the fourth menu, use the rotary control to scroll the displayed software versions.

3. The software versions for each port are listed under Snx, where n indicates the slot number,

and x indicates port A or port B.

The software versions for the two processors in the Main Station (Main Station and IV-Router) are

listed under MS and IVR respectively.

5.7 Administration

5.7.1 In Menu mode > Administration, you can:

l Update and view the current software (firmware)

l Upgrade and view the current licence (how many channels are available)

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l Reset the Main Station and audio configuration

l Reboot the Main Station

l Get system logs for diagnostic purposes

l See the CCM login credentials (including password). This option is only available if you

have either not changed the CCM password or reset the main station to factory default

settings

l Save/restore audio configuration

5.7.2 Viewing the Current Versions of the Software

To view the current versions of the software on the Main Station, see Viewing the Module

Settings: Version information.

5.7.3 Updating the Software

Any beltpacks, Remote Stations and Speaker Stations that are connected to the Main Station are

automatically updated. The units remain non-functional for approximately 5 minutes while they are

updated.

To update the software:

HelixNet | User Guide

1. After downloading the software update, copy the update to a USB memory stick.

Note: If you are updating from HelixNet 3.0 to HelixNet 3.1 or later, you must update

the .ccb file before you update the .ubifs file.

2. Insert the memory stick into the USB 2.0 (A) connector. See table in Main Station/Remote

Station: Front panel

3. In Menu mode, select Administration and then Software.

4. From the third menu, select Update.

5. The fourth menu displays the new software version information on the USB memory stick. To

start updating the Main Station with the new software, press the rotary control.

The process of updating the software takes several minutes. Please wait while all connected

devices are updated. The following system messages are displayed during the process:

Loading image

Erasing flash

Writing to flash

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Verifying flash

Successful

Note: Do not remove the USB memory stick from the Main Station until the software update is

completed, including the update to any connected devices.

Do not turn off the power to the Main Station during the software (firmware)

update. Turning off the power can damage the device.

Note: The Main Station resets automatically. You are not required to restart the Main Station.

To check that the software upgrade was performed successfully, see Viewing the

current versions of the software.

5.7.4 Upgrading the License on the HelixNet Main Station

The Main Station arrives with a license for 12 Channels. In order to upgrade to 24 Channels you

need to obtain a License code from your Clear-Com dealer. Your dealer will need the system id of

your device, available from the front menu screens.

1. In Menu mode, select Administration and then License.

HelixNet | User Guide

2. From the third menu, select Current.

3. In the fourth menu, the top item is the system ID. Give this to your dealer to obtain a license to

upgrade.

4. When you have the license code, input it into this screen. The Rotary controller can be used to

scroll to the input code section, and then used to enter the code. Push to select a digit or letter.

Scroll to the required letter. Push to commit information.

5.7.5 Resetting the Main Station

To reset the Main Station to its default (factory mode) settings:

1. In Menu mode, select Administration and then Reset.

2. The third menu displays a selected menu item: Reset to Default.

3. In the fourth menu, select between:

l Reset HMS

l Reset Endpoints

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l Reset CCM pass

l Reset Roles/Channels

l Factory Default

HelixNet | User Guide

Type of reset Result of reset

Reset HMS

Reset Main Station, including Roles to factory

defaults. This option will not reeset the

CCM password to the factory default setting.

Reset Endpoints Reset the local configuration for all connected

endponts; beltpacks, remote stations and

speaker stations (Roles are not reset).

Reset CCM Pass This option is only available when the CCM

password has been changed. You can use

this setting to reset the password to the default

setting (unique password).

Reset Roles Reset the Role and Channel assignments of

the HMS. This option is also available in the

CCM.

Factory Default Resets everything on the HMS and connected

endpoints.

Note: Reset HMSand Factory Default will erase any Role configurations you have made.

Please save Role configurations before doing this.

5.7.6 Manually Rebooting the Main Station

To manually reboot the Main Station:

1. In Menu mode, select Administration and then Reset.

2. The third menu select Reboot.

3. In the fourth menu, select Reboot Now.

When the rotary control is pressed, the display changes to Rebooting … for 2 seconds, and

then the Main Station reboots.

5.7.7 Saving and Restoring the Software Settings

Use this option to save your configuration to a USB stick or restore a previously saved file:

1. Insert a memory stick into the USB 2.0 (A) connector. See table in Main Station/Remote

Station: Front panel

2. In Menu mode, select Administration and then Settings.

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HelixNet | User Guide

Type of Save Result

Save All

Saves your whole configuration; Main Station,

Remote Stations, Speaker Stations,

Roles/Channel names to the USB for future

use. This option also saves 2-wire and 4-wire

port settings and assignment.

Restore All Restores all settings from the file stored on the

USB.

Restore Role/Ch Restores Channel names and Role

configuration only from the file stored on the

USB. Network settings (including Linking

and Expansion) are NOT saved.

3. To save, in the third menu, select Save All. Once you select Save you should not remove the

USB stick right away. Depending on the USB stick it might take up to 5 seconds to complete.

4. To restore all HMS settings, in the third menu, select Restore all.

a. In the fourth menu, select a file from USB.

b. This restores the Helixnet Base, the Role and the Channel settings from the USB stick to

your system.

5. To restore Roles and Channel names only, in the third menu, select Restore Role/Ch.

a. In the fourth menu, select a file from USB.

b. This restores Role and Channel settings from the USB to your system. Network settings

are NOT restored.

5.8 Diagnostics

The Diagnostics menus help you to monitor the performance of the Main Station and diagnose

possible system issues.

If the warning icon shows up in the Main display, warning message will show up here in the

Diagnostics menu.

5.8.1 Viewing hardware Information

To view information about the hardware (PCBs) on the Main Station:

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1. In Menu mode, select Diagnostics and then Hardware.

2. From the third menu, select one of the following:

HelixNet | User Guide

l Main PCB

l Slot 1 PCB

l Slot 2 PCB

l Slot 3 PCB

Note: Slot 1, Slot 2 and Slot 3 refer to the interface module slots in the Main Station

extension bay. When looking at the rear of the module, slot 1 is the left-hand slot,

slot 2 is the middle slot, and slot 3 is the right-hand slot.

The fourth menu displays the Part number, Revision and Serial numbers for the

PCB. The format is similar to the following:

Part xxxxxx

Revision: x

Serial: x

Where x is a numerical value.

5.8.2 Viewing temperature Information

To view the temperature of the Main Station:

1. In Menu mode, select Diagnostics and then Hardware.

2. From the third menu, select one of the following temperature sensors:

l Sensor 1

l Sensor 2

l Sensor 3

The fourth menu displays the temperature, for example:

+30°C

Environmental note:

The recommended operating temperature range for the HelixNet

HMS-4X Main Station is 0 to +40°C. The storage temperature range for the Main

Station is -30 to +70°C.

For more environmental information, see Installing HelixNet Partyline.

5.8.3 Viewing Powerline Information and Status

There are two digital Partylines (Line 1 and Line 2) on the HMS-4X Main Station. Line 1 and Line

2 are also referred to as powerlines.

Each line can support up to 10 beltpacks, Remote Stations or Speaker Stations.

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