Clear-Com LQ series User Manual
LQ™ Series User Guide
PN: 399G116 Rev D 09/08/15
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399G116 Rev D
Document Reference
Clear-Com LQ Series User Guide
Part Number: 399G116 Revision: D
Legal Disclaimers
Copyright © 2015 HME Clear-Com Ltd.
All rights reserved.
Clear-Com, the Clear-Com logo, Encore, HelixNet and LQ are 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; 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: +1.510.337.6600
Email: CustomerServicesUS@clearcom.com
Europe, Middle East, and Africa Headquarters
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1223 815000
Email: SalesSupportEMEA@clearcom.com
China Office
Beijing Representative Office
Beijing, P.R.China
Tel: +8610 65811360 / 65815577
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Important Safety instructions
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
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.
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, objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to heavy rain, the apparatus does not operate
normally.
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1 Overview .......................................................................... 7
1.1 LQ and LQ-R models ............................................................... 8
1.2 Basic example applications....................................................... 9
1.3 Link-Group ........................................................................... 11
1.4 Example advanced application ................................................ 12
2 Basic setup (LAN) .......................................................... 13
2.1 Setting up your LQ environment ............................................. 13
2.2 Accessing the Core Configuration Manager (CCM) ..................... 14
2.3 Create a Link-Group .............................................................. 15
2.4 Assigning ports to a channel .................................................. 18
3 Powering your LQ™ ........................................................ 20
3.1 Using the power supply unit (PSU) .......................................... 20
3.2 Using power over Ethernet (PoE) with 2-port units .................... 22
3.3 Re-boot system .................................................................... 22
4 Core Configuration Manager (CCM) walk-through .......... 23
4.1 Minimum requirements for the CCM ........................................ 23
4.2 Overview page ..................................................................... 24
4.3 Device configuration.............................................................. 24
4.4 Assignments page ................................................................. 29
5 Linking ........................................................................... 32
5.1 A Link-Group ........................................................................ 32
5.2 The Link-Master role ............................................................. 32
5.3 The Link-Member role ........................................................... 33
5.4 Linking units ........................................................................ 33
5.5 Linking over a LAN ................................................................ 33
5.6 Linking over Internet or WAN ................................................. 34
5.7 How to remove a device from a Link-Group .............................. 35
6 Front panel interface walk-through ................................ 37
6.1 Administration ...................................................................... 39
6.2 Audio .................................................................................. 39
6.3 Device ................................................................................. 40
6.4 Networking (information display only) ..................................... 40
7 Internet connectivity ..................................................... 41
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7.1 Getting an external IP address ............................................... 41
7.2 Port-forwarding .................................................................... 41
7.3 How to configure the Link-Master to be externally
reachable............................................................................. 42
7.4 How to configure Link-Members to be externally
reachable............................................................................. 43
8 Link-local environments ................................................. 45
8.1 What is link-local? ................................................................. 45
8.2 Accessing an LQ unit when in link-local mode ........................... 45
9 Network configuration ................................................... 46
9.1 Dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) configuration ......... 46
9.2 Static configuration ............................................................... 46
9.3 Configuring an external IP address .......................................... 47
10 Interface port configuration ........................................... 48
10.1 Maximize bandwidth efficiency and audio quality ...................... 48
10.2 Call signaling and Remote Mic Kill (RMK) ................................. 48
10.3 2-wire port options ............................................................... 48
10.4 4-wire port options ............................................................... 50
11 Assignments .................................................................. 52
11.1 Channels ............................................................................. 52
11.2 Audio configuration for a 4-wire direct/panel connection ............ 54
11.3 Modifying a channel/4-wire direct label .................................... 56
11.4 Example audio assignment via a Pico matrix ............................ 57
12 Using LQ™ to interconnect equipment ............................ 58
12.1 Connecting 2-wire equipment ................................................. 60
12.2 Connecting to 4-wire equipment ............................................. 61
12.3 Connecting an Eclipse Pico or MVX card to an Encore
device using LQ .................................................................... 62
12.4 Connecting an Eclipse Pico or MVX card to a panel using
LQ ...................................................................................... 63
13 Upgrading your device ................................................... 64
14 FAQs............................................................................... 65
14.1 How can I find the IP address or name of my LQ unit?............... 65
14.2 What does a solid red light on the front panel keypad
indicate? .............................................................................. 65
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14.3 What does a flashing red light on the front panel keypad
indicate? .............................................................................. 65
14.4 What does a persistent flashing green light (more than 2
minutes) on the front panel keypad indicate? ........................... 66
14.5 What types of 2-wire intercom do LQ Series units
support? .............................................................................. 66
14.6 Can I connect Clear-Com intercom panels to LQ 4-wire
devices? .............................................................................. 66
14.7 How are LQ Series devices powered?....................................... 67
14.8 How do I update the software in the LQ units? ......................... 67
14.9 How do I eliminate choppy audio being received by
another LQ unit? ................................................................... 67
14.10 How do I set the system up if I have to cross one or more
firewalls? ............................................................................. 68
14.11 Why does the Link-Master need to have a static IP
address? .............................................................................. 69
14.12 What are the consequences if connection to the Link-
Master is lost? ...................................................................... 69
14.13 Does the LQ-4W2 pass call signaling? ...................................... 70
14.14 Can I link LQ-2W to an LQ-4W? .............................................. 70
14.15 Connectivity, including Web access to my LQ unit is
intermittent, even though I am accessing it from within
the same LAN. ...................................................................... 70
15 Technical specifications ................................................. 71
16 Terminology/glossary .................................................... 74
17 Compliance .................................................................... 76
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1 Overview
LQ™ allows you to connect 4-wire and partyline audio with call signaling over IP
networks quickly and easily.
The product line provides a unique combination of low latency with exceptional
audio quality and an intuitive, easy to use design.
The LQ product is available in 5 models; the LQ-2W2 and LQ-4W2 devices are
small, robust 2-port throw-down boxes for fast and convenient installation. These
devices operate on Power over Ethernet (PoE) for situations where a power supply
is not easily available. The LQ-R devices (LQ-R4W8, LQ-R2W4-4W4, LQR-2W4) are
single rack units providing 4 or 8 ports in a combination of 4-wire and 2-wire
options for more extensive installations.
The LQ product line offers:
• LAN, WAN and Internet connectivity
• Up to 48 ports of audio can be routed through the system using
customizable Virtual Partylines
• Up to six units can be linked together
• 5 different LQ models.
• Web based Core Configuration Manager (CCM)
• Per-port adjustment of network/audio quality settings
• Low latency OPUS CODEC
• LQ units: External power supply or Power over Ethernet (PoE)
• LQ-R units: Dual redundant external power supply
• 2-wire
o 2-wire line termination,
o Auto nulling,
o Clear-Com/RTS modes with both RMK/Call signaling pass-through
• 4-wire
o 4-wire To Panel/To Matrix interface switch
o Panel data can be transmitted, allowing panels to connect over LAN,
WAN and Internet.
o Call signaling
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1.1 LQ and LQ-R models
LQ-2W2
Throw-down unit
Two 2-wire partyline connectors (XLR F)
LQ-4W2
Throw-down unit
Two 4-wire connectors (RJ45, etherCON)
LQ-R2W4 1 RU unit
Four 2-wire ports, each with a male and female connector. (XLR)
Dual redundant power supply connectors
LQ-R4W8 1 RU unit
Eight 4-wire connectors, (RJ45, etherCON)
Dual redundant power supply connectors
LQ-R2W4-4W4 1 RU unit
Four 2-wire connectors (XLR F)
Four 4-wire connectors (RJ45, etherCON)
Dual redundant power supply connectors
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1.2 Basic example applications
LAN, WAN ,
Internet
LAN, WAN ,
Internet
Figure 1-1 Partyline to partyline (2-wire connection)
Figure 1-2 Partyline to partyline (2-wire connection). 8 ports,
2 per LQ unit
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LAN, WAN ,
Internet
PoE or local
power
LAN, WAN ,
Internet
LQ 2W
LQ 4W
Figure 1-3 Partyline to beltpack
Figure 1-4 Partyline to matrix (2-wire to 4-wire)
Figure 1-5 Panel data over 4-wire connection. Replaces VoICE 2.0 product.
Note: Panel data is passed between a pair of LQ devices, providing a 4-wire direct
connection between two ports.
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1.3 Link-Group
Figure 1-6 A Link-Group
Figure 1-7 Configuring a Link-Group from any device
Note: The Core Configuration Manager (the Web-based management interface) for any
unit can be reached either directly, by entering the IP address (displayed on the
front of the unit) into a browser address field or via the Overview page of any unit
in the Link-Group.
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1.4 Example advanced application
Figure 1-8 Example application, partyline and 4-wire direct (panel data)
See 11.4 Example audio assignment via a Pico matrix for example audio
routes for this setup.
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2 Basic setup (LAN)
LAN,WAN,
Internet
4-wire
2-wire
2.1 Setting up your LQ environment
Prepare your environment by gathering the following equipment:
• LQ units (LQ #1 and LQ #2)
• (2) provided power supply units (PSUs)
• (2) Straight-through Ethernet cables
• (1) Network connection with dynamic host control protocol (DHCP) server
present
• (2) 2-wire or 4-wire devices to provide an audio connection to each LQ
1) Using the Ethernet cable, connect LQ #1 to LQ #2 using either using either
LAN port on the rear of the unit.
2) Using another Ethernet cable, connect LQ #1 to your DHCP enabled network.
Figure 2-1 LQ device front panel display (4-Wire)
Note: The IP address will be allocated by DHCP (default mode). In the event
that the network does not serve DHCP or there is no network
connection, the IP address will revert to a link-local address. See 8
Link-local environments for more information.
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3) Connect the provided PSU to each LQ device. Each device will display an IP
1. Connect LQ #1 to
LQ #2 using either
LAN port
LQ #1
LQ #2
2. Connect DHCP
enabled server to
either LAN port
3. Connect
power supply
4. Connect audio
equipment
address on the front panel display.
4) Connect audio equipment to Port A of each LQ device.
2.2 Accessing the Core Configuration Manager (CCM)
Note: Default username and password for the CCM: admin, admin.
Figure 2-2 Basic setup
From a computer, open a Web browser. Enter the IP Address as displayed on the
LQ #2 device in the address field of the Web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, IE,
Opera). This takes you to the Core Configuration Manager.
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Figure 2-3 Core Configuration Manager
2.3 Create a Link-Group
Before linking units together, one LQ device must first be designated as the LinkMaster. This is accomplished by setting that device's role to Link-Master. Every
other LQ device within the Link-Group will then be set into a Link-Member role
which allows the linking of those units directly to the Link-Master.
In this example, LQ #1 will be left as Link-Master (default configuration) and LQ
#2 will be linked to it.
1) Navigate to Home > Linking on the CCM of LQ #2.
2) Click Change Role to Link-Member.
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3) Within the Master IP address field, enter the IP address as displayed on the
LQ #1 device. Click on blue check mark or <ENTER> key to submit.
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4) Select an available device ID (highlighted in blue).
Select an available device
ID (highlighted in blue)
Apply Changes
5) Click Apply changes.
LQ #1 and LQ #2 will now be linked.
6) Navigate to the Overview page (top navigation bar). Both LQ devices should
be displayed on this page.
7) Before continuing, if either LQ device is a LQ-2W2 model, auto-null both
ports. For each device: within the General page, navigate to A/B.
8) Expand port sections (A and B) and click on the Auto-Nulling button for each
port.
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2.4 Assigning ports to a channel
1) Click on the Assignments button within the navigation bar.
2) Select the Channel tab.
3) Add Port A on each device to Channel 1 by clicking on the + symbol to the
right of each port.
You should now be able to pass audio and call/RMK signaling to/from Port A
on each device.
Note: Channel 1 must be selected before audio can be assigned to it. This is
shown by an orange highlight.
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2.4.1 Interface port settings
From the LQ Core Configuration Manager go to Overview > A/B. The LQ factory
default settings are shown below.
2W
Power Disabled
Mode Clear-Com
Input/Output gain 0dB
VOX mode Disabled
Network quality High
Termination Disabled
4W
Input/Output gain 0dB
Network quality High
VOX mode Disabled
Port function To Matrix
Baud rate 19200 (Eclipse)
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3 Powering your LQ™
Audio ports (2W or 4W)
LAN2 connector
LAN1/PoE connector
Sleeve-locking
power connector
Grounding screw
Figure 3-1 LQ unit rear panel (2-wire device)
3.1 Using the power supply unit (PSU)
• LQ units are supplied with a 24 watt sleeve-locking power connector.
• LQ-R 1RU units are supplied with two 60 watt sleeve-locking power
connectors. Use either power connector, or both to guard against one
power supply failing.
Note: When connecting the sleeve-locking power cable, be sure to push until the
connector locks into the device.
3.1.1 Understanding power display icons
You will be able to see the power status of your device is from:
• The front panel of the unit
• The device icon in the web based configuration tool (the CCM).
These indicators will show if the unit is using PoE or the PSU (LQ throw-down
units), and which of the two power supplies (or both) are in use for the LQ-R units.
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3.1.2 LQ Series front panel power display
LQ throw-down units
If the device is using the PSU, this will
be lit up instead of the PoE indicator.
LQ-R 1 RU units
3.1.3 Power 2-wire beltpacks from the partyline
2-wire partyline beltpacks take power from the partyline. The maximum numbers
are shown in the table below.
LQ series unit Power supply mA supplied to the 2-wire interface
(number of beltpacks powered by the
partyline)
LQ 24 watts 150 mA (~5 beltpacks)
LQ PoE 70 mA (~2 beltpack)
LQ-R 60 watts 250 mA (~10 beltpacks per pair of ports,
max 20 per device)
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3.2 Using power over Ethernet (PoE) with 2-port units
The 2-port units will receive power from the LAN1/PoE connector if required (this is
not the case for the larger LQ-R units).
When using PoE the LQ-2W2 supplies approximately 70 mA of power to the 2-wire
interface.
Note: If you are powering more than two LQ devices from one PoE switch, please consult
the power output of the PoE switch, as you may reach the limits of its power
capacity with more than two boxes.
If this happens, the device(s) will show a persistent flashing green light, and not
move beyond the Clear-Com splash screen. This indicates that the device is
continually booting and needs more power than the PoE switch or network is
providing. In this case, consider using the supplied sleeve-locking power connector
cable to power the device.
3.3 Re-boot system
The system will start its boot sequence immediately when power is applied. If you
need to reboot for any reason, either cycle the power or press all four direction
keys on the control panel on the front of the LQ unit at the same time.
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4 Core Configuration Manager (CCM) walk-
through
LQ units can be configured and controlled from the Web-based Core Configuration
Manager. This includes all main functions:
• Linking units
• Network settings
• Port configuration
• Configuring of audio and signalization routing throughout the LQ-Group
• Adjusting network quality settings on a per port basis
• System monitoring and control
• Upgrading LQ units.
To access the Core Configuration Manager, enter the IP address of the LQ, as
displayed on the front panel, into the URL field of your browser. If the unit is
reachable over your network, this will take you to the Overview page of the CCM
that is served by the unit.
Note: Default username and password for the CCM: admin, admin.
4.1 Minimum requirements for the CCM
Supported on the latest versions of all major web browsers (i.e. Google Chrome,
Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer).
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4.2 Overview page
Host device
(orange highlight)
Overview button
Note: The orange
highlight shows
which device the
browser is
currently
connected to.
Linked units appear in this screen
Navigation
bar
Link-Master
Power indicator
Figure 4-1 Overview page
Note: The Home button takes you to the General page of the device your browser is
Note: There is a navigation bar at the top of the page: Home, Overview,
Note: Please note that the device icon has a power indicator. See 3. Powering your LQ™
4.3 Device configuration
As LQ devices are added to the group, they will appear in this screen. To access
the configuration and control options for any one of the units in the group, click on
the device object.
connected to (the host device).
Assignments.
for more information on powering your device.
Once the units have joined a Link-Group, the devices can be configured either
directly or by proxy, meaning that the configuration operations for a unit are
routed through the host device. The host device is the unit which a browser is
currently directed to (see Figure 1-7 Configuring a Link-Group from any
device in Overview).
• The Home button will always take you to the host device’s configuration
page.
• Proxy configuration can be accomplished by clicking on any device within
the Devices page.
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