ClearOne comm XAPTM 800 User Manual

XAP™ 800 Audio Conferencing System

Installation & Operation Manual

Technical Services Group ~ 1-800-283-5936 (USA) ~ 1-801-974-3760

rights reserved. No part of this document

may be reproduced in any form or by any

means without written permission from

ClearOne Communications. Printed in the

United States of America. ClearOne

Communications reserves specific privileges.

Information in this document is subject to

change without notice.

XAP 800 Installation and Operation Manual ClearOne Part No. 800-151-101 July 2002 (Rev. 3.1)

iii

Technical Services Group ~ 1-800-283-5936 (USA) ~ 1-801-974-3760

XAP 800 Installation and Operation Manual

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Product overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

New Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Product registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Product returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Professional Services Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Controls and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Expansion bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Operational Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Equipment placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

G-Ware requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

CHAPTER 2: Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Hardware Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

To connect the unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Networking Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Expansion bus connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Device IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Mixer mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

LCD Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

LCD menu tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

System menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

RS-232 menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Meter menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Inputs menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Outputs menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

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CHAPTER 3: System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

G-Ware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Creating Floppy Disk Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Installing G-Ware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

To install G-Ware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Site Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Creating a new site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Adding a XAP 800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Configuring Unit Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

G-Ware Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Flow Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Matrix Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Audio Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Expansion bus O–Z routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Process A–H routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Cross point attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Matrix report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Inputs 1–8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Inputs 9–12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Outputs 1–12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Expansion Buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

From Expansion Bus O–Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

To Expansion Bus O–Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Processing A–H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

CHAPTER 4: Advanced Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Creating Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Running presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Running multiple presets simultaneously . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Creating macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Editing macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Running macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

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CHAPTER 5: Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Signal Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Document Compare Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Print Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

GFirm Firmware Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

G-Ware Switcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Copy and paste settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Message Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Monitoring Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Gate View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Meter Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

CHAPTER 6: Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

GPIO Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Control/Status A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Remote Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

XAP IR Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

ClearOne Control Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

RS-232 Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Remote modem access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Serial commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Command Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Appendix A: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Appendix B: Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Appendix C: Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Appendix D: Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Appendix E: Serial Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Appendix F: Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Appendix G: Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

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CHAPTER 1: Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the XAP 800, a highly advanced twelve-by-twelve digital matrix mixer with Gentner

Distributed Echo Cancellation®, noise cancellation, and audio processing. It uses an internal macro language and 32 userdefinable presets to quickly adapt to a variety of teleconferencing and sound reinforcement applications such as distance learning, teletraining, telemedicine, courtrooms, conference rooms, boardrooms, hotels, and houses of worship.

In its most simple form, the XAP 800 is a mic mixing matrix. As such, all mic mixing parameters can be customized and any input or combination of inputs can be routed to any output or combination of outputs, with attenuation adjustments at each cross point. This allows great flexibility in accommodating a variety of applications and requirements.

The XAP 800 features numerous functions which greatly enhance its performance and flexibility. For example, it can gate mics on and off when the sound within a mic’s acceptance pattern reaches a certain level.

The XAP 800 monitors each mic independently, observing ambient levels and making decisions based on each mic’s environment. Thus, the input for a mic located in a highly reverberant part of a conference room is gated, mixed, and processed to compensate for the changes in that area and reduce echo and noise. This improves audio quality and decreases the possibility of feedback.

The XAP 800 facilitates local and remote PC setup and diagnostics, logic outputs, and automatic gated mic operation. Mic inputs can be individually customized to gate on and off as you want, while automatic gain control keeps the overall sound level consistent. Eight of the 12 channels can be configured as an automatic microphone mixer.

Adjustments in routing, level, and other functions can be made through presets activated through a closure on the rear panel, an RS-232 serial interface, or a control panel on the expansion bus data channel.

The XAP 800 features eight audio processing blocks, each with 15 filters. Each filter can be configured as a parametric equalizer, high pass, low pass, CD horn, high shelving, low shelving, all pass, or crossover. This allows you to tailor the XAP 800’s audio response to optimize the audio quality and fidelity characteristics of a wide variety of sound reinforcement systems.

CHAPTER 1: Introduction

Product overview

Introduction ~ New Features

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The GPIO (general purpose input/output) allows switching among any of 32 user-stored presets. This gives you real-time flexibility to meet a variety of reinforcement requirements.

Network-based interconnectivity allows up to eight XAP 800s and XAP 400s to be connected and controlled as a single unit, allowing microphone coverage in applications requiring up to 64 mics.

The XAP 800’s Macro Pro™ scripting language allows the unit to function without the need for an external controller. However, it can be easily interfaced to an external controller via either of the two RS-485 ports. The unit can also interface with a PC through the RS-232 port.

New Features

• Virtual references. The XAP 800 now supports echo cancellation summing. Four user-definable virtual references are provided which can use multiple signals as the echo cancellation reference point without sacrificing an analog output. This added flexibility further enhances echo cancellation performance.

• Improved noise cancellation. Our industry-leading noise cancellation keeps background noise to a minimum while retaining top-level voice quality, echo cancellation performance, and full-duplex capability.

• Front panel gain and mute control. Now gain and mute adjustments can be made from the front panel. Using these controls allows you to make quick volume and mute changes without connecting through G-Ware.

• Safety Mute. The new Safety Mute button on the main G-Ware toolbar allows you to mute all outputs with one simple click if feedback or audio problems occur during the configuration process.

• Preset and Macro Passwords. You can now password protect your presets and macros to prevent unauthorized changes.

• Clear Matrix. This new button on the Matrix Screen makes it easy to clear all cross point cells in the matrix. Simply click the button and confirm the action.

• RAMP serial command. The new RAMP serial command (see page 123) gives you greater control over gain adjustments. You can specify the rate at which the gain increases and decreases as well as the target level.

Introduction ~ Professional Services Group

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Professional Services Group

If you need any additional information on how to install, set up, or operate your system, please contact us at one of the locations listed below. We welcome and encourage your comments so we can continue to improve our products and serve your needs.

ClearOne Communications ~ 1825 Research Way ~ Salt Lake City, Utah 84119

Technical Support

Telephone: 1.800.283.5936(USA) or 1.801.974.3760 Fax: 1.801.977.0087 E-mail: tech.support@clearone.com Web site: www.clearone.com

Sales and Customer Service

Telephone: 1.800.945.7730 (USA) or 1.801.975.7200 Fax: 1.800.933.5107 (USA) or 1.801.977.0087 E-mail: sales@clearone.com

ClearOne Communications EuMEA GmbH

Leonhardstr. 16-18, D-90443 Nuremberg, Germany Telephone: +49 911 955159-0 Fax: +49 911 955159-10 E-mail: global@clearone.com

Product registration

Please register your XAP 800 online by visiting ClearOne Technical Support at

www.clearone.com.

When your product is properly registered, ClearOne Communications is better able to serve you should you require technical assistance. Registration information is also used to notify you of upgrades and new product information.

Product returns

All product returns require a return authorization (RA) number. Please contact ClearOne Technical Support before attempting to return your XAP 800 unit.

Ensure that the following items were received with your shipment:

Introduction ~ Unpacking

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ClearOne is not responsible for product damage

incurred during shipment. You must make claims directly with the carrier. Inspect your shipment carefully for obvious signs of damage. If the shipment appears to be damaged, retain the original boxes and packing material for inspection by the carrier. Contact your carrier immediately.

Unpacking

Figure 1.1. Equipment included with XAP 800 unit

Front panel

A. LCD. This display is for XAP 800 setup in conjunction with the four

associated front-panel buttons [B, C, and D]. Baud rate and flow control must be configured from the front panel; see the LCD Menu Tree on page 13 for the location of these in the menu system. Other functions accessed via the front panel include system options, RS-232 configuration, troubleshooting, and level readings.

B. Enter. This button is used when programming the XAP 800 via the LCD

window. To move deeper in the menu or execute a selected parameter, press the Enter button.

Controls and Connections

Figure 1.2. Front panel controls

All front panel buttons are

also used to enter the front

panel passcode. See Security (page 26) for more details.

✍

Introduction ~ Controls and Connections

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C. ▲/▼ These buttons scroll up and down through vertical programming

options within a specific XAP 800 programming parameter or increases/decreases a numeric value.

D. Esc. This button steps you out of a selected parameter or moves you up one

level in the menu. When a parameter has been displayed with the arrow buttons [C], you can select it with the Enter button [B] to modify it. Then, you can step out of the menu with the Esc button.

E. LED meter. This assignable, peak-level LED bar meter is used to display

the audio level of an input, output, or processing channel of the XAP 800.

F. Meter. Takes you directly to the Meter branch of the XAP 800’s LCD menu

tree.

G. LED 1–8. These LEDs indicate Inputs 1–8 gate status.

Rear panel

A. Power. This power module accommodates power ranging from

100–240VAC, 50/60Hz. The module uses an IEC-type connector. No switching is required.

B. Inputs 1–8. These Phoenix block connectors are for connection of eight

mic-level or line-level (selectable) inputs. These connectors are typically used for mics, but can be configured for use with VCRs, CD players, XAP TH2, etc. These inputs can be mixed in any gated or non-gated combination and routed to any of the 12 outputs. Default input level is -55dBu. For more information about input adjustments, see page 32. For electrical specifications, see Appendix A: Specifications.

C. RS-485 Remote Panel A/B Port. These four-pin Phoenix connector ports

allow you to control the XAP 800 with the ClearOne Control Panel or XAP IR Remote Control.

Figure 1.3. Rear panel connections

Introduction ~ Controls and Connections

Power is supplied through the RS-485 ports to the remote Control Panels from the XAP 800. This power is limited to a total of 300mA at 15 volts for each connector. Over-current protection is provided on the +15V pins to prevent damage in the event of shorting. External power can be provided to control devices when more current is required. See page 92 for maximum cable run distances when using ClearOne Control Panels.

D. Control/Status Ports A and B. These two female DB25 connector are used

to connect control devices to the XAP 800. The control devices have access to the command set for the XAP 800 and can be used for common functions such as volume control, muting, preset change, room combining, etc. Devices can be connected to either port.

For instructions on how to program the control and status pins, see the GPIO section on page 77. The default settings allow control and status of inputs, outputs, volume, and presets. These pins are active low. The 32 presets can also be activated via these connectors. For pinout and default information, see Appendix B.

E. Outputs 1–12. These three-pin Phoenix connectors are for connection of

twelve line-level balanced outputs with three-pin Phoenix connectors. These outputs are typically used for connection to VCRs, tape recorders, amplifiers, codecs, phone hybrids, and other audio devices. These outputs may be configured to contain any combination of gated and non-gated inputs. The nominal output level is 0dBm.

F. Inputs 9–12. These Phoenix connectors are for connection of up to four

line-level inputs. These are typically used for connection of VCRs, tape players, CD players, and other audio sources. They can be routed to any output or multiple outputs. Nominal level is 0dBu.

G. Expansion Bus In/Out. This RJ-45 connector is part of the expansion bus

(E-bus), which allows up to eight XAP 800 or XAP 400 units and up to 16 XAP TH2 units to be networked together. The E-bus consists of two buses: one for control, the other for passing audio and mic information (see Control bus, page 7). Using Cat 5 twisted-pair cable, you can separate adjoining units up to 80 feet (24 meters). See the diagram on page 11.

I. RS-232. This female DB9 serial port is for interconnection between the

XAP 800 and a PC, modem, or other custom remote controller. For serial protocol, see Appendix B: Connector Pinouts.

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Introduction ~ Networking

Networking

The latency or propagation delay is <1ms.

✍

Expansion bus

The digital mix-minus expansion bus (RJ-45 LAN) is used to connect up to eight XAP 800/400s and 16 XAP TH2 units, where the total number of microphone inputs does not exceed 64. The maximum distance between interconnected XAP 800/400 or PSR1212 units is 80 feet (24 meters). Connecting a XAP TH2 must not increase the cable length between two PSR1212s, XAP 800s and/or XAP 400s beyond 80 feet. ClearOne recommends that category five twisted-pair (10BaseT L AN) cable be used.

The expansion bus (E-bus) allows audio routing between destinations on the E-bus network. The E-bus contains 12 independent digital audio buses labeled O–Z which can route mic or line level inputs in any combination across the E-bus network. The O–Z buses are divided into two groups (O–R and S–Z) based on their capabilities and default settings. The E-bus also contains four PA adapt/acoustic echo cancellation reference buses, four global gating buses, and one control bus.

• O–R buses. These four audio buses are defaulted as the mic mix buses; they

can communicate the NOM count and mic mixing parameters across the

network to other XAP 800s. All gated mics are routed to the 0 bus by default.

• S–Z buses. These eight buses are defaulted as auxiliary mix buses. They are

used to route auxiliary audio, such as from a CD player or VCR, to and from

other units on the network. These buses are also used as mic mix buses when

NOM count is not required.

• PA Adapt/Acoustic Echo Cancellation Reference buses. These buses

allow an input from a XAP 800 to reference an output on another linked

XAP 400/800. See PA Adapt and AEC Reference on page 33 for more

information.

• Global Gating Groups A–D buses. These mix-minus buses are defined as

microphone gating groups which support first-mic priority, maximum

number of mics, etc. and work across all linked XAP 400/800s. Unlike the

audio buses, they contain only mic status and gate parameters. See page 41

for more information about gating groups.

• Control bus. The control bus is an independent channel from the E-bus’s

audio channel; it uses a different pair of wires on the same E-bus cable. This

allows control information to pass even if the units are not using the audio

link. The XAP 800 supports the full set of commands through the control bus.

Introduction ~ Operational Requirements

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Power

The XAP 800 automatically accommodates voltage requirements of 100–240VAC, 50/60Hz, 15W.

Equipment placement

The XAP 800 units are designed for installation in a standard 19-inch equipment rack. You can also purchase side panels for desktop placement. See Appendix D for a list of accessories.

Environmental

The XAP 800 can be safely operated in a room with varying temperatures between 32 °F/0 °C and 110 °F/43 °C.

G-Ware requirements

ClearOne’s G-Ware software requires the following minimum system configuration:

• Minimum RAM requirement is determined by the operating system Windows 95 OSR2 64MB

Windows 98 64MB Windows ME 64MB Windows NT 64MB Windows 2000 128MB Windows XP 256MB

• PII 200MHz (or AMD equal) or higher processor

• 8MB Video Card

• 1024x768 (16 bit) High Color monitor

• Internet Explorer 4

• 20MB of free hard disk space

• RS-232 COM port

• CD-ROM drive

Operational Requirements

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The XAP 800 is designed for easy installation and setup. All connections are made through rear-panel connectors. This chapter provides instructions on making hardware connections, creating an expansion bus (E-bus) network, assigning device ID numbers, selecting the mixer mode, and using the front panel LCD menu.

The diagram below illustrates the typical connections that are made for a single-unit XAP 800 system. The default routing settings in the G-Ware Matrix Screen allow the XAP 800 to work out of the box for this type of installation.

CHAPTER 2: Installation

Hardware Setup

Figure 2.1. XAP 800 installation diagram

Installation ~ Hardware Setup

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To connect the unit

1. Place the unit in a standard 19-inch rack and attach it securely.

2. If you are using a custom controller for control and status, plug it into the DB25 Control/Status A or B port [D].

If you are using an external RS-232 controller, connect it to the RS-232 port [I].

3. Wire the inputs and outputs to the XAP 800 using the provided threeterminal Phoenix push-on connectors. These connectors are designed for easy wiring; simply insert the desired wire into the appropriate connector opening and tighten down the top screw.

• Inputs 1–8 [B] Mic or line level inputs

• Inputs 9–12 [F] Line level inputs only

• Outputs 1–12 [E] Line level outputs

4. If you are using a ClearOne Remote Panel, wire it to the RS-485 port [C] using the provided four-terminal Phoenix push-on connectors.

5. Plug in the XAP 800 to complete the installation. The power output [A] will operate at any level between 100–240VAC and 50–60Hz.

If you are installing only one XAP 800 and are not connecting it to any other XAP or PSR1212 units, you have completed the hardware installation.

Figure 2.2. XAP 800 rear-panel connectors

The three terminals in the Phoenix connector

correspond with the rearpanel audio contacts (from left to right): + (positive), – (negative), and



(ground).

✍

Figure 2.3. Phoenix push-on connector

Installation ~ Networking Units

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Expansion bus connections

Using the Expansion Bus ports (RJ-45), you can connect up to eight XAP 800/400s and 16 XAP TH2 units, where the total number of microphone inputs does not exceed 64. Make connections between units in daisy-chain fashion using the short RJ-45 jumper. If your units are further apart, use category five twisted-pair cable.

The maximum distance between interconnected XAP 800/400 or PSR1212 units is 80 feet (24 meters). Expansion bus cable length is calculated between XAP 800s/400s and PSR1212s. The cable connecting a XAP TH2 to the network is included in the cable length between the XAP 800 or XAP 400. For example, if the cable from the XAP 800 to the XAP TH2 is 50 feet and the cable from the XAP TH2 to the second XAP 800 is 50 feet, then the total length between the two XAP 800s is 100 feet which is beyond the maximum 80-foot limit.

To create an expansion bus network

1. Plug the expansion bus ter minator in the Expansion Bus In connector of

the first unit in the network.

2. Connect the RJ-45 jumper cable (or Cat 5 twisted pair cable) to the

Expansion Bus Out connector of the first unit in the network and

Expansion Bus In connector of the second unit. Continue connecting units

in the same fashion.

3. Plug the expansion bus terminator in the Expansion Bus Out connector on

the final unit to complete the network connections.

If the E-bus network is not connected properly, the front panel LEDs will

flash on the units that are physically connected to the network. To correct

the problem, check for broken connections and reconnect the expansion bus

cables.

Figure 2.4. E-bus connection diagram

Networking Units

ClearOne recommends that the first unit in your E-bus network be a XAP 400 or

XAP 800 rather than a XAP TH2.

✍

RS-232 system-wide control can be provided by any unit in the network.

✍

Installation ~ Networking Units

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Device IDs

Once your expansion bus connections are made (and if you have more than one XAP 800 at a site), you need to set up a unique expansion bus device ID number—a network address—for each XAP 800 on the network. As shipped from the factory, all XAP 800s are set to device ID 0.

To assign device IDs

Press the front-panel

Enter

button, then scroll through the menu until the

System

menu is visible.

2. Press

Enter

, then scroll through the menu until

Device ID

is visible.

3. Press

Enter

, then scroll through the eight (0–7) options. When the desired

device ID is visible, press

Enter

to select it. (You can also set the device ID in

the Unit Properties window of G-Ware software see page 25.)

4. Repeat this process for each XAP 800 on the expansion bus network.

Mixer mode

There are two mixer mode settings: slave (default) and master. A master unit is not required in a networked system and in most installations, all units will be slaves. Master units ignore audio from upstream units. This prevents audio from being received from units above the master unit in the network. However, global control of the system is still maintained by whichever XAP 400/800 or PSR1212 unit is connected to a control device through its RS-232 or RS-485 ports. Control is not affected by master/slave designations.

In Figure 2.5, the third unit in the network is a master. It prevents the audio from the first and second units from being passed down the network chain. Likewise the second master unit in the network will not pass on the audio from the unit before it. The third unit provides system-wide control through a connection to its RS-232 port.

To select a mixer mode

1. Press the front panel Enter button and scroll through the menu until System

menu is visible. Press Enter to select the menu.

2. Scroll through the System menu and select Mixer Mode.

3. Select the mixer setting you want to use.

Repeat for additional units.

If the same device ID is assigned to more than one

unit on the E-bus network, the Meter LED “+12” will flash red, the Mic LEDs “1,” “2,” “4,” and “8” will flash green on the affected units. To correct the problem, change the device ID on one of the conflicting units.

✍

Figure 2.5. E-bus network with master units

You can also use G-Ware to select a mixer mode. See page 25.

✍

Installation ~ LCD Programming

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The XAP 800’s front panel is intuitive to operate, thanks to its simple interface: a 2x16 character LCD, menu buttons, and a peak-level LED bar meter. Although most of the XAP 800’s features are programmed with G-Ware software (see page 23), the front panel can be used for simple adjustments and meter monitoring.

When power is applied to the XAP 800, the LCD panel will first read INITIALIZING. If an error is displayed, contact technical support. When initialization is complete, “XAP 800” is displayed on the top line and “Unit 0” is displayed on the bottom line.

LCD menu tree

The menu tree features five main menus, each with submenus. These branches typically end when an adjustable parameter or viewable value is reached. The diagram below shows the LCD menu tree.

LCD Programming

Pressing Esc at the top of the tree does nothing.

G-Ware software is required to complete system setup.

✍

Figure 2.6. LCD menu tree

Installation ~ LCD Programming

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The five main menus are: System, RS-232, Meter, Inputs, and Outputs. All submenu items are arranged under these menus. Use the Enter button to select items and the ▲ and ▼ buttons to scroll through menus and submenus. When the last menu item is reached, the display scrolls back to the beginning of the list. The Esc button allows you to back out of the menus.

To adjust a parameter

1. Scroll to the parameter you want to adjust. Press Enter to select the

parameter. The parameter will flash when selected.

2. Adjust the value with the ▲ and ▼ buttons. As the value is adjusted, the

parameter is updated immediately.

3. To store the new value, press Enter. To discard the change and revert back

to the old value, press Esc.

If the Meter button is pressed while a parameter is being adjusted, the LCD

will switch to the Meter menu.

System menu

There are eight system-level parameters (see Figure 2.6): Select Preset, Run Macro, Lock Panel, Set Passcode, Device ID, Mixer Mode, Unit ID, and Firmware Version.

Select Preset

The Select Preset menu item allows for one of 32 preprogrammed presets to be selected for XAP 800 use. To select a preset, scroll through the numbered presets (1–32) until the desired preset is visible, then press Enter to run the preset.

Run Macro

The Run Macro menu item allows you to execute a macro. To select a macro, scroll through the numbered macros (1–255) until the desired macro is visible, then press Enter to run the macro.

Lock Panel

The front panel may be locked to prevent unauthorized adjustments to the XAP 800. To lock the front panel, use the ▲/▼ buttons to select Lock Panel from the System menu, and press Enter. Lock Panel selections are Off, On, or On at Timeout. Press Enter to enable your selection.

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Installation ~ LCD Programming

Menu items can still be scrolled through when the

panel is locked. However, settings cannot be entered until the panel is unlocked with the appropriate passcode.

✍

To unlock the front panel, attempt to adjust a parameter. The XAP 800 will prompt for the passcode. Upon entering the fifth character (if entered correctly), the front panel will unlock. The default passcode for all boxes is ▲▲▼▼Enter.

Set Passcode

Once the XAP 800 is unlocked, the passcode may be changed. Before the XAP 800 will allow passcode changes, the new passcode must be entered, then re-entered to validate the new passcode.

The front panel passcode can also be set (and reset) within G-Ware. See page 26 for more information.

Device ID

The XAP 800’s device ID is set from this menu. There are eight device ID selections to choose from (0–7). Select the network position you want to use. Within a single site, you must assign different device ID numbers for each XAP 800 unit. See Device IDs, page 12.

Unit ID

The Unit ID menu selection allows you to access the read-only address set at the factory. This unique ID number identifies your particular XAP 800 unit and cannot be changed.

Mixer Mode

This setting allows you to set to master or slave mode. See page 12 for details.

Firmware Version

This menu selection allows you to view which firmware version is being used. This information cannot be changed.

RS-232 menu

There are four submenus under the RS-232 menu: Baud Rate, Flow Control, Enable Modem, and Clear Password.

Baud Rate

This parameter allows you to set the XAP 800’s baud rate to 9.6kbps, 19.2kbps,

38.4kbps, or 57.6kbps. Default is 38.4kbps. Select the baud rate you want to use, then press Enter.

Installation ~ LCD Programming

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ClearOne recommends that you leave Flow Control enabled.

✍

The modem initialization string can only be set via

the MINIT serial command (see page 116 or the G-Ware software. It cannot be set through the front panel LCD.

✍

You can set the modem password using the

MPASS serial command (see page 117) or in G-Ware (see page 26).

✍

Flow Control (hardware)

The XAP 800 uses the RTS and CTS pins on the RS-232 port to regulate the transmission and reception of data. You can enable or disable flow control on the front panel of unit and select the flow control type in the Site Properties window of G-Ware (see page 23). If you select On (default) from the front panel menu, select Hardware as the flow control type in the Site Properties window. If you disable flow control on the front panel, select None in the Site Properties window. When None is selected, the XAP 800 ignores flow control, making the connected external control device ensure that data is not lost. Software flow control (Xon/Xoff) is supported by the XAP/PSR units and is only used with a pass-through device, such as a modem.

To avoid communication errors, ClearOne strongly recommends that you

connect all DB9 pins and enable flow control when connecting to a PC.

Enable Modem

This parameter configures the RS-232 port for connection of a modem. When On is selected, the XAP 800 will send an initialization string to the modem on power-up and require a password before data transfer is allowed through the port. When Off (default) is selected, the password is disabled.

To use the XAP 800 with a modem

1. Match the baud rate of the modem to that of the XAP 800.

2. Turn off Serial Echo on the modem.

3. Turn off the modem’s response mode (e.g., no OK messages, ring, etc.).

4. Enable auto-answer on the modem.

Clear Password

This parameter allows you to erase the serial port (modem) password in case it has been forgotten. Select Yes to keep the current password or No to erase it. Press Enter to enable your selection.

Meter menu

There are six submenus under the Meter menu: Inputs, Outputs, Processing, ERL, ERLE, and Default Meter. The meter selection determines what is shown on the front panel peak-level LED display. When the meter is selected in the LCD menu tree, the LCD displays peak level indications as well. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select the Meter menu, then scroll through the options and press Enter when you reach the desired option.

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Installation ~ LCD Programming

Inputs

Select which input (1–12) you want to monitor on the LCD and LED display. Scroll to the input, then press Enter. The meter displayed is the post-gain meter.

Outputs

This submenu allows you to choose which output (1–12) you want to monitor on the LCD and LED display. Scroll to the output you want to monitor, then press Enter.

Processing

This submenu allows you to choose which processing channel (A–H) you want to monitor on the LCD and LED display. Scroll to the output you want to monitor, then press Enter.

ERL

This submenu allows monitoring of the ERL meters on the XAP 800. Select the meter you want to monitor and press Enter.

ERLE

This submenu allows monitoring of the ERLE meters on the XAP 800. Select the meter you want to monitor and press Enter.

Default Meter

This submenu determines what is displayed on the LED meter when a meter is not specifically selected elsewhere in the Meter menu. The default is Output 12.

The Meter Reference Point diagram on page 19 shows the meter pick-up

points ( ) in the XAP 800 signal path.

Inputs menu

There are two submenus under the Inputs menu: Mute and Gain. To access these submenus you must first select the input. Choose from Inputs 1–12 or Global. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select the Inputs menu, then scroll through the options and press Enter when you reach the desired option.

Mute

This submenu allows you to turn mute on or off (default) for the selected input.

Installation ~ LCD Programming

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Gain

This submenu allows you to adjust the gain for the selected input. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to increase or decrease gain.

Outputs menu

There are two submenus under the Outputs menu: Mute and Gain. To access these submenus you must first select the output. Choose from Outputs 1–12. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to select the Outputs menu, then scroll through the options and press Enter when you reach the desired option.

Mute

This submenu allows you to turn mute on or off (default) for the selected output.

Gain

This submenu allows you to adjust the gain for the selected output. Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to increase or decrease gain.

Installation ~ LCD Programming

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Figure 2.7. Meter Reference Point diagram

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CHAPTER 3: System

Configuration

G-Ware Requirements

ClearOne’s G-Ware software provides an easy interface for configuring and controlling your XAP 800. While some configuration can be done using the front panel LCD menus, G-Ware is required to complete the custom configuration of your audio conferencing system. If you are using the default settings, no configuration is necessary.

This chapter describes how to install G-Ware and create a site. It also describes all configurable parameters of your system. These descriptions are designed to be used as a guide as you make adjustments for your particular installation. It is not necessary to configure all parameters.

ClearOne’s G-Ware software requires the following minimum system configuration:

• Minimum RAM requirement is determined by the operating system Windows 95 OSR2 64MB

Windows 98 64MB Windows ME 64MB Windows NT 64MB Windows 2000 128MB Windows XP 256MB

• PII 200MHz (or AMD Equal) or higher processor

• 8MB Video Card

• 1024x768 (16 bit) High Color monitor

• Internet Explorer 4

• 20MB of free hard disk space

• RS-232 COM port

• CD-ROM drive

System Configuration ~ Installing G-Ware

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To select an alternate destination directory, click

Browse and use the Choose Directory window to find the desired location. Click OK to return to the previous window.

✍

Figure 3.1. Desktop icon

Creating Floppy Disk Copies

Depending upon the computer equipment you have available, you might need to install G-Ware software from floppy disks rather than the included CD. To do this, a Disk Copy program is provided in G-Ware that allows you to transfer G-Ware to floppy disks. You will need a PC with a CD-ROM drive to make the transfer. You can access the Disk Copy program in the following ways:

• After installing G-Ware, go to the Windows®Start menu, select Programs, then ClearOne G-Ware, then Create Install Floppy Disks.

– or –

• In the G-Ware section of the Audio Video Product CD, click on Install Now. Choose Create Installation Floppy Disks from the G-Ware setup menu.

To install G-Ware

1. Boot the PC to the Windows operating system. Ensure that all other programs or applications are closed. Insert the Audio and Video Products CD into the CD-ROM drive.

If the Autorun feature is enabled on the PC, the ClearOne Welcome window opens. Click the Software tab and select G-Ware.

If the Autorun window does not open, open the Windows Start menu and choose Run. Type “<drive>:\\clearone.exe” where <drive> is the letter of the CD-ROM drive (e.g., D:\\clearone.exe).

2. At the G-Ware window, click Install G-Ware near the bottom of the window.

3. The InstallShield Wizard opens, and guides you through the Welcome and License Agreement windows. At the Choose Destination Location window, choose the directory where G-Ware will be installed. We recommend that you use the default directory.

4. Click Next or Yes to move to proceed through the windows that follow or No or Cancel to end the installation process.

5. Follow the onscreen instructions. You must restart your computer once installation is complete.

The G-Ware Program Folder is now added to your Start menu. You can start G-Ware through the Start menu or by double-clicking the desktop icon.

Installing G-Ware

System Configuration ~ Site Setup

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Site Setup

Creating a new site

New site files are created through the Site Properties window in G-Ware. A site file contains all information about a particular installation including all unit settings and properties. It also provides G-Ware with the necessary information to communicate with the site hardware using your PC. Open G-Ware by double clicking the desktop icon or by selecting G-Ware from the Start menu.

To create a new site

1. Open the Site Properties window by selecting New Site from the File menu or by clicking the New Site button on the toolbar.

2. In the Site tab, enter the site name, author, company, location, room, and description, using the Tab key or mouse to select each field.

3. Click the Comm tab. Select the COM port, baud rate, and flow control you want to use. ClearOne recommends that you leave Flow Control set to Hardware. The Software setting is not supported by XAP/PSR units and is typically used with modems.

4. If you plan to use a modem, select Use Modem and enter the phone number, initialization string, and reset string.

5. Click the Security tab. Enter the site password in the Site Password box. Click File Access Password to create a password for the Site File.

Whenever a mouse click is indicated in this manual, it refers to the left mouse

button unless otherwise stated.

Figure 3.2. New Site button

✍

Figure 3.3. Site Properties, Site tab

Figure 3.4. Site Properties, Comm tab

You can enable flow control using the XAP front panel controls. See

page 16.

✍

Figure 3.5. Site Properties, Security tab

System Configuration ~ Site Setup

Adding a XAP 800

You can add a XAP 800(s) to your site file by connecting to your site and using G-Ware to automatically create icons for the detected units. Or, you can work offline and manually add the unit(s) to the site file and connect to the site at a later time. To open an existing site file, click the Open Site File button or select Open Site from the File menu.

To auto-detect units

1. Click the Connect button on the G-Ware toolbar or select Connect from the Connect Menu.

2. Choose Sync to Unit(s). G-Ware will automatically create icons for the new units it detects on the network and place them in the Site pane. See Figure

3.11.

Note: When connecting to your site, you can choose to sync to Unit(s) or Document. If you sync to the Unit(s), you will overwrite your G-Ware site file with the current settings of the unit(s). If you sync to the Document, you will overwrite the settings in your units with the settings you have saved in the site file. Choosing to sync to Document will also create icons for any new units.

To manually add units

1. If you are working offline, click the Add button on the G-Ware toolbar. This opens the Add Unit window.

2. Select the XAP 800 icon and click Add.

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Figure 3.8. Connection choices

Figure 3.6. Open

Site File button

Figure 3.7.

Connect button

Figure 3.9. Add Unit

to Current Site button

Figure 3.10. Add Unit window

+ 119 hidden pages