Crest audio NEXSYS 3.0 SOFTWARE MANUAL

V E R S I O N 3 . 0

Software

Manual

V E R S I O N 3 . 0

Crest Audio Inc.

100 Eisenhower Drive

Paramus NJ 07652 USA

TEL [phone] FAX [phone] http://www.crestaudio.com

NexSys Software v. 3.0 Manual v 1.0 13 August 1997

© 1997

*C4400008*

Crest Audio Inc. NexSys v. 3.0

Table Of Contents

		Page
1. INTRODUCTION		1.1
1.1	What is included in this manual	1.1
1.2	What is not included	1.2
1.3	System Requirements	1.2
1.4	Manual Conventions	1.2
1.5	Software Conventions	1.2
	Use of the Mouse Buttons	1.3
1.6	Software Installation	1.3
1.7	Technical Support	1.3
2. OVERVIEW		2.1
Devices		2.1
Plans		2.1
Groups		2.2
Snapshots - Plan & Group		2.2
Scenes		2.2
Event Monitor		2.2
Software Security		2.2
Event Scheduler		2.2
Load Monitoring		2.3
Audio Return		2.3
MIDI Interfaces		2.3
3. NETWORK TOPOLOGY		3.1
3.1 Amplifier Classes		3.1
3.2	Networks, Nodes and Buses	3.1
	Hubs	3.3
	Supervisors (Pro class)	3.3
	Load Monitor Mainframe (Pro class)	3.4
3.3	Network Terminations & Wire Type	3.5
3.4	Network Addressing	3.5
4. BUS SERVER INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION		4.1
4.1	Installing the Bus Server Card	4.1
	Connecting the Bus Server to the NexSys Bus	4.1
4.2	Communicating with the Bus Server	4.2
	Changing the Bus Server’s I/O Address	4.2
5. THE TOOLBAR & MENUS		5.1
5.1	Toolbar	5.1
5.2	Menus	5.2
5.3	Right Mouse Menus	5.2

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6. BUILDING A PLAN		6.1
6.1	Making a New Plan	6.1
6.2 AutoPlan		6.1
6.3	Manually Adding devices	6.2
6.4	Saving Your Plan	6.3
6.5	Plan Inventory	6.3
6.6	Device Setup	6.4
	Changing the Device’s Name	6.4
	Changing the Device’s Address	6.5
6.7 Venue Bitmap Background		6.6

7. GROUPS		7.1
7.1	Creating a group	7.1
7.2	Renaming a group	7.1
7.3	Deleting a group	7.1
7.4 Adding devices to the group		7.1
	Moving a device	7.2
	Copying a device	7.2
	Selecting Multiple devices	7.2
7.5	Quickly Opening a group	7.3
7.6	Group Views	7.3
	Group List View & the Plan Inventory	7.3
	Group Console Views	7.4

8. NEXSYS FAULTS, ALERTS & EVENTS	8.1
8.1 Alert Panels	8.1
8.2 Amplifier Warning Thresholds	8.2
8.3 Event Monitor and the Event Log	8.2
Opening the Event Monitor	8.2
Event Log Setup	8.2

9. CONTROLLING YOUR AMPLIFIERS		9.1
9.1 Amplifier Controls		9.1
	Amplifier Level Control	9.1
	Amplifier Mute Control	9.1
	Amplifier Solo Control	9.2
	Amplifier Polarity	9.2
	Audio Return	9.2
	VU Meters	9.2
9.2	Related devices	9.3
9.3	Group & Plan Amplifier Control Panel	9.3
	Group/Plan Level	9.3
	Group/Plan Mute	9.3
9.4	Control Hierarchy	9.4
9.5	Solo Safety	9.5

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10. SNAPSHOTS		10.1
10.1	Inserting a New Snapshot	10.1
10.2	Recalling a Snapshot	10.1
10.3	Updating a Snapshot	10.2
10.4	Editing a Snapshot	10.2
10.5	Executing a Snapshot on Startup	10.3
10.6	Recalling Snapshots from Outside of NexSys	10.3

11. SCENES		11.1
11.1 Scene Maintenance		11.1
11.2 Recalling a Scene		11.1
12. SECURITY		12.1
12.1 Access Levels		12.1
12.2	Security Setup	12.1
12.3	Login / Logout	12.2
13. EVENT SCHEDULER		13.1
13.1	Event Setup and Operations	13.1
13.2	Report Modes	13.2
13.3	Example Application	13.2
13.4	MIDI HEX Programming	13.3
14. MIDI INTERFACE		14.1
14.1	Creating a MIDI Device within NexSys	14.1
14.2	Recalling MIDI Patches	14.1
15. LOAD MONITORING		15.1
15.1	Load Monitor Setup for CK family Amplifiers	15.1
15.2	Load Monitor Setup for Pro Class Amplifiers	15.1
15.3 The Reference Curve		15.1
16. CK FAMILY SEQUENTIAL TURN-ON/TURN-OFF (STO)		16.1
17. CK FAMILY INPUT MODULES & CONTROL PANELS		17.1
Appendix A - DECIMAL TO HEXADECIMAL CONVERSION TABLE
Appendix B - MENU REFERENCE
Appendix C - BUS SERVER DIP SWITCH SETTINGS

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Screen Captures and Drawings

Item	Page
Plan Inventory Window	2.1, 6.3
NexSys Network with CK family amplifiers and hubs	3.2
Pro class network setup diagram	3.4
Amplifier Channel Setup Windows	3.5
Bus Server Card rotary switch locations	4.1
Bus Server Dialog Window	4.2
Toolbar	5.1
NexSys Menu Hierarchy	5.2, 5.3
Plan Name Window	6.1
NexSys Autoplan Window	6.2
Plan Inventory Toolbar Buttons	6.2
Device Setup Menu	6.4
CK family Amplifier Setup Window	6.5
Pro Class Amplifier Setup Window	6.5
MIDI Device Setup Window	6.6
Venue Bitmap Background Example	6.6
New Group Dialog Box	7.1
Group Selection Tool	7.3
Group List View	7.3
Group Console Views	7.4
Balloon Help example	7.5
Alert Panels and icons	8.1
Amplifier Warning Control Window	8.2
Single amplifier control panels	9.1
Amplifier Mute Control Button	9.1
Amplifier Solo Control Button	9.2
Amplifier Polarity Control Button	9.2
Audio Return Control Button	9.2
VU Meters	9.2
Related Devices Menu	9.3
Group and Plan Amplifier Control Panel	9.3
Group and Plan Level Control Panel	9.3
Control Hierarchy Examples	9.4
Control Hierarchy Diagram	9.5
Solo Safety Toggle	9.5
Insert Snapshot Dialog Box	10.1
Snapshot Window	10.2
Edit Snapshot Window	10.2, 10.3
Scene Maintenance Window	11.1
Security Administrator Dialog Window	12.2
NexSys Login Window	12.2
Define Event Window	13.1
MIDI Device Setup Window	14.1
MIDI Patch Control Window	14.1
Load Monitor Window	15.3
Plan Inventory (Sequential Turn-On) window	16.1
CK family Input Module Control Panels	17.1
Bus Server End View	Appendix C

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Crest Audio Inc.

NexSys v. 3.0

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing NexSys - the powerful computer controlled audio system for your Crest Audio power amplifiers. With its practical and intuitive graphical interface, NexSys has won praise from audio engineers in every discipline. After familiarizing yourself with NexSys, you will realize the value and flexibility that this software package offers.

1.1 What is included in this manual

The NexSys Software Manual is organized into several sections that will provide users with the information necessary to set up and run a NexSys system.

Chapter 2	Overview. Presents an introduction to NexSys concepts and a guide
	to each software section.
Chapters 3 & 4	Network Topology and Bus Server Installation & Connection.
	Presents essential data on your NexSys system components and
	their interface to the computer and the NexSys RS485 bus.
Chapter 5	Toolbar & Menus. Offers quick access to more frequently used
	NexSys functions.
Chapter 6	Building a Plan. Details how to build a plan from user-defined
	devices, groups, Snapshots, Scenes, and settings.
Chapter 7	Groups. Details how to facilitate the control of amplifiers and other
	devices with NexSys groups.
Chapter 8	NexSys Faults, Alerts & Events. Covers the various faults, or alerts,
	that are reported on screen and to the Event Monitor/Log.
Chapter 9	Controlling Your Amplifiers. Details the many ways in which ampli-
	fiers may be controlled using NexSys.
Chapter 10	Snapshots. Records Plan & Group Snapshots.
Chapter 11	Scenes. How to create these graphical “desk top” arrangements,
	which are collections of NexSys windows that can be opened for
	viewing or control.
Chapter 12	Security. Details how to determine which controls are included in
	scenes and limit access to those scenes via password protection
Chapter 13	Event Scheduler. Profiles one of the most powerful and useful tools
	in the NexSys system. Event Scheduler allows the system operator
	to automate all functions that can be executed by a user.
Chapter 14	MIDI Interface. Details how NexSys and the Event Scheduler can
	interact with MIDI equipment via the NexSys MIDI Interface.
Chapter 15	Load Monitoring. Profiles this powerful diagnostic tool that pro-
	vides a consistent means to verify performance of the drive lines
	and speakers in the system.
Chapter 16	CK family Sequential Turn-On/Turn-Off (STO). Details how to
	sequentially turn on and turn off these amplifiers with a delay
	between each one.

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Chapter 17	CK family Input Modules & Control Panels. Covers signal process-
	ing controls for NC modules.
Appendix A	Menu Reference. A complete NexSys menu reference list.
Appendix B	Decimal to Hexadecimal Conversion Table.
Appendix C	Bus Server Dip Switch Setting Reference Table.

1.2 What is not included in this manual

A detailed explanation of the system hardware and wiring requirements is not included in this manual, but can be found in the accompanying NexSys System Hardware Manual. A brief resume of hardware addressing and configuration is included in this document in Section 3, Network Topology. Additionally, specific information regarding amplifiers, processor modules, and related peripheral devices can all be found in the various technical data sheets or accompanying operator's manuals.

1.3 System Requirements

We recommend the following minimum computer configuration for NexSys 3.0 systems

•Intel Pentium or compatible computer

•Microsoft Windows 95

•16 megabytes of RAM

•10 megabytes of available hard disk space

•Video monitor and driver card capable of displaying a resolution of 1024x768

•Mouse

•High density 3 1/2" (1.44 MB) floppy drive

•Suggested Option- Add a modem with a third party remote control software program such as PCAnywhere™ or Carbon Copy™ if you want to control the system from a remote location.

1.4Manual Conventions

Menu choices appear in the following manner throughout this manual: Plan | Save As...

Holding the ALT key down and pressing the underlined key will invoke that menu choice. For example, ALT + P will drop down the Plan menu. This example also shows that there is a sub-menu or sub-selection for the Plan menu. In this case it is the Save As menu.

Whenever this “information” icon is used, you will find useful operating hints in italics.

1.5 Software Conventions

NexSys software version 3.0 runs under Microsoft Windows 95™ . This manual is written for those who have a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows. For further operating system information, please refer to your Microsoft Windows documentation. (Please note that all graphics used in this manual show NexSys operating under Windows 95.)

When running the NexSys program for the first time, the main window will appear with several pull down menus, a tool bar with controls and display icons. Clicking on a pull down menu item with the left mouse button will bring out the sub-menu items under that partic-

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ular function. Valid menu selections are displayed in black while those that are not are grayed out.

When the cursor is placed over an icon on the tool bar, a description of its function is displayed in the border at the very bottom of the NexSys window.

The term active window is used throughout this User’s Guide. An active window is the window in which you are currently working. It is the one with the highlighted title bar. Some menu items and toolbar buttons will only be enabled when the correct type of window is the active window.

Use of the Mouse Buttons

Menu selections are made by clicking the menu item with the left mouse button.

Several additional NexSys features are accessed by use of the right mouse button, termed a ‘right click’. Whenever this icon is used it indicates the presence of a right-click feature. Right clicking will often show a pop-up menu that is related to the selected object.

1.6 Software Installation

The NexSys software is supplied on standard high density 3.5" floppy disks. To install NexSys, insert the #1application floppy into the drive and select SETUP.EXE. The setup program will prompt you for the location on your hard disk where the files will reside. The default directory offered by the setup program is C:\NEXSYS. If you want to install to a drive or directory other than the default you must type in the target location when prompted. Once the setup program starts it will expand the compressed files on the floppy disk and copy them to the target directory.

It is recommended that you back up the directory after you have loaded the software and configured the system.

A complete listing of NexSys files and their locations on the hard disk may be found in the appendix XXX.

1.7 Technical Support

The following contact information will be helpful in obtaining technical service support from Crest Audio for NexSys systems:

Crest Audio Inc.

100 Eisenhower Drive,

Paramus, New Jersey 07652 USA TEL: [phone]

FAX: [phone] http://www.crestaudio.com

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2. Overview

Devices

A ‘device’, as referred to in this manual, is a remote NexSys-compatible piece of electronic hardware that is capable of being controlled and/or of reporting its state. The most common devices connected to the NexSys interface are amplifiers. Other devices that may have an interface with NexSys may include Power Processor NCinput signal processors, NCLoad Monitor and NCSequential Power controllers.

A NexSys device has two elements, its name and its network address. The name is an alphanumeric string that you give a device that has some meaning for you. By default, NexSys names devices using simple names and model numbers. You will probably want to rename devices to give cues as to their functions and locations in your system (e.g. Tower 3 Subwoofer.) There is a 40 character limit on device names, although some views will not display all 40 characters.

The second device element is its address. The address is a combination of the device’s network address and channel number (if applicable.) For instance, if a CKS400 amplifier is at network address 8 it would appear as two NexSys devices; one for each channel.

Devices are created by choosing Device | New or by using AutoPlan. Once created they will appear within the Plan Inventory window where they are categorized by device type.

Plans

A Plan is to NexSys what a document file is to your word processor. The Plan contains all the information that is unique to the system. It is made up of user-defined devices, groups, snapshots, scenes, and program-defined elements such as the Plan Inventory and Event Monitor. A Plan is saved as a subdirectory of your main NexSys directory (default C:\NEXSYS) and is made up of multiple files. Only one Plan can be loaded and used by NexSys at a time.

The Plan Inventory is the total collection of all devices that have been added to this plan. The plan inventory serves as a good repository from which to copy devices when creating logically-organized groups.

Double-click on any device to open its control panel.

Right-click on any device to pop-up a menu for device setup or to open control panels related to the selected device.

Double-click here to display the planwide amplifier control panel.

Double-click here to display the planwide sequential turn-on control panel.

Plan Inventory Window

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Groups

A group is a collection of devices placed together for the purpose of common control or monitoring. You can create a group by selecting Group | New from the menu. Any device that can be controlled by NexSys can be added to a group. A single device may be added to more than one group.

Groups exist to customize a Plan according to your specific needs. They serve as a tool to logically organize your Plan. For example, you may create a group that contains all amplifier channels for the low frequency drivers. You may also have a group for the stage left. There is no practical limit to the number of groups you can create.

All of the amplifiers within a group may be controlled by the group control panel. Different group views provide console-like control arrangements for the channels in a group.

Snapshots - Plan & Group

Snapshots are a way to save NexSys control settings for later recall. A device’s current setting, such as gain, is “snapshotted” and saved under a user-defined name for instant recall at a later time. Snapshots cover two levels, Plan and group. You can open the snapshot windows by selecting Plan | Snapshot | Open or Group | Snapshot | Open.

Scenes

A scene is a way of saving/recalling different desktops (arrangements of windows) within NexSys. One scene may contain the amplifier control windows for the lower level of a stadium while the controls for the upper level could be saved in a different scene. Another may just contain the snapshot window as a means for simply controlling a complex sound system. Scenes can be saved via the scene maintenance window. This window is accessed by the Scene button on the tool bar or from the DeskTop | Scene menu.

Event Monitor

The Event Monitor tracks system wide faults and activity and generates the Event Log. An Event Log shows the “what and when” of events which occur while NexSys is running. The Event Monitor can be viewed by selecting Options | Event Monitor. The Event Log can also be saved to a file on the host computers hard disk. Once the Event Log is activated, all critical system operation information, including date and time of the event is recorded to a text file. You may give the Event Log a unique name to keep its data separate from other logs.

Software Security

The security features of the NexSys program allow three levels of security access with varying privileges for each level. This feature allows the system administrator to tailor who will have access to various control functions within the software. The Security Administrator window can be opened by selecting Options | Security from the menu.

Event Scheduler

The Event Scheduler is a second software application supplied as a companion program to NexSys. Event Scheduler allows almost limitless automated control of all NexSys functions. You can open or switch to the Event Scheduler by selecting Plan | Event Scheduler from the menu. When NexSys and the Event Scheduler appear as the top two items in the task list, you can switch between these two programs by pressing ALT + TAB.

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You can program the Event Scheduler to initiate tasks at a given time (computer clock) or when some other event (such as a switch closure or a fault) takes place. A scheduled event consists of four parameters:

•the event trigger

•the task or action to take place, i.e. what to do

•the target of the action, i.e. which device or devices to perform the action to

•number of times to repeat action & at what frequency (just once, hourly, daily...)

Load Monitoring

Systems configured with optional Load Monitoring hardware allows NexSys to perform diagnostic impedance versus frequency testing of the load on each amplifier channel.

Audio Return

In systems where Load Monitoring hardware is installed, NexSys provides a line level Audio Return port so that program material may be bussed to the remote control position for audible monitoring.

MIDI Interfaces

MIDI-compliant third party devices (such as EQ’s, delays, etc.) may be controlled from within NexSys via the optional MIDI Interface unit. NexSys can send (and receive) MIDI patch changes from its control panel or as part of a snapshot.

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3. Network Topology

3.1 Amplifier Classes

NexSys hardware is broken into two general groups: components for the CKS, CKV and CKX Series amplifiers or the “CK family amplifiers” and Professional, FCV, CC & CV Series amplifiers or the “Pro class amplifiers”.

CK family amplifiers utilize a unique modular approach whereby both NexSys network and Load Monitoring modules are installed in the amplifier itself. In addition, a variety of input signal (analog and digital) processing modules are available to expand NexSys as a signal processing system.

Pro class amplifiers are connected to the bus via a Supervisor main frame and daughter cards; Load Monitoring also takes place via an outboard main frame and daughter card unit. NexSys controllable signal processing modules are not available with this class.

3.2 Networks, Nodes and Buses

The NexSys network is EIA485 compliant. Each Device on the network is termed a node. Nodes on a NexSys network include: NC-NXS modules installed in CKS, CKV and CKX amplifiers, Hubs (NDP-JTH), MIDI Interfaces, Supervisor and Load Monitor Mainframes (for Professional, CC/CV & FCV Series amplifiers), and the Bus Server itself.

As with any network, each node must have a unique address. Valid addresses range from 1 to 111, inclusive. In the figure on the next page, an address for each node is shown outside and next to the Device. For instance, the CKS 800 amplifier is at address 0,3.

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Termination

All bus wiring is twisted pair

Bus Server (in PC)

P r i m a r y B u s

1	On		ACL	ACL		Amplifier
	Remote		Signal	Signal	Professional Power Amplifier
	Off
					CKS 200
2
	On					Amplifier
		Protect	AC	ACL
	Remote				Professional Power Amplifier
	Off		Ch A	Ch B
		Active	Signal	Signal	CKS 400
3	On	Protect	ACL	ACL		Amplifier
	Remote	Active	Signal	Signal	CKS 800
	Off		Ch A	Ch B
					Professional Power Amplifier

10

Off	NDP-JTH	NexSys HUB	NexSys Hub
On	Active

Secondary Bus

Up to 32

4

5

devices

Termination

Termination

On				On
Protect	AC	ACL		Protect	AC	ACL
Off	Ch A	Ch B		Off	Ch A	Ch B
Active	Signal	Signal	CKV 200	Active	Signal	Signal	CKV 200
Remote			Professional Power Amplifier	Remote			Professional Power Amplifier

Amplifier

Amplifier

20

Off	NDP-JTH	NexSys HUB	NexSys Hub
On	Active

Up to 32 devices

Termination

Secondary Bus

Up to 32

Termination

1

2

devices

Termination

Protect	ACL	ACL		Protect	ACL	ACL
On				On
Off	Ch A	Ch B		Off	Ch A	Ch B
Remote				Remote
			CKS 1600-2				CKS 1600-2
Active	Signal	Signal	Professional Power Amplifier	Active	Signal	Signal	Professional Power Amplifier
			Amplifier				Amplifier

A NexSys Network with CK family amplifiers and hubs

While a node itself can only be set with a single address, NexSys may report its address with multiple levels or tiers. This is because multiple NexSys networks may be interconnected using NexSys hubs or because data-concentrating devices (such as Supervisors) may reside on the network.

Loosely defined, a bus represents a group of nodes connected together via twisted pair cable, with a terminating resistor at each end. that are not separated by a hub. The group of all busses that are interconnected via hubs is referred to as the network.

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A network may be made up of one or more busses. The bus connected to the Bus Server is defined as the primary bus. All other busses in the network are referred to as secondary busses and must be attached to the primary bus through a hub or data concentrator.

All nodes on the primary bus will have single-tiered addresses as follows:

Device	Address
CKS 200	1
CKS 400	2
CKS 800	3
Hub (1st)	10
Hub (2nd)	20

Hubs

A network cannot support more than 32 nodes. Hubs must be used for networks larger than 32 nodes or where odd physical network runs are required. A hub has two bus connections, one for the primary side and one for the secondary side. The bus on the secondary side of the Hub (its secondary network) is electrically isolated from the primary bus but is still a part of NexSys’ overall network.

Hubs expand the maximum number of nodes in a system from 32 to 1024. The number of unique addresses is also expanded.

Nodes on a hub’s secondary side will have a “two part” address. The first address is the hub’s primary address (i.e. the address of the hub on the primary bus.) The second address is the address of the node on the secondary bus. In the figure, the first hub (at primary address 10) has two CKV amplifiers attached to its secondary bus. Their addresses are:

Device	Address
CKV 200	10,4
CKV 400	10,5

Similarly, the second hub (at primary address 20) has two CKS amplifiers attached to it:

Device	Address
CKS 1600	20,1
CKS 1200	20,2

Notice that amplifiers “CKS 1600” and “CKS 1200” on the second hub’s bus have the same addresses (1 and 2) as the CKS 200 and CKS 400 on the primary bus. This is acceptable because the inclusion of a unique primary address differentiates them in the network .

Supervisors (Pro class only)

A Pro class network must have at least one Supervisor. Although the two classes of amplifiers may be combined on a single network, it is helpful to separate them for illustration purposes. Each amplifier has a two part address. The first being the node address of its Supervisor main frame and the second being the amplifier number or Supervisor port number. There are two Supervisor ports per Supervisor daughter card. There is a one to one connection between each Supervisor port and amplifier.

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Termination

1

2

s u B y r a m i r P

All bus wiring is twisted pair

Bus Server (in PC)

Supervisor (with port numbers)

POWER

Supervisor

Load Monitor (with channel numbers)		1		2	24
ACTIVE	POWER
					8001 Professional Power Amplifier
Load Monitor
		Clip/Limit
		Signal
1		Temp/DC
		Active
		-6		-6
	-10	-3	-10	-3
	-15		-15
	-30-80	-1	-30-80	-1
		Ch A 0dB		Ch B 0dB

Amplifier Outputs

			Clip/Limit	7001 Professional Power Amplifier
2			Signal
			Temp/DC
		-6	Active	-6
	-10	-3	-10	-3
	-15		-15
	-30-80	0dB-1	-30-80	0dB-1

Ch A

Ch B

			Clip/Limit	6001 Professional Power Amplifier
			Signal
			Temp/DC
		-6	Active	-6
12	-10	-3	-10	-3
	-15		-15
	-30	-1	-30	-1
	-80	0dB	-80	0dB
		Ch A		Ch B

3

On
ACL	ACL
Off
Signal	Signal	CKS 200
Remote		Professional Power Amplifier

Up to 32 devices

Termination

Pro class network setup diagram

The diagram above shows one Supervisor mainframe with three Professional Series amplifiers connected, one Load Monitor mainframe, and one CKS amplifier.

Each Supervisor main frame can accept up to 24 dual channel amplifiers. An amplifier attached to a Supervisor uses the Supervisor’s address (primary) and its Supervisor port number to specify its secondary address. NexSys would report addresses for the Devices in this figure as follows:

Device Address

8001 1,1

7001 1,2

6001 1,24

The only time a Supervisor will appear in the software is when the system is being polled during AutoPlan. NexSys does not need to identify the Supervisor as such; its presence is indicated inherently by the amplifiers attached to it -- you can't "control" or monitor a Supervisor, you can control and monitor the amplifiers.

Load Monitor Mainframe (Pro Class only)

The Load Monitor is similar to a Supervisor in its transparent nature to the software. You specify that an amplifier's outputs are connected to the channels of a Load Monitor in the amplifier setup dialog. The setup dialogue for the amp labeled "Pro Series 8001" would look like this for channel A:

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... and this set up information for channel B:

Amplifier Channel Setup Windows

Note that the Load Monitor must reside on the same network as the Supervisor. That is, it cannot be separated by a hub.

3.3 Network Terminations & Bus Wire Type

In order to minimize data reflections, the network domain must be properly terminated at extreme ends. Terminating a network is accomplished by placing a resistor (chosen to match the characteristic impedance of the cable) across the twisted pair.

Crest Audio recommends using Belden 8442 unshielded twisted pair cable with 110Ω terminating resistors. Other cable may be used; however, the maximum transmission distance may decrease due to increased distributed capacitance of the cable. Use of other cable may also require different terminating resistors. Mixing different cable types on the same network or the use of star topologies within the same network must be avoided due to the impedance mismatch between cables. All cables must have a characteristic impedance of 100Ω at 100kHz.

All bus connections are opto-isolated, thus eliminating any ground loops and to minimize RF interference.

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3.4 Network Addressing

Hardware address settings are determined in two ways (depending on the amplifier class.)

In Pro class amplifiers, the network address is given by its Supervisor’s address. A Supervisor is a unique network node whose address is set via DIP switches on the rear panel. This is the primary address. The rear of the Supervisor holds up to 12 daughter cards

– each with 2 ports for a total of 24 ports. An amplifier’s secondary address is given by the port number to which it is connected. The maximum number of amplifiers that can be connected to a network is 744 (31 Supervisors, each with 24 amplifiers.)

Pro class Load Monitor Mainframe’s network addresses are set in the same manner as Supervisors. Load Monitors can hold up to 12 daughter cards which can accommodate 2 amplifier channels for a total of 24 amplifier channels.

CK family Power Processing amplifiers are connected directly to the network – there is no need for Supervisors and Load Monitors. Each address is set via a hexadecimal* rotary selector on the back of the NexSys network module (NC-NXS.) A network can accommodate 31 CK family amplifiers before a hub is needed. For systems with more than 31 nodes, a NexSys Hub is needed. The secondary network of the hub can accommodate 31 more nodes. So the largest CK class system would contain 961 amplifiers. Load Monitoring and other processing functions in the CK family amplifiers use the same address as the amplifier.

* NexSys displays most addresses in decimal (Base 10). You must address the CK family amplifiers using the hexadecimal spinwheels. A hex-to-dec- imal table is provided in Appendix A.

When NexSys displays or requires a number to be entered in hexadecimal

(Base 16), an ‘H’ will appear next to the number. The bus server address in the options bus server window is a prime example.

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NexSys v. 3.0

4. Bus Server Installation and Connection

4.1 Installing the Bus Server Card

The Bus Server Card (NS-BUS-1) is an 8-bit ISA expansion card which requires installation in a vacant slot inside the NexSys host computer. If you are unsure how to insert an ISA card Device inside your computer, please consult a qualified computer technician for assistance. Otherwise, follow these instructions to ensure a safe and speedy installation.

1.Make sure your computer is switched off and disconnected from the electrical mains. Be sure to use an anti-static mat or other device to reduce the risk of component failure due to static discharge.

2.Open the computer case & locate a vacant ISA card slot.

3.Remove the mating Phoenix connector from the Bus Server card. The card was configured and tested prior to leaving the factory. However, shipping and handling may have caused the rotary address switches to shift so verify that they are set to F (HI) and 0 (LOW).

Bus Server Card rotary switch locations

Carefully insert the Bus Server card into the slot ensuring that the edge connector is properly seated and that the Phoenix connector clears the computers rear panel.

4.Reinstall the outer casing.

5.Affix the NexSys network wire into the mating Phoenix connector and insert it into the Bus Server card. (See the section Connecting the Bus Server to the NexSys Bus, below.)

6.Reconnect the AC mains

Connecting the Bus Server to the NexSys Bus

A 3-pin, 5mm removable terminal block (Phoenix Contact 17.5.4.46.5 or equivalent) connector is located on the back of the Bus Server card for connection to the data network. Only the positive (pin1) and negative (pin2) pins of the connector are used. The third, ground pin is normally left open. (See Appendix C for a detailed view of Bus Server connections)

Network polarity must be observed when connecting the Bus Server or any other network device to a NexSys network. If reversed, the network will not operate and NexSys will not be able to communicate with any network devices.

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NexSys v. 3.0

Crest Audio Inc.

4.2 Communicating with the Bus Server

The Bus Server resides at an I/O address range in your PC. Its base address (the beginning address of the range) is referred to as the Bus Server’s I/O address, or I/O address for short. This address is set using the DIP switches positioned on the Bus Server’s mounting bracket (at the back of the PC). The default address used for Bus Server testing at the factory is 380 Hex. In some instances this address may be in partial or total conflict with other cards that are installed in the host computer. For example, Ethernet network and sound cards all have I/O addresses that may use the same address (in entirety) or may partially over lap. In these instances the base I/O address must be moved to a vacant address. Some common free I/O locations and the corresponding DIP switch settings for the Bus Server card are listed in the Dip Switch Settings (Appendix C) at the end of this manual.

Changing the Bus Server’s I/O Address

The Bus Server’s I/O address as given by its DIP switches and its setting within the NexSys software must agree. Changing the I/O address involves the following steps.

Bus Server Dialog Window

1.Set the Bus Server DIP switches to the desired address.

(See Appendix C for dip switch settings)

2.Press the Reset button on the Bus Server mounting bracket in order for the new address to take effect.

3.NexSys must be informed of the address change -- open the Bus Server dialog (see the figure at left) by selecting Options | Bus Server from the menu.

4.Select or type in the new address in the I/O Address field.

5.Press the Test button (see note below)

6.If the tests pass, NexSys can successfully communicate with the Bus Server card. Select “Attach” so that devices within NexSys can communicate.

7.If the test fails, you need to select a new I/O address at the Bus Server’s DIP switches and repeat the entire process. (Rebooting the computer may also be required in some instances.)

A note on the Bus Server diagnostics...

Pressing the Test button starts one of two tests. The first, the signature test, simply “looks” to see if the Bus Server card is present. If it is, NexSys prompts you with a second, more extensive test. The second is a test of the full I/O range the Bus Server will use. Warning: of necessity ”Test Full I/O” is extensive and, if conflicts are found, it could crash your computer. Save your work prior to conducting the full range test.

Once you’ve established a connection with the Bus Server, save the plan so that the new setting will be in effect next time.

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NexSys v. 3.0

5. The Toolbar & Menus

5.1 Toolbar

The toolbar offers quick access to more frequently used NexSys functions. The diagram above identifies each functional grouping within the toolbar.

•Scene Selector - a drop down selection box to quickly load a new scene (i.e. desktop).

•Scene Maintenance - brings up the Scene Maintenance dialog. You can create and delete scenes in this dialog.

•Plan Snapshot Control - snapshot control for plan-wide snapshots.

•Plan-wide Amplifier Control Panel

•Group Selector - allows you to quickly open a group that is in the plan but not on the screen.

•Group Views - a group must be the active window (a window with a highlighted title bar) in order for these buttons to be enabled. Once they are enabled, these buttons will display the group as a list of devices (list view) or one of the various console views.

•Plan Inventory Selections - buttons that will open one of the plan inventory windows.

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