Crest audio NEXSYS 3.0 SOFTWARE MANUAL

VERSION 3.0

Software

Manual

VERSION 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

TOC 1

NexSys v. 3.0 Crest Audio Inc.

6. BUILDING APLAN 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

TOC 2

Crest Audio Inc. NexSys v. 3.0

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 & CONTROLPANELS 17.1

Appendix A- DECIMAL TO HEXADECIMAL CONVERSION TABLE

Appendix B - MENU REFERENCE

Appendix C - BUS SERVER DIP SWITCH SETTINGS

TOC 3

NexSys v. 3.0 Crest Audio Inc.

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 Tur n-On) window 16.1
CK family Input Module Control Panels 17.1
Bus Server End View Appendix C

TOC 4

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.

Software Manual Page 1.1

NexSys v. 3.0 Crest Audio Inc.

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.

1.4 Manual 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 W indows 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-

Page 1.2 Software Manual

Crest Audio Inc. NexSys v. 3.0

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

Software Manual Page 1.3

Crest Audio Inc. NexSys v. 3.0

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 NC- input signal processors, NC­Load Monitor and NC- Sequential Power controllers.

ANexSys 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 D

evice | 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 here to display
the planwide amplifier

Double-click on any device

to open its control panel.

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.

Plan Inventory Window

Software Manual Page 2.1

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

NexSys v. 3.0 Crest Audio Inc.

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. Asingle 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 P

lan | 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.

Page 2.2 Software Manual

Crest Audio Inc. NexSys v. 3.0

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.

Software Manual Page 2.3

Crest Audio Inc. NexSys v. 3.0

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.

Software Manual Page 3.1

NexSys v. 3.0 Crest Audio Inc.

Termination

1

2

3

10

Primary Bus

On

Off

Remote

On

Off

Remote

On

Off

Remote

On

Off

On

Off

Remote

All bus wiring is twisted pair

Bus Server (in PC)

ACL

ACL

Signal

Signal

Protect

ACL

AC

Ch A

Ch B

Signal

Active

Signal

Protect

ACL

ACL

Ch B

Ch A

Signal

Active

Signal

Active

CKS 200

Professional Power Amplifier

CKS 400

Professional Power Amplifier

CKS 800

Professional Power Am

NexSys HUB

NDP-JTH

Secondary Bus

Termination Termination

Protect

ACL

AC

Ch A

Ch B

Signal

Active

Signal

45

CKV 200

Professional Power Amplifier

Amplifier

plifier

Amplifier

Amplifier

Amplifier

NexSys Hub

On

Off

Remote

Up to 32

devices

Protect

ACL

AC

Ch A

Ch B

Signal

Active

Signal

CKV 200

Professional Power Amplifier

Amplifier

20

Up to 32 devices

On

Active

Off

Termination

NexSys Hub

NexSys HUB

NDP-JTH

Secondary Bus

12

Up to 32

devices

Termination

Termination

Protect

ACL

On

Off

Remote

ACL

Ch B

Ch A

Signal

Active

Signal

CKS 1600

Professional Power Amplifier

-

2

Amplifier

Protect

ACL

On

Off

Remote

ACL

Ch B

Ch A

Signal

Active

Signal

CKS 1600

Professional Power Amplifier

-

2

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.

Page 3.2 Software Manual

Crest Audio Inc. NexSys v. 3.0

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.

Software Manual Page 3.3

NexSys v. 3.0 Crest Audio Inc.

T ermination

1

Load Monitor (with channel numbers)

2

Primary Bus

1

3

Up to 32 devices

Bus Server (in PC)

Load Monitor

2

On

ACL

Off

Remote

Signal

Signal

All bus wiring is twisted pair

ACTIVE

POWER

Amplifier Outputs

12

ACL

CKS 200

Professional Power Amplifier

Supervisor (with port numbers)

Supervisor

12

Clip/Limit

Signal

Temp/DC

Active

-6

-6

-10

-10

-3

-3

-15

-15

-1

-1

-30

-30

-80

-80

0dB

0dB

Ch B

Ch A

Clip/Limit

Signal

Temp/DC

Active

-6

-6

-10

-3

-10

-3

-15

-15

-1

-1

-30

-30

-80

0dB

-80

0dB

Ch A

Ch B

Clip/Limit

Signal

Temp/DC

Active

-6

-6

-10

-3

-10

-3

-15

-15

-1

-1

-30

-30

-80

0dB

-80

0dB

Ch A

Ch B

POWER

24

8001

7001

Professional Power Amplifier

6001

Professional Power Amplifier

Professional Power Amplifier

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:

Page 3.4 Software Manual

Crest Audio Inc. NexSys v. 3.0

... 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.

Software Manual Page 3.5

NexSys v. 3.0 Crest Audio Inc.

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-dec­imal 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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Crest Audio Inc. 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 ISAexpansion card which requires installation
in a vacant slot inside the NexSys host computer . If you are unsure how to insert an ISAcard
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.

Software Manual Page 4.1

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 DIPswitches and its setting within the NexSys
software must agree. Changing the I/O address involves the following steps.

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)

Bus Server Dialog Window

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.

Page 4.2 Software Manual

Crest Audio Inc. 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 highlight-
ed 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.

Software Manual Page 5.1