CrewCom CHB-8C, CHB-8C-02, CHB-8F User manual
Hub
OPERATING MANUAL
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THANK YOU
We at Pliant®Technologies want to thank you for purchasing CrewCom®. Pliant brings our experience, expertise,
and commitment to quality technology with the new CrewCom System. In order to get the most out of your new
CrewCom product, please take a few moments to read this manual completely so that you better understand the
operation of this product. For questions not addressed in this manual, feel free to review the additional support
documentation provided on our website or to contact Pliant’s Customer Support Department:
Pliant Technologies, LLC
205 Technology Parkway Auburn, AL 36830 USA
www.plianttechnologies.com
Phone: +1.334.321.1160
Toll-Free: 1.844.475.4268 or 1.844.4PLIANT
Fax: +1.334.321.1162
Copyright © 2018–2020 Pliant Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved. The Pliant®, CrewCom®, and CrewNet™word
marks and the Pliant “P” logo are trademarks of Pliant Technologies, LLC. Any and all other trademark references
within this document are property of their respective owners.
While Pliant makes every attempt to maintain the accuracy of the information contained in this manual, this
information is subject to change without notice, and published device/system functions and features are subject to
firmware version. Please check our website for the latest system specifications and certifications.
Model Information
This document applies to model CHB-8C, CHB-8C-02, and CHB-8F.
Document Reference: 2020.04 D0000217_H
Thank You - iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Thank You iii
Model Information iii
Table of Contents iv
Safety Information 1
Hub Safety Information 2
Safe Operation Recommendations 2
Safe Installation Recommendations 3
Power Information 3
Introduction 5
What's in the Box? 6
Firmware Release Notes 8
CrewCom Overview 9
Decentralized Network Architecture 9
Flexible RF Platform 9
Intuitive User Experience 9
CrewCom Devices 10
CrewWare 11
CrewCom Configuration File (CCF) 12
CrewCom Configuration File Defaults 12
Determining Which CCFis Active 12
Conferences 13
Profiles 13
Power Over CrewNet 15
What is Power-over-CrewNet? 15
Powering Downstream Devices 15
Table of Contents - iv
Product Overview 17
Hub 18
Copper Hub 19
Fiber Hub 21
Setup and Installation 23
Determine if you have a CCF. 24
Position Devices 25
How to Install Hubs 25
Connect to CrewNet 26
How to Connect CrewNet to Hubs 26
Hub Layers 27
Power On the System 28
How to Power On and Configure the System 28
Name a Device 29
Operation 30
Add More CrewCom Devices 31
Hub LEDs 32
Product Specifications 33
Hub Specifications 34
Product Support 35
Product Support 36
Returning Equipment for Repair or Maintenance 36
System Maintenance and Storage 37
System Maintenance and Storage 38
Cleaning 38
Temperature and Humidity 38
Table of Contents - v
License and Compliance Information 39
License Information 40
Warranty Information 41
Warranty Information 42
Limited Warranty 42
Parts Limited Warranty 43
Table of Contents - vi
CHAPTER 1
SAFETY INFORMATION
This chapter consists of the following sections:
Hub Safety Information 2
Safe Operation Recommendations 2
Safe Installation Recommendations 3
Power Information 3
Safety Information - 1
Hub Safety Information
WARNING: Indicates a situation, which, when not avoided, has the potential to result in death or
severe injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a situation, which, when not avoided, has the potential to result in minor injury or
product failure or damage.
The following section details important safety information related to the ownership and operation of the CrewCom
Hub.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Follow all instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
Safe Operation Recommendations
l Install and operate in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
l Do not submerge the Hub in water.
l Do not set food, water, or other beverage containers on or near the unit.
l Do not place unit in areas where it will be exposed to weather.
l Ensure the device’s cord remain free from areas of foot traffic. Do not allow cords to become crimped, twisted,
or frayed.
l Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not spray household cleaners or water onto the cloth. Never spray household
cleaners or water onto any part the Hub.
l Use only attachments/accessories that are specifically made for or certified by Pliant Technologies with the
Hub. Any attempt to modify ports in order to use cables or wires that are not manufactured specifically for or
certified for use on this system will void the product warranty.
l Unplug the Hub during periods of inclement weather and after use.
Safety Information - 2
l Refer all Hub service to qualified Pliant Technologies service personnel. There are no user-serviceable parts
WARNING – DANGER! Users should exercise extreme care when working with electricity. Additional
care should be used when working with electricity outdoors in inclement weather. When working
outdoors or near water, always connect the system into a ground-fault interrupting circuit.
inside the Hub. Opening the product may expose dangerous electrical components, which will result in product
failure. Any attempt to self-service or self-repair the unit will void the product warranty.
l Service is required if the Hub receives any type of damage to any of its parts or if it does not operate normally.
For example, if water or any other type of liquid has been spilled on the Hub or if it has been exposed to rain or
moisture, then service is necessary. Service is also required if debris or other objects have fallen into the unit or
if it has been dropped.
Safe Installation Recommendations
l Elevated Operating Ambient Temperature - If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating
ambient temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient. Therefore, consideration
should be given to installing the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient
temperature (Tma) specified in "Hub Specifications" on page34.
l Reduced Air Flow - Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of air flow required
for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.
l Mechanical Loading - Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous condition is not
achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
l Circuit Overloading - Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit
and the effect that overloading of the circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring.
Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used when addressing this concern.
l Reliable Earthing - Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. Particular attention
should be given to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (e.g., use of power
strips).”
Power Information
Safety Information - 3
AC Power Connection Safety
l When using local power to power the Hub, always connect the power cord to the CrewCom Hub’s external
power supply before connecting to the outlet.
l CrewCom Hubs may be powered by an external power supply. The cord to connect the external power supply
to the mains supply must conform to the following specifications:
o
The mains power cord shall have an IEC C13 connector at one end and a mains power plug at the
opposite end.
o
An IEC C13 plug has three pins. The center pin carries the earth/ground. The remaining two pins carry
neutral and live circuits.
o
The conductors of the mains cords shall have adequate cross-sectional area for rated current
consumption of the equipment.
o
The mains plug that connects to the mains supply must be approved for use in the country in which the
equipment will be used.
o
The mains power cord must be an IEC mains 3-Wire grounding power cord complying with standard
IEC60320; IEC320/C13.
o
Mains power cords used in the U.S. must also comply with standard UL817.
Safety Information - 4
CHAPTER 2
INTRODUCTION
This chapter consists of the following sections:
What's in the Box? 6
Firmware Release Notes 8
CrewCom Overview 9
Decentralized Network Architecture 9
Flexible RF Platform 9
Intuitive User Experience 9
CrewCom Devices 10
CrewWare 11
CrewCom Configuration File (CCF) 12
CrewCom Configuration File Defaults 12
Determining Which CCFis Active 12
Conferences 13
Profiles 13
Power Over CrewNet 15
What is Power-over-CrewNet? 15
Powering Downstream Devices 15
Introduction - 5
What's in the Box?
*Note: Power Supplies vary by CrewCom Hub model, and they are not interchangeable. Always
ensure your Hub uses a compatible power supply: PPS-48V-02 with CHB-8C-02 and CHB-8F; PPS-48V
with CHB-8C.
**Note: A one-year product warranty is standard with CrewCom products. Follow the product
registration instructions on the Warranty Extension Registration Card and visit Pliant's Product
Registration Page to extend your product warranty to two years at no charge. See "Warranty
Information" on page42.
l CrewCom Copper Hub (1) OR CrewCom Fiber Hub (1)
l USB A to Micro B Cable
l Cat 5e Cable, 6 ft. (1.8 m)
l Fiber Cable, 6 ft. (1.8 m) (Fiber Hub Only)
l Rubber Feet
l 48VDC External Power Supply*
l Product Overview Guide
l Warranty Extension Registration Card**
Additional Items Required
In addition to your Copper or Fiber Hub, at least one of each of the devices listed below is required to complete your
CrewCom System (sold separately with included components):
l Control Unit (includes AC Power Cord; USB A to Micro B Cable; Cat 5e cable, 15 ft. (4.6 m); and USB Flash
Drive)
l Radio Transceiver (includes USB A to Micro B cable; Cat 5e cable, 15 ft. (4.6 m); Mounting Hardware/Bracket;
and 2 Omni-Directional Antennas)
Introduction - 6
l Radio Pack (includes Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Battery, USB A to Micro B Cable, Multi Blade Worldwide
Battery, and Charger/Power Supply)
l Headset
Optional Item(s)
l CrewCom-Hub-compatible rack ears (PAC-RMK-S and PAC-RMK-D) are available for purchase separately if
needed.
Introduction - 7
Firmware Release Notes
Find the latest CrewCom firmware release notes on the Pliant Technologies website. Download the latest firmware
release from the Pliant Technologies downloads page.
Introduction - 8
CrewCom Overview
CrewCom is a versatile yet straightforward communications solution built on an intelligent wireless and wired
network-based distributed system architecture. Innovative technologies have been specifically developed to facilitate
intercom system growth and effortless adaptation, along with unparalleled digital wireless reliability for consistent
operation, even in the most demanding production environments.
Decentralized Network Architecture
The CrewCom system utilizes a proprietary network backbone, known as CrewNet™, to coordinate and transport all
system timing, audio, signaling, and controls. This efficient, decentralized resource network delivers increased
flexibility over that of traditional technologies, using a distributed network-to-device intelligence within a modular
building block structure. System components can easily be placed where they are needed or scaled to facilitate
system growth, reconfiguration, and effortless adaptation to changing environments. For increased infrastructure
flexibility, the CrewNet network is capable of operating over standard Cat 5e (or greater) and/or Single Mode Fiber
(SMF) connections.
Flexible RF Platform
CrewCom’s RF platform is vast and flexible to meet the needs of virtually any wireless communication challenge
facing production and entertainment professionals worldwide. Each CrewCom wireless product is available in the
2.4GHz and 900MHz (North America, Australia, and New Zealand only) ISM bands and any combination of these
frequency ranges may be simultaneously used on the same CrewCom system. CrewCom makes it easy to operate in
challenging RF environments by combining support for multiple simultaneous frequency bands, while also allowing
for simple system setup without the need for an RF engineer.
In addition, a more robust RF link enhances RF range and reliability through a newly developed dual carrier doublesend transmission scheme that minimizes the adverse effects of inter-symbol interference. This innovation allows
increased useful RF range and improved performance, especially in large, reflective environments.
Intuitive User Experience
CrewCom’s family of products is designed around a system architecture that offers a high density of users with a
more manageable infrastructure and lower cost per user than typically found in large-scale wireless installations. The
CrewCom system not only consists of a range of wired and wireless hardware products but also incorporates an
intuitive software application, known as CrewWare, working together with the system hardware to enhance the
experience of system administrators, designers, integrators, and users. Each device’s user interface allows a quick
Introduction - 9
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