dB TECHNOLOGIES DVA NETWORK 1.2 Reference Manual

Software version 1.1

Document version 1.0

1 RDNET PROTOCOL OVERVIEW ................................................................................ 2

1.1 Network description ................................................................................................ 2

1.2 Connection topology ............................................................................................... 2

2 SOFTWARE BASIC OPERATIONS ............................................................................ 3

2.1 Main View elements ................................................................................................ 3

2.2 Scanning device and Online procedure .................................................................. 3

2.3 Load and Save a synoptic ...................................................................................... 4

2.4 Add devices in Offline Mode ................................................................................... 4

2.5 Devices Plugins ...................................................................................................... 5

3 GROUPS AND EQ ....................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Create a Group ....................................................................................................... 7

3.2 Edit Eq, Gain and Delay of a Group ........................................................................ 7

3.3 Group List view ....................................................................................................... 8

3.4 Devices parameter synchronization ........................................................................ 8

4 FUNCTIONS ................................................................................................ ................. 9

4.1 Functions usage ..................................................................................................... 9

4.2 Assign devices to a new function ............................................................................ 9

4.3 Functions list window ............................................................................................ 10

4.4 Assign devices to an existing Function ................................................................. 10

5 ADVANCED FEATURES ........................................................................................... 11

5.1 Parameter Protection Modality.............................................................................. 11

5.2 Storing parameters in Device ............................................................................... 11

5.3 Properties View ..................................................................................................... 11

5.4 Controllers window ............................................................................................... 12

5.5 Configuration Summary View ............................................................................... 12

5.6 Communication Log .............................................................................................. 13

5.7 Control 2 / Control 8 Firmware Upgrade ............................................................... 13

5.8 Settings ................................................................................................................. 13

6 ETHERNET CONNECTION ....................................................................................... 14

6.1 Configure control 8 ............................................................................................... 14

6.2 Connection procedure .......................................................................................... 14

1/16 Rev 1.0

1 RDNET PROTOCOL OVERVIEW

1.1 Network description

RDNet system uses a proprietary serial protocol purposely developed by dB Technologies to create a data
network which can remotely manage up to 256 compatible devices (ex. dB Technologies
professional speakers such as DVA T12, DVA S30N, DVA S1521N, etc.. ).
The interface is managed by a PC through the DVA Network software.
The audio devices are connected to RDNET CONTROL 8 or CONTROL 2 control units, which performs the
main function of data routing between the PC and the speakers.

RDNET system allows monitoring the status of each device, i.e. the main values to be taken (VU-meter,
temperatures, logistic status, etc.).

The PC cyclically requests the RDNET CONTROL unit the operating state of audio devices, which make up
the communication network.
All data are collected by the central unit that performs a sequential scan of all audio devices.
Digital address allocation is automatic.

It is possible to check each single audio device and edit its parameters (e.g. output level,
mute, equalization, delay, etc.) by using the software.

The audio device’s overall configuration can be saved as a file in the PC and later reloaded.

1.2 Connection topology

The link between the PC and the RDNET CONTROL unit can be made through a USB or Ethernet Port
(available only on CONTROL 8).
USB link can be used when the PC is close to the CONROL unit (just a few meters).

RDNet CONTROL units can manage up to 2 subnets
(CONTROL 2) or 8 subnets (CONTROL 8).
Up to 32 audio devices can be connected to each
subnet.
This means that 256 audio devices can be connected
to Control8 and 64 audio devices can be connected
to Control 2.

Using Ethernet interface it is possible to connect more
than one CONTROL 8 unit to the same PC.
These features virtually extend to infinite the number
of devices that can be connected to the network.

2/16 Rev 1.0

2 SOFTWARE BASIC OPERATIONS

2.1 Main View elements

After installation, default software location is “Start->Programs->dBtechnologies->dvaNetwork->dvaNetwork”

1 Synoptic Area: This is the main working area where all RDNet Devices will be displayed
2 Main Menu: allows access to all software functions and settings
3 General Toolbar: contains some main Menu shortcuts: New/Load/Save synoptic, Zoom In/ Out/Fit, Add

or delete devices, Lock devices position in synoptic and a link to the “settings” window.

4 Action Toolbar: contains access to the Network’s main actions: Scan for network devices, go Online and

Offline and Ethernet connection

5 Tools Toolbar: contains links to Summary, Properties, Functions List and Windows Group List.
6 Synchronize Toolbar: contains links to Synchronize Equalization and Store Eq. to all devices functions
7 Status Bar: Shows Information about detected Control 2/8 or USB devices and shows Firmware version,

registered slave number for each subnetwork and other advanced status information.

2.2 Scanning device and Online procedure

DvaNetwork software can operate in two ways:

 Offline: doesn’t require a connection with a Control 2/8 or any external device. In this mode the user

can manually design the audio system adding devices to the synoptic area.

 Online: this mode requires almost one Control 2/8 or one USB RDNet device connected to the PC. In

Online mode each device shown on the synoptic area corresponds to a real RDNet device.

The action toolbar permits to quickly toggle between Online and Offline Mode.

Status toggle drop box is locked if any device is connected to the PC.

3/16 Rev 1.0

Ethernet devices are not automatically detected by software. For more details about Ethernet connection see
the specific Manual section.

Scan Device button: this button triggers the RDNet register procedure that scans RDNet network on each
available Control and subnet, detects all the connected devices and enumerates.
If the registration procedure is properly completed, the software automatically switch the mode to “Online”.
During the registration procedure a log window will appear just to show the registering status and to allow
procedure abortion.

Scan Device command is the first step for connecting to an RDNet system.

Nonetheless it’s possible to go online just selecting “Online” from the Status drop box.
This procedure is useful only if Control 8 or Control 2 have already registered endpoint devices, and the user
doesn’t want to repeat the registration procedure.

In normal usage it is always advisable to use the “Scan Device” button to go online.

2.3 Load and Save a synoptic

New: Delete all the synoptic devices and groups and start a new project.
Save: it saves the current project as a file.
Load: it loads a previously saved project file.

2.4 Add devices in Offline Mode

The “Add” button, located in the “General” toolbar, will open the” Add Objects” menu on the left of the

synoptic, showing a list of all dvaNetwork supported devices.
This menu allows devices to be added to the synoptic diagram in Offline mode.

4/16 Rev 1.0