Digital Audio Corporation SSABR G2 User Manual

Solid State Recorder

Generation 2

User's Manual

Software Revisions 1.1.0

DIGITAL AUDIO CORPORATION

"THE POWER TO HEAR – THE POWER TO CONVICT"

A DRI COMPANY

Solid State Recorder

Generation 2

User's Manual

Software Revisions 1.1.0

September 2005

Digital Audio Corporation

4018 Patriot Drive

One Park Center, Suite 300

Durham, NC 27703

Phone: 919 572 6767

Fax: 919 572 6786

Web: www.dacaudio.com

Email: sales@dacaudio.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 SSABR G2 Introduction........................................................................................ 1

1.1 Overview of the SSABR G2 System...............................................................................1

2 System Basics ........................................................................................................ 3

2.1 Power and Batteries....................................................................................................... 4

2.1.1 Charging the Unit ..................................................................................................4

2.1.2 Displaying the Battery Charge ................................................................................4

2.1.3 SSABR G2 (-6,-12) Battery Technical Data.............................................................5

2.2 Record Modes ............................................................................................................... 6

2.2.1 Normal Mode (non-Button Safeguard Mode)..........................................................6

2.2.2 Button Safeguard Mode..........................................................................................7

2.2.3 Using An External Harness ....................................................................................8

2.3 Playback Mode..............................................................................................................9

2.4 Local Erase ...................................................................................................................9

2.5 Track Management ..................................................................................................... 10

2.6 SSABR G2 Time/Message Display (LCD) .................................................................. 11

3 Software Installation............................................................................................ 13

3.1 SSABR G2 Software Installation ................................................................................. 13

3.2 Installing the Easy CD Creator Software...................................................................... 14

4 SSABR G2 Configuration and Download Utility................................................. 15

4.1 Configuration and Download Wizard.......................................................................... 15

4.2 Main Window.............................................................................................................16

4.3 Options Window......................................................................................................... 18

4.4 Configuration Window................................................................................................ 21

4.4.1 Record Mode Tab ................................................................................................21

4.4.2 Scheduling Tab .................................................................................................... 23

4.4.3 Security Tab.........................................................................................................25

4.4.4 File and Help Menus............................................................................................26

4.4.5 Setting the SSABR Time ......................................................................................26

4.5 Begin Download Window ...........................................................................................27

5 Image File Player Utility ..................................................................................... 29

5.1 Main Window.............................................................................................................29

5.2 Loop Control Window ................................................................................................31

5.3 Track List Window ..................................................................................................... 31

5.4 Track Information Window......................................................................................... 32

6 Wave File Creation Utility .................................................................................. 33

6.1 Main Window.............................................................................................................33

6.2 Preferences Window.................................................................................................... 35

6.3 Create Wave Files Window ......................................................................................... 37

6.4 Wave File Creation Window ....................................................................................... 38

7 Creating Audio CD’s........................................................................................... 41

8 SSABR G2 External Microphone/Switch Harness .............................................. 43

8.1 Microphone, External Power, and Remote switch Connector Type .............................. 43

8.2 External Power and Remote Switch Connector............................................................ 43

8.2.1 External Power ....................................................................................................43

8.2.2 Remote Control Switch ........................................................................................ 43

8.3 External Microphone Connector.................................................................................. 45

8.3.1 Microphone Wiring ............................................................................................. 45

9 Specifications.......................................................................................................47

9.1 Analog Input/Output.................................................................................................. 47

9.2 Digital Processing ....................................................................................................... 47

9.3 Construction ............................................................................................................... 47

1 SSABR G2 INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW OF THE SSABR G2 SYSTEM

Thank you for purchasing the SSABR G2 Solid State Recorder from Digital Audio Corporation. The SSABR G2 has been specifically designed for law enforcement applications in which a concealable, high quality recorder is required. The SSABR G2 is light and compact, making it easy to hide on an agent’s body, in an automobile, in a wall or ceiling, or in virtually any other small space. It is housed in a rugged aluminum case to withstand even the most difficult conditions in the field.

The SSABR G2 distinguishes itself from other digital flash recorders by providing up to 12 hours of lossless compressed audio1. This gives the operator the highest possible recording quality and maximizes the potential for after-the-fact electronic voice enhancement. The data reduction schemes employed in other solid state recorders often eliminate or severely distort low-amplitude components of the recorded signal, making voice enhancement difficult or impossible.

The SSABR G2 comes equipped with the following features:

• Two built-in, high quality microphones

• Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

• REC/PLAY/STOP, FFWD, and REW buttons

• Three MicroTech style connectors for:

o Left and right channel auto-sensing external microphone connections o Remote record switch

• Five-pin Mini-B USB “On the go” connector

• Stereo headphone jack

• Internal Lithium-Ion battery operation

• Scheduled recording

• Up to 12 hours stereo record time (utilizing lossless compression), or 24 hours record time (using

lossy compression)1

• Multiple bandwidths

• Error correction

With the aid of the supplied configuration software running on a standard personal computer (PC), the SSABR G2 unit can be precisely configured for any recording situation. Upon returning from the field, the same configuration software is used to transfer evidence collected in the SSABR G2 unit to a recordable compact disc (CD-R). The supplied playback software allows the downloaded evidence file to be played back on any standard PC. The supplied Wave file creation software can be used to create WAV files of the recorded tracks.

Record times will vary significantly based on the SSABR G2 model, settings, and power sources.

2 SYSTEM BASICS

Right External

Microphone Connector

Right Microphone

Time/Message

Display (LCD)

External Control Switch

and Power Connector

EXT

CTL

PWR

EXT

6h.45

L R

Left External

Microphone Connector

Left Microphone

USB

Mini-B USB

Connector

Figure 2-1: SSABR G2 Front View (LCD Side)

Rewind

Button (REW)

Fast Forward

Button

(FFWD)

Record/Play/Stop

(REC/PLAY/STOP)

Figure 2-3: SSABR G2 Side View (Button Side)

Button

Headphone

Connector

Figure 2-2: SSABR G2 Bottom View

Mini-B USB

Connector

(USB Connector Side)

Headphone

Connector

2.1 POWER AND BATTERIES

The SSABR G2 unit has a built-in rechargeable Lithium- Ion battery. Although there is no ON/OFF switch, the unit will enter “sleep mode” when not recording, playing, or downloading its contents over the USB. In the sleep mode, the unit will consume a minimal amount of power and can have a shelf life of many months, possibly a year or more. However, it is recommended that the unit be fully charged before it is used. The unit will still remember any schedule that has been programmed into the flash memory and the real-time clock will continue to run (the SSABR G2 also contains a Lithium “coin” battery that powers the clock – this battery can only be replaced by DAC).

The unit will only come out of sleep mode to record or play back audio. Once these operations are complete, the unit will remain idle for a brief time (30 seconds) and then automatically shut down to the sleep mode once again. While connected to a PC via a USB cable, the unit will be remotely powered and charged via the USB Port.

2.1.1 Charging the Unit

To recharge the built-in Lithium-Ion battery, simply connect the SSABR G2 unit to a computer via the USB port. This connection will begin automatically recharging the unit. Run the Configuration and Download Utility and use its battery charge display to determine when the unit has been fully charged.

2.1.2 Displaying the Battery Charge

While the unit is charging via the USB cable, run the Configuration and Download Utility and use its battery charge display to determine when the unit has been fully charged. While using the SSABR G2 unit while not in playback mode (see Section 2.3), you may display its remaining battery charge on the LCD (Time/Message Display) by pressing the Fast Forward (FFWD) button. This feature will remain available in all record modes. Table 2-1 shows the meaning of the LCD displayed text.

Table 2-1: Battery Charge Remaining LCD Messages

LCD Message

Battery Charge

Remaining

(%)

bFUL 90-100

b_80 80-90 b_70 70-80 b_60 60-70 b_50 50-60 b_40 40-50 b_30 30-40 b_20 20-30 b_10 10-20

b LO 0-10

2.1.3 SSABR G2 (-6,-12) Battery Technical Data

Table 2: CPU Clock Speeds (MIPS) When Recording

Compression Type (Number of Channels)

Sample

Rate

8000 20 20 20 20 20 11025 40 40 40 40 40 16000 40 40 40 40 40 22050 60 40 40 40 40 32000 60 40 40 40 40 44100 80 40 80 40 80

DACPak (Mono or

Stereo)

ADPCM

(Mono)

ADPCM

(Stereo)

PCM

(Mono)

PCM

(Stereo)

Table 3: Maximum Run Times Based on CPU Speed

Battery Type

CPU Clock

Speed (MIPS)

20 12.5 hours (measured) 40 12.5 hours (measured) 60 10.75 hours (measured) 80 9.75 hours (measured)

Ultralife 620mAh Li-Ion Rechargeable

(4.2V cell)

Charge Time for 620mAh Li-Ion Cell: approximately 1 hour charging from 20% to FULL gas gauge,

or 2 hours from completely flat to FULL gas gauge

Precharge Period: when battery completely flat, requires 15-20 minute precharge before unit will power on, even when connected to PC via USB cable

2.2 RECORD MODES

The SSABR provides two basic record modes of operation1, Normal Mode and Button Safeguard Mode. These modes are selected via the Security Tab within the Configuration Window of the Configuration and Download Utility Software (see Section 4.4.3.)

The first mode is Normal Mode (Section 2.2.1). This mode provides the simplest way of operating the SSABR unit. This mode is most useful when first learning how to use the SSABR unit and for non-critical operations.

The second mode is Button Safeguard Mode (Section 2.2.1). This mode provides protection from unintentional button presses as well as impedes the unauthorized termination of a recording when used by an informant. This mode is very similar to the “button-lock” feature found on most cellular telephones.

Each record start and stop operation creates a new recorded track. A track is defined as the audio recorded between each record/stop cycle. The SSABR allows recording up to 256 different tracks.

The SSABR has a built-in, automatic power-off feature. This feature powers the unit off only if it has stopped recording or stopped playing back for a period of 30 seconds.

2.2.1 Normal Mode (non-Button Safeguard Mode)

To power on and begin recording:

In Normal Mode the SSABR unit will power on and begin recording under one of two circumstances:

1. The REC/PLAY/STOP button is pressed.

2. The on-board timer initiates a scheduled recording session (see Section 4.4.2).

In these cases, when the unit powers up2, the SSABR will first display its firmware version (for example, “0140”) for a brief moment before displaying “RECD” followed by the remaining record time3. The decimal display (“.”) will blink to signify that the unit is recording.

To stop a recording:

In Normal Mode the SSABR unit will stop recording under one of two circumstances:

1. The REC/PLAY/STOP button is pressed.

2. The on-board time terminates a scheduled recording session (see Section 4.4.2).

Once the recorder is stopped, any new attempt to begin recording again will result in a new track being created. After stopping, the unit will display the remaining record time available2. (In the case of a

scheduled recording, the recorder will stop when the STOP button is pressed or when the end of the scheduled recording session is reached.) After 30 seconds of being stopped, the SSABR will automatically power-off.

When using an external wiring harness, the button modes affect how the external ON/OFF slide switch responds. See

Section 2.2.3 for more information.

See Section 2.3 if the headphones are inserted.

If the option to display the remaining record time is disabled, only the blinking dot will show (See Section 4.4.3 for more

information)

2.2.2 Button Safeguard Mode

REMINDER: Button Safeguard Mode must be selected via the Security Tab within the Configuration Window of the Configuration and Download Utility (see Section 4.4.3.)

To power on and begin recording:

In Button Safeguard Mode the SSABR unit will power on1 and begin recording under one of two circumstances:

1. The on-board timer initiates a scheduled recording session (see Section 4.4.2).

2. The Safeguard key-sequence is pressed (see Table 2-4).

Table 2-4: Button Safeguard Key-Sequence

Step Action Time/Message Display

1 Power-on the unit by pressing

and releasing the REC/PLAY/STOP button.

2 Press and hold the REW button

for three seconds.

3 While continuing to hold the

REW button press the REC/PLAY/STOP button

4 Release the buttons The remaining record time available2 will

The firmware version will be displayed (for example, “0140”) for a brief moment followed by the remaining record time available2. The phrase, “-go-”, will appear for 5 seconds indicating Button Safeguard has been disabled. The phrase “RECD”3 will appear, followed by the remaining record time available2.

display, along with a blinking dot to signify recording has begun.

Depressing any of the keys without first following the Safeguard key-sequence will cause the message “SAFE” to be displayed on the LCD.

To stop a recording:

In Button Safeguard Mode the SSABR unit will stop recording under one of two circumstances:

1. The on-board timer terminates a scheduled recording session (See Section 4.4.2).

2. The Safeguard key-sequence is pressed (see Table 2-4).

scheduled recording, the recorder will stop when the Safeguard key-sequence is pressed or when the end of the scheduled recording session is reached.) After 30 seconds of being stopped, the SSABR will automatically power-off.

See Section 2.3 if the headphones are inserted

If the option to display the remaining record time is disabled, only a blinking dot (“.”) will show (See Section 4.4.3 for

more information).

If the unit is already recording, it will be stopped and “STOP” will appear on the LCD.

2.2.3 Using An External Harness

When using an external harness, the ON/OFF slide switch1 is normally used to automatically power-on the SSABR unit and start a recording. To prevent a recording from being accidentally started by depressing the REC/PLAY/STOP button while a harness is attached, the REC/PLAY/STOP button must be held down for at least two-seconds before a recording will start. This will occur in either Normal Mode or Button Safeguard Mode. However, stopping the recording is different in each mode.

To stop a recording in Normal Mode2:

Slide the ON/OFF switch to the “OFF” position.

To stop a recording in Button Safeguard Mode2:

Step 1: Press and hold the REW button until “-go-” appears on the LCD. Step 2: While continuing to hold the REW button, slide the ON/OFF switch to the “OFF” position.

If an external harness consists of a momentary (push-button) switch instead of a slide switch, it will operate as an extension of the normal REC/PLAY/STOP button on the SSABR unit. Therefore, refer to the Sections 2.2.1and 2.2.2 when using an external momentary switch. See Section 8 for detailed information on construction and connection of external wiring harnesses.

The ON/OFF slide switch on the external harness should be clearly marked to indicate when the switch is in the ON or

OFF position.

Pressing the REC/PLAY/STOP button will not stop a recording as long as the ON/OFF slide switch is in the ON

position.

2.3 PLAYBACK MODE

To place the unit in the playback mode, headphones must be inserted into the headphone jack.

To begin playing a track:

Press the REC/PLAY/STOP button. or If using a harness, slide the ON/OFF switch to the “ON” position.

The unit will begin playing the first track (track “1”) recorded on the unit.

To stop playing a track:

Press the REC/PLAY/STOP button. or If using a harness, slide the ON/OFF switch to the “OFF” position.

To listen to another track:

Step 1: Stop the playback (see above). Step 2: Press the FFWD button to select a higher number track, or press the REW button to select a

lower number track.

The LCD will indicate the current track number. After 30 seconds of the playback being stopped, the SSABR will automatically power-off.

2.4 LOCAL ERASE

The local erase feature is provided as a means of erasing the contents of the flash memory in the event that the SSABR unit is compromised, or when the recorded contents of the SSABR are no longer needed. It is suggested that if you fear the SSABR unit might fall into unwanted hands that you disable the ability to play back the recorded audio locally (see Section 4.4.3). If the Configuration and Download Utility has enabled the Local Erase feature (Section 4.4.3), it can be started in one of two ways.

To start the Local Erase in Normal Mode:

Press and hold down all the SSABR buttons (REW, FFWD, REC/PLAY/STOP) for three seconds.

To start the Local Erase in Button Safeguard Mode:

Step 1: Press and hold the REW button until “-go-” appears on the LCD. Step 2: While continuing to hold the REW button, press and hold the FFWD and

REC/PLAY/STOP buttons for three seconds2.

Once the erase begins, the SSABR LCD will display a series of rapidly decrementing numbers. These numbers represent sections of recorded flash memory that are being erased. When the numbers decrement to zero, the erase will be complete.

Local playback may be disabled using the security features available in the Configuration and Download Utility (see

Section 4.4.3)

The ON/OFF slide switch on the external harness is attached and in the ON position, only the FFWD button need be

depressed and held along with the REW button.

2.5 TRACK MANAGEMENT

As described previously, a track is defined as the audio recorded between a record/stop cycle. Appending or concatenating current tracks is currently not supported by the SSABR unit. Each track, when downloaded from the unit, will create a separate WAV file when the Wave File Creation Utility is used. Each track will be time-stamped based on the local time or on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) set by the SSABR software upon configuration. The time set on the SSABR is based upon the time setting of the host PC.

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Digital Audio Corporation SSABR G2 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual