EAW DSA Tech Note
ASG Tech Note: Connecting and Communicating with DSA:
This technical note is intended to help connect and communicate with the DSA loudspeaker. In
general, the process for connecting and operating a DSA loudspeake r sh ould be as follows:
1. Read the manual.
2. Download the latest version of the DSA Pilot software from the EAW Website
(http://www.eaw.com/downloads/).
3. If your computer has an on-board RS-232 serial port, use a B&B Electronics
RS232 - 485, half-duplex, port-powered converter to connect between your computer and
the DSA.
4. If your computer does not have an on-board RS-232 serial port, use the recommended
B&B Electronics USB-to-RS485 converter (available for purchase directly from EAW).
5. Once physically connected, launch DSA Pilot and select the appropriate communications
port. Go ‘Online’, add your clusters and assign your DSA modules.
6. EQ and Steer the DSA Cluster(s) as necessary.
1. Please read the manual:
http://www.eaw.com/docs/1_Current_Products/DSA
In the manual, you will find all the specifics of DSA, including: how it works, how to connect with
DSA, how to wire the DSA, all the available features, and some nifty tricks. A thorough review of
the manual will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the DSA and how it functions. If
you have questions, please call ASG @ 1-800-992-5013 before you connect with the DSA.
2. Download the latest version of our DSA Pilot software:
http://www.eaw.com/downloads
The latest version is always available on the EAW website. After you download the .zip file from
the website, extract it to your desktop and run the installer. Let the program to its default location
on your hard drive; do not change directories.
The installation process will put a short cut icon on your desktop. Double-click on this icon
to launch DSA Pilot. EAW suggests checking the website periodically for updated versions of
DSA Pilot, especially prior to connecting to a DSA.
Note:
You can work offline within DSA Pilot. This is helpful to see how DSA will work for coverage of an
area. By entering information in the respective fields and clicking on ‘Apply’, you will see how a
DSA cluster will work in a given space by referencing the SPL chart at the bottom of the window.
ASG Tech Note: Connecting and Communicating with DSA
3. Only use a B&B Electronics 232 – 485, half-duplex, port-powered
converter.
DSA is extremely picky with communication. You will experience communication errors if you are
not using the correct connection hardware. We have found the B&B Electronics converter to be
the most reliable and have had no reported communication errors when using either of the
following converters:
1. B&B 485SD9TB: (http://www.bb-elec.com/bb-elec/literature/485sd9tb-3803ds.pdf)
2. B&B 485BAT3: (http://www.bb-elec.com/bb-elec/literature/485bat3-3903ds.pdf)
You may purchase these converters directly from B&B Electronics on their website:
(http://www.bb-elec.com/product_family.asp?FamilyId=15&TrailType=Sub&Trail=12)
Note: If you are able to connect and program the DSA using any other brand of conver t er, pleas e cont act us
at asg@eaw.com so we may add it to the list.
3A. Setting up and wiring your 232-485 converter:
Note: You must use a standard 9 pin serial (232-232) cable between your computer
and the 232-485 converter. Null modem cables will not work.
B&B 485D9TB Converter: The 485SD9TB converter is the easiest to set up. Just wire
it to the DSA and start communicating!
To wire the 485SD9TB:
- [B] is wired to + on DSA.
- [A] is wired to – on DSA.
- [GRD] is wired to Ground/Shield on DSA.
B&B 485BAT3 Converter: The 485BAT3 is a more robust converter, but requires
additional set up to work properly.
To set up the 485BAT3:
- For runs under 300’: Make sure the ‘Battery Power’ switch is in the OFF position. Do
not put a battery in the converter.
- Make sure the ‘ECHO’ switch is in the OFF position.
- Make sure the ‘RS-485’ switch (above the ECHO switch) is in the RS-485 position.
To wire the 485BAT3:
- [RD B] is wired to + on DSA.
- [RD A] is wired to – on DSA.
- Make a small jumper and jump [RD B] to [TD B] on the converter.
- Make a small jumper and jump [RD A] to [TD A] on the converter.
- [GRD] is wired to Ground/Shield on DSA.
Note about 485BAT3: For normal, short runs, external wall wart power or battery power is not necessary.
For communication runs in excess of 300’, you can use external or battery power for the converter. Also, if
you made your own 232 serial cable, not from 9-wire cable, you will need external or battery power
.
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ASG Tech Note: Connecting and Communicating with DSA
4. Using the recommended B&B Electronics USB-485 Converter:
The B&B Electronics USPTL4-LS converter has been thoroughly tested for compatibility with
DSA, both for overall control and to update firmware. The converter includes a thorough ‘Quick
Start Guide’, which guides the user through software installation. EAW stocks these converters
(EAW model name ACC-USB485DSA, part number 2040889).
Note: It is critical that you install the USPTL4-LS software prior to initial connection to the
computer’s USB port. Follow steps #1-3 of the USPTL4-LS Quick Start Guide. Note the COM port
to which the USB-485 adapter is mapped.
Ensure the converter’s dip switches (located on the underside of the unit) are configured as
follows:
Switch Correct Orientation Setting
1 On/Right RS-485
2 On/Right ECHO OFF
3 On/Right 2-Wire
4 On/Right 2-Wire
Wire the converter’s terminals as follows:
Terminal Connected To Purpose
TDA(-) Not Connected Unused
TDA(+) Not Connected Unused
RDA(-) DSA RS-485 Negative (-) Data A Input/Output
RDB(+) DSA RS-485 Positive (+) Data B Input/Output
GND DSA RS-485 Ground Ground
On the DSA, ensure that the “EIA-485 Terminate” switch is in the “On” position for the last DSA in
the RS-485 chain (farthest from the computer). If only one DSA is connected to the computer, this
switch should be in the “On” position.
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