Eventide VR240 Operator's Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

MODEL VR240

AUDIO LOGGING RECORDER

DVD

R A M

DVD

R A M

Rec Play Rew FFwd Stop Eject

Eventide, Inc.
One Alsan Way
Little Ferry, NJ 07643
United States of America

www.eventide.com

Channel Status

12345678

9 10111213141516

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Full
Almost Full
Fault

Eventide

VR240

Digital Audio

Logging Recorder

321

654

987

#0*

Phones Relay

©January 2000

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

FOR RELIABLE OPERATION OF THE VR240, PLEASE CLOSELY

REVIEW THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES AND CHECKS

Follow these recommendations in sequence to enhance the performance reliability of
the VR240. This will prevent improper operation and malfunctions.

•

Check input power settings (paragraph 2-7).

•

Plan ahead for the installation of the VR240 in a convenient environment
(paragraph 2-5).

•

Perform the following in sequence upon powerup:

(1) Set the clock (paragraph 2-3.4)

(2) Perform System Configuration (Chapter 3, Section I)

(3) Perform Board Configuration (Chapter 3, Section II)

•

Perform media drive cleaning at the recommended intervals (paragraph 5-

3). Tape drive equipped machines only.

•

After cleaning, reset the clean timer to 0:00 (paragraph 5-3.2)

•

Before installing new media for recording, ensure write protection is not
activated (paragraph 5-20)

•

Know the differences between STOP-SUSPEND, STOP-STOP,
RESUME-RECORD, and RECORD-RECORD. Refer to Section VI of
Chapter 5.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

1 INTRODUCTION 1-1

Section I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1-1

1-1 INTRODUCTION 1-1
1-2 CONFIGURATIONS 1-1

Section II. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION AND DATA 1-3

1-3 PURPOSE AND FEATURES 1-3
1-3.1 Purpose 1-3
1-3.2 Features 1-3
1-4 EQUIPMENT DATA 1-3
1-4.1 Weight and Dimensions 1-3
1-4.2 Power Requirement 1-4
1-5 ACCESSORIES AND OPTIONS 1-4

PREPARATION FOR USE AND INSTALLATION 2-1

2

Section I. FAMILIARIZATION 2-1

2-1 GENERAL 2-1
2-2 INITIAL SETUP 2-1
2-2.1 Telephone Board Connection (Phoenix Connector) 2-1
2-2.2 Auto Board (Amphenol Connector) 2-1
2-2.3 Additional Hardware 2-1
2-3 INITIAL TURN-ON 2-3
2-3.1 Power 2-3
2-3.2 Self Test 2-3
2-3.3 Front Panel Controls 2-3
2-3.4 Setting the System Clock 2-4
2-3.5 Setting Up Input Channel 1 for Recording 2-5
2-3.6 Media Loading and Formatting 2-6
2-3.7 Recording to the Archive Drives 2-9
2-3.8 Adjust the Speaker Volume 2-10
2-3.9 Put the VR240 in Record 2-12

Section II. INSTALLATION 2-14

2-4 INTRODUCTION 2-14
2-5 PLANNING 2-14
2-6 SYSTEM CONNECTION 2-15
2-7 POWER CONNECTION 2-15

Chapter Page

2-8 INPUT OPTIONS 2-16
2-8.1 Connecting the Telephone Channel Inputs 2-17
2-8.2 Connecting the Audio Channel Inputs 2-17
2-8.3 Squelch Requirements 2-19
2-8.4 Audio Board Front End Options 2-20
2-8.5 Rear Panel Serial Port Connectors 2-20

Section III. FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND INDICATORS 2-21

2-9 VFD DISPLAY 2-21
2-10 DRIVES 2-22
2-11 SOFT KEYS AND FUNCTION KEYS 2-25

3 SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION 3-1

Section I. SETUP 3-1

3-1 DESCRIPTION 3-1
3-2 MENU OPERATION AND TIMEOUT 3-1
3-3 SETTING THE CLOCK 3-1

Section II. GLOBAL SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 3-3

3-4 SYSTEM 3-3
3-5 SAMPLING 3-3
3-6 SECURITY 3-5
3-6.1 Select Security Levels 3-5
3-6.2 Change User Password 3-6
3-6.3 Lock 3-6
3-6.4 Unlock 3-7
3-7 MEDIA USAGE 3-7
3-8 DISPLAY ASCII CHARACTER ADJUSTMENT 3-9
3-9 STATUS REPORT PRINT OUT 3-9
3-10 TIME TRACK 3-11
3-11 LANGUAGE 3-11
3-12 COPY CONFIGURATION 3-12
3-13 SERIAL I/O PORT PARAMETERS 3-12
3-14 C3ECC ERROR CONNECTION 3-13
3-15 RELAY 3-14
3-17 AUTOMATIC FORMATTING 3-15
3-18 RECORD VERIFY 3-16
3-19 SET ID # 3-16
3-20 DISK CONTROL 3-17
3-21 AUTOMATIC RECORDING CONFIGURATION 3-18
3-21.1 Notes on Auto Record Timer Settings 3-19
3-21.2 Options Available in Auto Record 3-20
3-22 TRIGGER 3-21

Chapter Page

Section III. SYSTEM INFORMATION 3-22

3-23 SYSTEM INFORMATION 3-22
3-24 MEDIA INFORMATION 3-23
3-25 DISK INFORMATION 3-25

Section IV. BOARD/CHANNEL CONFIGURATION 3-26

3-26 BOARD/CHANNEL CONFIGURATION 3-26
3-27 RECORD ENABLE (RecEnable) 3-26
3-27.1 Telephone Board - RecEnable Modes 3-27
3-27.2 Audio Board - RecEnable Modes 3-27
3-28 VOX (Voice Activated) 3-28
3-28.1 Setting the VOX Hold Time 3-28
3-28.2 Setting the VOX Level 3-28
3-29 AUDIO GAIN 3-30
3-30 BEEP 3-31
3-31 OFF HOOK 3-31
3-32 AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL (AGC) 3-32

Section V. DESCRIPTORS 3-34

3-33 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION 3-34
3-34 COPY DESCRIPTORS 3-36

4 THEORY OF OPERATION 4-1

Section I. PHILOSOPHY OF OPERATION 4-1

4-1 GENERAL 4-1
4-2 COMPROMISES IN LOGGING RECORDERS 4-1
4-3 ANALOG vs. DIGITAL RECORDING 4-1
4-4 AUDIO QUALITY CONSIDERATIONS AND TRADEOFFS 4-2
4-5 FREQUENCY RESPONSE 4-2
4-6 SAMPLING RATE IN THE VR240 4-3
4-7 DYNAMIC RANGE, SNR, AND THD+N 4-3
4-8 WOW AND FLUTTER 4-4
4-9 CROSSTALK 4-4
4-10 DEGRADATION 4-4
4-11 TAPE USAGE 4-5

Section II. THE VR240 CHANNEL HOUR CAPACITY 4-6

4-12 THE "CHANNEL HOUR" 4-6
4-13 HARD DISK DRIVE 4-7

Section III. VR240 THEORY OF OPERATION 4-9
4-14 MAIN COMPONENTS 4-9

Chapter Page

4-15 GENERAL OPERATION 4-9
4-16 CONCLUSION 4-11

5 OPERATION 5-1

Section I. PREPARATION FOR OPERATION 5-1

5-1 GENERAL 5-1
5-2 MEDIA FORMATTING 5-1
5-3 DDS DRIVE CLEANING 5-3
5-3.1 Clean the DDS Drive 5-4
5-3.2 Reset the Cleaning Timers 5-4

Section II. TRANSPORT CONTROLS AND INDICATORS 5-6

5-4 TRANSPORT CONTROLS 5-6
5-5 TRANSPORT CONTROLS REACTION TIME 5-8

Section III. SIGNAL MONITORING, LEVEL INDICATOR, AND

CHANNEL STATUS 5-9

5-6 MONITOR 5-9
5-7 LEVEL INDICATOR 5-10
5-8 CHANNEL STATUS DURING RECORD 5-11

Section IV. RECORD OPERATION 5-12

5-9 RECORD 5-12
5-9.1 Begin Recording from the "Disk Ready" Position 5-12
5-9.2 Stop Recording from the "Disk Select" Position 5-13
5-9.3 Begin Recording from the "Drive Select" Position 5-14
5-9.4 Begin the Dual Record Operation 5-15

Section V. RECORD OPERATION 5-16

5-10 OPERATION DURING RECORD 5-16
5-11 MEDIA COUNTER AND DRIVE SWITCHOVER 5-16
5-12 AUTOMATIC MEDIA FORMATTING 5-17
5-13 OTHER OPERATIONS DURING RECORD 5-17
5-13.1 With the Recording Drive Selected 5-18
5-13.2 With the Idle Drive Selected 5-20
5-13.3 With The Internal Hard Disk Selected 5-20
5-14 ROUTINE RECORD OPERATION 5-21
5-15 SUSPEND RECORDING ON A DRIVE 5-22
5-16 RESUME RECORDING ON A DRIVE 5-23
5-17 DESCRIPTION OF SEARCH AND PLAYBACK 5-23

Chapter Page

5-17.1 Channel Status LED Array During Playback 5-23

5-17.2 Display Status Indicators While Playing From The
Internal Hard Disk 5-24
5-18 SEARCH AND PLAY FUNCTIONS 5-24
5-19 SIMULTANEOUS PLAY AND RECORD, AND RESUME 5-19
5-20 IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT WRITE-PROTECTION 5-28
5-21 AUXILIARY OPERATIONS: COPY AND MAKE INDEX 5-28
5-21.1 Copy 5-28
5-21.2 Make Index 5-31
5-22 PLAY BACK FROM THE HARD DISK 5-32
5-23 SEARCH INTERNAL HARD DISK BY TIME/DATE/CHANNEL 5-33
5-24 PLAY BACK FROM THE ARCHIVE DRIVE 5-35
5-25 SEARCH ARCHIVE DRIVE BY TIME/DATE/CHANNEL 5-36
5-26 INSTANT RECALL 5-38
5-27 SET MEMORY LOCATION 5-39
5-27.1 To Set a Memory Location 5-39
5-27.2 To Search and Play a Set Memory Location 5-40

Section VI. KEY RECORD OPERATIONS 5-43

APPENDIX A CLOCK ACCURACY, ADJUSTMENT AND TI ME CODE INPUT A-1

A-1 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION A-1
A-2 CLOCK FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE A-2
A-3 LITHIUM BATTERY VOLTAGE CHECK A-2
A-4 TIME CODE INPUT A-2
A-5 RS-232 CONFIGURATION AND DATA FORMAT A-3
A-6 VR240 CLOCK EXAMPLE A-4
A-7 STATUS PRINTER INDICATION A-5

APPENDIX B 4MM DDS TAPE ISSUES B-1

B-1 AVAILABILITY AND SELECTION B-1
B-2 TAPE TYPES AVAILABLE B-1
B-3 SELECTING YOUR TAPE B-1
B-4 THE TAPE COUNTER AND TAPE CAPACITY B-2
B-5 DATA CARE AND STORAGE B-2
B-6 STORAGE TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY B-2
B-7 ACCIDENTAL ERASURE B-2
B-8 DELIBERATE ERASURE B-2

APPENDIX C UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SUPPLY (UPS) C-1

C-1 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION C-1
C-2 UPS PRECAUTIONS C-2

APPENDIX D SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE D-1

Chapter Page

APPENDIX E THE OPTIONAL LABEL PRINTER E-1

E-1 DESCRIPTION E-1
E-2 USER-DEFINED TITLE E-2

APPENDIX F THE STATUS PRINTER F-1

F-1 PRINTER REQUIREMENTS F-1
F-2 CONFIGURING THE VR240 TO OUTPUT DESIRED
SYSTEM STATUS REPORTS F-2
F-2.1 Detailed Activity Printouts F-2
F-2.2 Activity Summaries F-2
F-2.3 Summary When Media Is Ejected F-3
F-2.4 Summary on Demand F-3

WARRANTY Warranty Page

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Section I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1-1. INTRODUCTION.

The Eventide VR240 Audio Logging Recorder is an enormous technological advance over the
old-technology reel-to-reel loggers. The VR240 is more efficient and more convenient in almost
every way. It uses less media, less electricity, and less space, yet it provides better quality and
more features than previously possible.

All of these improvements are made possible by the digital technology employed in the VR240.
Instead of recording an analog signal on physically cumbersome tapes, the VR240 converts all
of its inputs to digital form and records them on, among others, “DDS” cassettes or Rewriteable
DVD-RAM. These media will fit in the palm of your hand, yet each can hold up to 800 channel­hours of audio or more. The digital format also allows additional information to be stored, such
as time codes and channel content information.

Despite its advanced features, the VR240 Audio Logging Recorder was designed for simple
operation. In addition to the vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), there is a set of buttons directly
under the media transport mechanism. These transport control keys emulate the familiar
controls of an ordinary tape recorder. The square buttons under the VFD access a set of
“menus” which control some of the more advanced features of the unit. These buttons are

keys

whose functions vary as you go through the different menus. One either side of the soft
keys is rectangular keys marked by a left and right arrow. Pressing these keys will either move
you through menu options or, when appropriate, move the cursor around options displayed on
the screen. Finally, there is the
An LED array on the front panel indicates the status of each channel.

The VR240 is convenient and reliable to use, both for recording and for retrieving recordings
once made. We hope you will enjoy using it.

1-2. CONFIGURATIONS.

Your VR240 has several features and options that are determined when the unit is ordered. It
may have one or two media drives. It may have 8, 16, or 24 audio input channels. In addition,
the inputs may be configured differently depending upon your audio signal sources. Finally, an
optional label printer provides a provision for automatic media labeling. As you unpack your
VR240, please confirm that the unit you received is the unit you ordered. For your convenience,
the following page is provided to record your unit’s configuration. We suggest that you complete
it now. This information will be required if you should need to communicate with the factory
about your VR240.

keypad

that facilitates the entry of parameters and a password.

soft

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1-1

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

MODEL VR240, SERIAL NUMBER _______________________ NUMBER OF DRIVES

1 2

(Serial number and options information appears on the rear panel data plate.)

!

DRIVE TYPE:

4MM DDS ! DVD-RAM ! 8MM EXABYTE ! MAGNETO-OPTICAL

FIRMWARE VERSION ______________________________
(On display during turn-on, accessible from the menus.)

If your unit is not configured as desired, or if you should need to change the configuration in the
future, drives and channels can be added easily.

!

INPUT BOARD #1 Audio
INPUT BOARD #2 Audio
INPUT BOARD #3 Audio

or Telephone ! 8 Channel (channels 1-8)

!

or Telephone ! 8 Channel (channels 9-16)

!

or Telephone ! 8 Channel (channels 17-24)

LABEL PRINTER:

Y N

STATUS PRINTER model_________________________________

1-2

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Section II. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION AND DATA

1-3. PURPOSE AND FEATURES.

1-3.1 Purpose.

The VR240 Audio Logging Recorder is a multi-channel, full-featured digital logging system. The
recorder archives voice files on DDS-2 or DDS-3 cassettes, or Rewriteable DVD-RAM.

1-3.2 Features.

The VR240 has several features, capabilities, and options.

• Converts all inputs to digital format and records them on DDS-2 or DDS-3 cassettes,

or Rewriteable DVD-RAM.

• Media fits in palm of hand, yet each can hold several hundred channel-hours of

audio.

• Digital format allows additional information to be stored, such as time codes and

channel content information.

• One or two media drives.

• May contain 8, 16, or 24 input channels.

• Input options allow different configurations depending upon the audio signal sources.

• Transport control keys emulate the familiar controls of an ordinary tape recorder.

• Easy-to-read VFD (vacuum florescent display).

• Four soft keys that access displayed functions located directly above them on the

front panel display. These functions vary as you go through the different menus.
The menus control some of the more advanced features of the unit.

• Contains a front panel keypad to facilitate the entry of parameters and a password.

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1-3

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

1-4. EQUIPMENT DATA.

1-4.1 Weight and Dimensions.

Weight
Height
Width
Width

Depth

33 pounds (14.98 kg)

5 inches (127 mm)
(main frame) 16-7/8 inches (428.6 mm)
(front panel) 17-1/4 inches (438.2 mm) (with 1 inch (25.4 mm) additional extension for

each handle) (rack ears for 19-inch rack mount)

(main frame) 17 inches (431.8 mm)

1-4.2 Power Requirement.

The VR240 is factory-configured for the line voltage of the country of installation. Fuse type is
2A, 250V, time-delay, 20 mm (Eventide P/N 316054). Same type is used for 115 Vac or 230
Vac.

1-5. ACCESSORIES AND O PTIONS.

Description

Part/Model Number

Label Printer Seiko Model SLP1000
Status Printer Various (serial)
Accessory Playback Unit Eventide model VR204 or VP204
DDS Cleaning Cartridge Various (Sony recommended)
PC Remote Control Eventide Part Number 110000
Satellite Chronometer Eventide Part Number ECW-40
DVD-RAM Disk Eventide Part Number 240011
90 Meter Tape (DDS-1) Various (Sony recommended)
120 Meter Tape (DDS-2) Various (Sony recommended)
125 Meter Tape (DDS-3) Various (Sony or Fuji recommended)
Magneto-Optical Disk Eventide Part Number 240009
Desktop Enclosure Eventide Part Number 240002
Large Internal Hard Drive Call Eventide to inquire about the
latest size and design

1-4

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Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

CHAPTER 2
PREPARATION FOR USE AND INSTALLATION

Section I. FAMILIARIZATION

2-1. GENERAL.

This section will familiarize you with the VR240. You will learn how to format media, monitor live
communications, begin the record process, enable/disable channels for playback, adjust the
speaker volume, and scroll between the two archive drives and the internal hard disk. It is
recommended that the initial setup be done prior to installing the unit in its permanent operating
location. Chapter 3 of the Operator’s Manual discusses the detailed configuration procedures
for setting up your unit at your facility.

NOTE

It is assumed in this section that you have an audio input signal
available to connect to the Channel One input of the VR240.

2-2. INITIAL SETUP.

2-2.1 Telephone Board Connection (Phoenix Connector).

Locate an active telephone line in the area you are working.

Connect the telephone line “tip” lead to pin 15 and the “ring” lead to pin 16 of the 16 contact
input connector provided with the unit (note: input is not polarity sensitive). See Figure 2-1.

2-2.2 Audio Board (Amphenol Connector).

Obtain an approximately “line level” signal source. (Something as simple as a “Walkman” or
portable CD player will do.)

Connect the signal source line output to pins 1 and 26 of the top connector on the rear of the
VR240 (using the male 50-pin connector provided). See Figure 2-1.

2-2.3 Additional Hardware.

One blank medium per drive is provided with each VR240. No other hardware is necessary for
this exercise. Monitor the VR240 with its internal speaker. You can also use a set of
headphones (with a mono or stereo phono plug).

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Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

CH 8

TIP RING

Detail A

Pin 1 Pin 16

SEE MANUAL FOR CONNECTION INSTRUCTION.

PORT A

PORT B

PORT C

PORT D

VR240 with three 8-channel telephone boards

Detail B

FCC Registration Number 4D2USA-21429-RC-N

Complies with Part 68, FCC Rules

Ringer Equivalence 0.0 B

SEE MANUAL FOR CONNECTION INSTRUCTION.

!

PORT A

PORT B

PORT C

PORT D

VR240 with one 8-Channel “audio” board

Figure 2-1. VR240 Connections

CH 7

TIP RING

CH 6

TIP RING

CH 5

TIP RING

CH 4

TIP RING

CH 3

TIP RING

CH 2

TIP RING

Detail A

(16 Pin Phoenix Connector)

pin 50 pin 26

Detail B

SCSI

CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER. NO USER SERVI CEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVI CING TO QUAL IFIE D TECHNIC IAN.

ENABLED

DISABLED

LINE OUT / RE LAY

EXT. SPEAKER

12 VDC

UPS

(See Table 2-1 for pin assignments)

SCSI

LINE OUT / RE LAY

CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER. NO USER SERVI CEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN.

ENABLED

DISABLED

EXT. SPEAKER

12 VDC

UPS

pin 1pin 25

TIP RING

1 25

2650

CH 1

2-2

January 2000

2-3 INITIAL TURN-ON.

The VR240 is factory-configured for the line voltage of the country
of installation. Fuse size is 2A, 250V. Refer to paragraph 2-7 for
ensuring correct power.

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

NOTE

2-3.1 Power.

The VR240 does not have an ON/OFF switch. To apply power, first plug the power cord into
the rear panel power connector. Next, plug the other end of the cord into a power outlet. The
logger turns on and operates continuously when plugged in.

2-3.2 Self Test.

The unit performs a self-test after power is applied. Then the following screen will appear on
the VFD display:

Upper: Not Ready
Controls SysInfo Drive Config

2-3.3 Front Panel Controls.

There are three sets of controls on the VR240 front panel. The transport control keys are
immediately underneath the drive(s). The keypad is on the right of the panel above the
headphone jack. The soft keys are underneath the VFD display. Refer to Section III of this
chapter for a more detailed description of the front panel controls and indicators.

DVD

R A M

DVD

R A M

Rec Play Rew FFwd Stop Eject

Eventide

VR240

Digital Audio

Logging Recorder

Channel Status

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Full
Almost Full
Fault

Phones Relay

3 2 1

6 5 4

9 8 7

# 0 *

Figure 2-2. VR240 Front Panel

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Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

2-3.4 Setting the System Clock.

a. Press the Config soft key

Upper: Not Ready
Controls SysInfo Drive

b. Press the Clock soft key.

Upper: Not Ready

Clock

<

Descriptors System Quit >

Config

c. Press the SetTime soft key

CLOCK CONFIGURATION

SetTime

<

TimeInput TimeZone Quit >

d. Determine what the time and date will be in about a minute. For example, if it were now

3:27 PM on the 29th of February 2000, the number for 3:28 PM would be “15:28:00 29­FEB-00”. Use the Cursor soft key to place the cursor under the parameter(s) you wish to
change. To change the parameter, use either the Decrease and Increase soft keys or
the keypad. When finished, press the Done soft key (you have not yet set the time).

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Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

e. Wait for the second hand to come around to the minute and hit the Set soft key. (Or, if

you made a mistake, hit Cancel and start over.) The clock is now set. If you are running
on Greenwich Mean Time or UTC, you can set the clock to that instead of local time. To
exit this menu without re-setting the time, press the Cancel soft key.

NEW TIME: 15:28:15 29-Feb-00

Set

Cancel

NOTE

The display will give you the time and date as stored in the
VR240. This may be accurate, or completely incorrect if never
set. The VR240 uses 24-hour time and the “European” method of
giving the date as DAY/MONTH/YEAR.

2-3.5 Setting Up Input Channel 1 for Recording.

a. Press the Config soft key. (NOTE: Config is not available in hard disk menu. Use the

Drive soft key to select either the upper or lower drive.)

UPPER: Not Ready
Controls SysInfo Drive

b. Press the > function key.

CONFIGURATION:
< Clock Descriptors System Quit >

Config

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Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

c. Press the Board soft key

CONFIGURATION:
< AutoRec Trigger

Board

Quit >

d. Press the RecEnable soft key and you will see a display for board 1: CH1: followed by a

mode description.

CONFIGURATION BOARD 1: Chan 1-8 (Telephone)
<

RecEnable

Vox NextBoard Quit >

e. Press Mode soft key and cycle through all the choices. Continue to cycle through the

choices until OFF HOOK (for telephone input boards) or ACTIVE HIGH/OPEN (for audio
boards) is displayed (if it was not displayed originally).

RECORD: CH 01: OFF HOOK
Channel

Mode

Done Cancel

f. Press the Done soft key to accept the OFF HOOK (telephone input boards) choice or

ACTIVE HIGH/OPEN (audio input boards). There are many more system configuration
choices, but the only important one at present is to make sure that Channel 1 is active
when you record on it.

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Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

2-3.6 Media Loading and Formatting.

Before you can record on a drive, the media must be FORMATTED. This process writes an
index and some machine-specific information on the media. The index is used to find specific
times when searching, and also serves as a permanent identification if, for some reason, the
physical label or box is missing. Recording will continue on the internal hard disk during the
format process. You can format on either drive or both drives simultaneously.

Loading and formatting 4MM and 8MM data cartridges;

Be sure to use only data grade DDS tapes. Do not use audio grade (DAT) tapes. These will

damage the tape drive and void all warranties. All DDS cartridges have a “write protect”
mechanism, a small plastic latch that covers a hole on the back of the cartridge (except 8mm).
The latch must cover the hole to allow the media to be written. Make sure this is the case
before continuing. On 8mm data cartridges, make sure the hole is uncovered. Insert your new
tapes in the VR240 by putting them in the slots, transparent side UP, write protect latch towards
you, until a gentle resistance is encountered as the tape is almost fully inserted. Apply just
enough pressure to overcome the resistance, and the drive will pull the tape in and begin the
loading process.

Loading and formatting magneto-optical disks and rewriteable DVD-RAM:

Magneto-optical disks and DVD-RAM come packaged in a protective case. The whole case is
loaded into the machine at once; do not try to remove the disk from the case. You will see a
small plastic “write protect” mechanism located on the bottom left of each side of the protective
case. The latch must be pushed all the way to the right (two red holes showing) to allow the
disk to be written. Make sure this is done before continuing. Insert your new magneto-optical
disks in the VR240 by putting them in the slots, either side up, with the write protect latch toward
you, until a gentle resistance is encountered as the disk is almost fully inserted. Apply just
enough pressure to overcome the resistance, and the drive will pull the disk in and begin the
loading process. Unlike a DDS cartridge, the DVD-RAM and magneto-optical disk can record
on both sides. When one side is full, turn the disk case over and reinsert it.

The VFD display will show the loading process for either the UPPER or LOWER drive. If you
are using new, unformatted media, the display will show Unreadable. (If the display shows
either drive to be Ready, it means that you have inserted formatted media. Since formatting
destroys all data on the media, make sure that it does not have any important information on it
before proceeding.)

All new media must be formatted before they can record. This takes about 4 minutes for a 4MM
DDS or 8MM cassette and a few seconds for a rewriteable DVD-RAM or magneto-optical disk.
You do not need to reformat the media to reuse it.

Follow this procedure to format new media:

a. Load an unformatted Data Grade

DDS tape or rewriteable DVD-RAM into an available

drive. The drive status display will read Media unreadable.

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Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

b. Press the > (next) soft key

UPPER: Media unreadable
< Controls GoTo Drive Resume >

c. Press the PrepMedia soft key.

UPPER: Media unreadable
< SysInfo MediaInfo Config

PrepMedia

d. Press the Format soft key.

PREPARE UPPER:
Copy

Format

MakeIndex Quit

e. The display will read ‘ERASE ALL DATA ON MEDIA – ARE YOU SURE?” Press the Yes

softkey.

ERASE ALL DATA ON MEDIA – ARE YOU SURE?

Yes

Cancel

(Notice that you were given the opportunity to CANCEL this potentially dangerous operation.)

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Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

To format the media in the other drive, press the Drive soft key until the VFD display reads
“LOWER: Not ready,” then repeat the operation. (Both operations can be performed
concurrently.)

f. Now that the media in the drive is formatted, notice another characteristic of the VR240.

The menus are sometimes dependent upon the state of the unit. The loading of media
caused new menu choices to become available.

2-3.7 Recording to the Archive Drives.

a. Once the formatted media is in one or both drives, the VR240 is ready to record. The

first thing to do is confirm that audio is present on channel 1.

b. Press the Controls soft key.

UPPER: Formatting

Controls

SysInfo Drive

c. Press the

CONTROLS:
< Volume

d. Press the

Monitoring: All channels disabled
Enable

Monitor

Disable

soft key.

soft key.

Monitor

Disable

Lock Quit >

Done

January 2000

2-9

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

e. Then press the

All

soft key.

CONTROLS:

All

Thru Enter Done

f. Press the Enable soft key

Monitoring: All channels disabled

Enable

Disable Done

g. Press the number “1” on the keypad followed by the

Enter

soft key.

Enter channel #: 1
All Thru

Enter

Done

If your signal source is not on, turn it on now. The top row of LEDs on the Channel Status array
serves as a level indicator. Adjust the output level of your signal source

so that the input signal
to the VR240 is as high on the “meter” as possible without “clipping”, as indicated by red LEDs
on the right of the array. It is OK if the rightmost set of asterisks flashes occasionally. (When
the Monitor menu times out or you hit Done, the “meter” is disabled, and that line of the display
reverts to its normal function, described in detail later on.) You can now hear your signal source
through the VR240 speaker.

2-10

January 2000

2-3.8 Adjust the speaker volume.

a. Press the

Monitoring: 1
Enable Disable

b. Press the

CONTROLS:
<

Done

soft key.

Volume

Volume

soft key.

Monitor Lock Quit >

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Done

c. Press the

VOLUME:
<

Speaker

Speaker

soft key.

Headphone Line Alarm >

January 2000

2-11

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

d. Press the

Lower

or

Higher

key to decrease or increase the speaker volume. The
increments are 0 (no volume) to 40 (maximum volume). To return to the VOLUME:
screen, press the

Done

soft key.

SPEAKER VOLUME: 15

Lower

Higher

>

e. To quit this menu, press the

(next) soft key

VOLUME:
< Speaker Headphone Line Alarm >

Done

f. Press the

VOLUME:
<

Quit

soft key twice.

Quit

>

2-12

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

2-3.9 To put the VR240 in record.

a. When you see UPPER: Ready, it means that the transport controls are active. To begin

recording, press the

UPPER: Ready
< Controls GoTo Drive Resume >

b. The display will ask you to confirm if you wish to record on the selected drive (look to see

that the desired drive is displayed, if not, use the
drive. Then press the

Rec

transport key located under the archive drives.

Drive

soft key to select the appropriate

Record

soft key.

UPPER: Start Recording?

Record

Cancel

The display now shows (a) that you are recording, and (b) the status of the archive drive(s).
The date and time is also displayed, along with the “media counter,” an electronic equivalent of
the mechanical counter on analog decks. This counter is very important because it may be the
only way you can tell how near the media is to completion. Let the recording run for a while.

Once you start recording, the menu structure changes. Note that when the recording drive is
selected, the display gives you options that make sense while recording. Pressing the

Menu

soft key will give you access to additional menu options.

UPPER: Recording 0019 12:27:06 29-Feb-00
LOWER: Ready

Menu

January 2000

2-13

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

It is possible to record on both drives simultaneously. You can do this either by selecting the
non-recording drive with the Drive soft key and repeating the last three steps. Or, if both drives
are loaded and positioned for recording (Ready), press the > (next) function key and then the
DualRec soft key.

NOTE

You have now set up the VR240 so it will be able to do its job. The
rest of the operation’s manual will be slightly less detailed.

Some of the menu choices you have while in the record mode include:

SetMem

(Set memory) Save the location of the message on the medium so you

can go back to that spot later.

SaveMessage

Store a critical communication into one of 16 record buffers.

Instant Recall

Instant Recall is accessed by pressing the Recall soft key. Recalling
during record allows the replaying of a previous passage on any selected channel while the
VR240 continues to record. This is particularly useful when the recording is being monitored in
real time. When Recall is activated and the channel is selected, the available time frame to
listen to is backed up 30 seconds from the current time. From there, selecting Pause, Rewind,
or FastForward enables the operator to quickly locate a selection to listen to. Refer to the detail
procedures in paragraph 5-12.

The following choices can be found by pressing the Controls soft key

Volume

Press the Volume soft key for access to the speaker, headphone, line out and

alarm volume controls.

Monitor

Listen to what is being recorded as it is occurring.

Lock

Used to prevent unauthorized access to all controls except instant recall.

Time Adjust

Allows you to “spring ahead” to daylight savings time. Eventide recommends

that you do not change the clock for daylight savings time. If you set the clock
ahead in the spring you may have trouble in the fall. Setting the clock back
will result in two hour-long sections of media with the same time, making
searching difficult.

2-14

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Section II. INSTALLATION

2-4. INTRODUCTION.

This section describes the factors that must be considered in setting up the VR240 in your
facility. Consideration of the appropriate physical location must be made for available power
and audio sources. This includes connecting the unit to power, audio, and ancillary items (i.e.,
clock, label printer).

2-5. PLANNING.

Identify and allocate the inputs to be used as the signal sources for the VR240. Then determine
if you have any channels remaining. If you do, bring them to a convenient patch field as you will
probably find other applications for the VR240 in the future.

Determine the physical location for the VR240. The unit has removable rack mounts and can
be installed in any convenient location that meets the temperature specifications for the unit and
the drives. If you are going to mount it in a rack, do not rely only on the mounts for support – use
a shelf or slide as well. The weight of the unit will exert significant torque on the mounting
hardware. To avoid drive failures and unreliable data transfers the VR240 must be mounted
horizontally not on an angle (such as in some consoles).

Some items to consider:

Convenience

Select a location where changing media can be easily accomplished. If you

do not plan to install remote alarms, locate the VR240 where the media
almost-full, media full, and system fault alarms can be clearly heard.

Security

Do you need to be concerned that someone will want to “destroy the

evidence,” so to speak? If so, how dedicated will that person be? The unit
has security features, but a well-locked door is better!

Power

The Uninterruptable Power Supply will allow the unit to run briefly

(approximately 30 seconds) on batteries while the generator comes up. If you
have a generator, make sure the VR240 will be powered by it. Connect an
inexpensive computer UPS to the logger if outages are frequent or typically
last more than 30 seconds.

Accessibility

Will people continually be using the unit for playback, or will it almost always

be making archival recordings?

Wiring

If almost all the signal sources are in one area, how much wiring do you want

to do to get to the recorder?

Environment

For best reliability, the unit should be placed in a room with comfortable (for

humans) temperature, no extremes of humidity, and as little dust or particulate
matter as possible. A “no smoking” area is preferable.

January 2000

2-15

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

2-6. SYSTEM CONNECTION.

Figure 2-1 shows the rear panel of the VR240. There can be up to three telephone or audio
input connectors, depending upon the number of optional channel boards installed. Your
primary job will be to connect the input channels to your signal sources. Additional tasks
include providing power, audio output, and, if desired, PC remote control, and printer interface
signals and connections.

2-7. POWER CONNECTION.
AC Line

This connector provides power to the VR240 using the power cord provided.

The chassis connector is internationally standardized. However, if the VR240
is being used outside the United States, the supplied power cable must be
replaced with a local version.

Line Voltage

The VR240 is factory-configured for the line voltage of the country of

installation. Fuse size is 2 amp, 250V.

If unsure that the power input setting is correct for the local supply, perform the following:

a. Remove the top cover as follows:

(1) Remove fifteen #4 screws.

(2) Remove five #6 screws.

(3) Lift and remove the cover slowly and disconnect the speaker.

b. Select the correct voltage selector switch position the on the power supply module (see

Figure 2-3).

Pushing the switch in the UP position is for 115V ac.

Pushing the switch in the DOWN position is for 230V ac.

2-16

VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH

115V

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Figure 2-3. Voltage Selector Switch

c. Replace the top cover as follows:

(1) Position top cover on the top of the VR240.

(2) Plug in speaker connector.

(3) Install five #6 screws.

(4) Install fifteen #4 screws.

NOTE

Connect signal sources and mount the VR240 prior to connecting

the power source to the unit. Refer to initial turn-on (paragraph 2-

3).

2-8. INPUT OPTIONS.

Up to three input boards may be installed in each VR240 mainframe (see Figure 2-2). This
manual describes the two board styles available.

1) Voice-quality audio input board (8 channels).

2) FCC-registered telephone board (8 channels).

Other types of input boards (i.e. T1/E1) are described in supplements.

January 2000

2-17

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

2-8.1 Connecting the Telephone Channel Inputs.

The connector comes with mating plugs. The mating plugs use crimp type screw terminals to
secure the telephone lines (wires). The input impedance is 10kΩ. Looking at the rear of the
unit, each 16-position connector is numbered as follows:

01 Line 8 “tip”
02 Line 8 “ring”
03 Line 7 “tip”
04 Line 7 “ring”
05 Line 6 “tip”
06 Line 6 “ring”
07 Line 5 “tip”
08 Line 5 “ring”

CH 8

TIP RING

CH 7

TIP RING

CH 6

TIP RING

CH 5

TIP RING

CH 4

TIP RING

CH 3

TIP RING

CH 2

TIP RING

CH 1

TIP RING

09 Line 4 “tip”
10 Line 4 “ring”
11 Line 3 “tip”

Pin 1 Pin 16

12 Line 3 “ring”
13 Line 2 “tip”
14 Line 2 “ring”
15 Line 1 “tip”
16 Line 1 “ring”

2-8.2 Connecting the Audio Channel Inputs.

There is one 50-position socket on the rear panel of each audio input board. The sockets are
the industry standard telephone type, compatible with the Amphenol 57-series (“blue ribbon”)
connectors. Looking at the rear of the unit, each 50-position socket is numbered as follows:

25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01

50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26

pin 1pin 25

1 25

2650

pin 50 pin 26

For each of the eight channels on an input board, there are six signals available at the 50­position socket: two signals for differential audio input, one for audio output, one for squelch or
record enable control, and two grounds. If there are three input boards installed, the top board
contains channels 1-8, the middle board contains channels 9-16, and the bottom board contains
channels 17-24. Standard 25-pair color-coded cables may be used for system connections
according to the following table 2-1:

2-18

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Table 2-1. Rear Panel Audio Connector Pin-Out

PAIR PIN COLOR SIGNAL BOARD: Top Mid Bot

CHANS 01-08 09-16 17-24

1 26 1 WHT/blu

BLU/wht

2 27 2 WHT/org

ORG/wht

3 28 3 WHT/grn

GRN/wht

4 29 4 WHT/brn

BRN/wht

5 30 5 WHT/slt

SLT/wht

6 31 6 RED/blu

BLU/red

7 32 7 RED/org

ORG/red

8 33 8 RED/grn

GRN/red

9 34 9 Red/brn

BRN/red

10 35

RED/slt Audio in –

10

11 36

11

12 37

12

13 38

13

14 39

14

15 40

15

16 41

16

17 42

17

18 43

18

25 50

25

BLK/blu
BLU/blk
BLK/org
ORG/blk
BLK/grn
GRN/blk
BLK/brn
BRN/blk
BLK/slt
SLT/blk
YEL/blu
BLU/yel
YEL/org
ORG/yel
YEL/grn
GRN/yel
VLT/slt
SLT/vlt

Audio in –
Audio in +
Audio out
Ground
Squelch
Ground
Audio in –
Audio in +
Audio out
Ground
Squelch
Ground
Audio in –
Audio in +
Audio out
Ground
Squelch
Ground

Audio in +
Audio out
Ground
Squelch
Ground
Audio in –
Audio in +
Audio out
Ground
Squelch
Ground
Audio in –
Audio in +
Audio out
Ground
Squelch
Ground
(not used)
(not used)

Channel 01 09 17

Channel 02 10 18

Channel 03 11 19

Channel 04 12 20

Channel 05 13 21

Channel 06 14 22

Color Legend: WHT = white VLT = violet BRN = brown
RED = red BLU = blue SLT = slate
BLK = black ORG = orange WHT/blu = white wire with blue stripe
YEL = yellow GRN = green

January 2000

2-19

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

2-8.3 Squelch Requirements.

A “high” is either an open circuit, or a voltage level greater than 4 volts. A “low” is either a
contact closure to ground or a voltage level lower than 2 volts.

2-8.4 Audio Board Front-End Options.

The following options are configurable from the front panel on a channel-by-channel basis:

1) Balanced input, >10K ohm impedance, transformerless

2) Transformer balanced input, >10K ohm impedance @ 1kHz

3) Transformer balanced input, 600 ohm impedance

Do not connect Audio Board channels directly to the Public

Switched Telephone Network. Use Eventide’s FCC-registered

input boards for this purpose.

2-8.5 Rear Panel Serial Port Connectors.

Connect the desired ancillary items (clock, label printer, status printer, etc.) to the rear panel
serial port connectors. Refer to Figure 2-5.

2-20

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

123

678

Ground

4

9

Serial Chan. 1: RS-232 data channel # 1

Serial Chan. 2: RS-232 data channel # 2

Serial Chan. F: RS-485 for time code input, remote record control

5

123

678

Ground

4

9

Serial Chan. B: RS-232

Serial Chan. H: RS-232 (reserved)

Serial Chan. E: "PC Remote", RS-485 party line

5

123

678

Ground

Label printer handshake, +12V
Serial Chan. B: RS-232 time code input

Serial Chan. D: RS-232 label printer

January 2000

4

9

Serial Chan. F: RS-485 for time code input, remote record control

5

123

678

Ground

4

9

Serial Chan. A: time code output

Serial Chan. C: RS-232 status printer

Serial Chan. E: "PC Remote" connection, RS-485 party line

5

Figure 2-5. VR240 CPU: Rear Panel Serial Port Connectors

2-21

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Section III. FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

Previously, Figure 2-2 illustrated the three sets of controls on the VR240. This section
describes the front panel controls and indicators in more detail.

2-9. VFD DISPLAY

UPPER: Recording 000019 12:33:01 29-Feb-2000
LOWER: Ready Menu

This is the status or “Home” screen of the VR240. You will automatically return here from all
other screens after the time-out period has passed (approximately one minute for each menu
level selected). Press the

Menu

soft key for access to all available functions and controls.
When the VR240 is recording, the first screen that appears after the Menu soft key is pressed is
shown below:

① UPPER: Recording 000019 12:33:01 29-Feb-2000
② < Controls SetMem SaveMessage Recall >

Table 2-2. VFD Screen Description

ITEM CONTROL OR INDICATOR DESCRIPTION

1 Drive Status Lines

The drive status lines let you know what each drive is
currently doing. In this example, the upper drive status
line shows the upper drive in the record mode. Also
shown is a media usage counter for that drive, and the
current time and date.

2-22

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

ITEM CONTROL OR INDICATOR DESCRIPTION

2 Soft Keys

A maximum of four functions is displayed on this line.
Each function corresponds to a soft key located directly
under the display. From this screen, pressing the soft
key labeled “Controls” will give you access to the
submenu containing “Monitor,” “Volume,” and “Lock”
screens.

In some instances, more functions are available than
can be shown at one time. When this is the case, the

<

(previous) and

>

(next) function key will be displayed.
Press either soft key to step through additional menu
selections.

2-10. DRIVES.

Table 2-3 describes the Drive Controls and Indicators.

1

5

Rec Play Rew FFwd Stop Eject

2

Channel Status

12345678

9 10111213141516

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Full
Almost Full
Fault

Table 2-3. Drive Controls and Indicators

ITEM CONTROL O R INDICATOR DESCRIPTION

1 Archive Drives

These may be 4MM DDS tape, rewriteable DVD-RAM,
8MM Exabyte cassette, or magneto-optical disk. The
VR240 logger may be equipped with a single drive or,
more commonly, with dual drives.

2 Transport Controls

You may use these controls to operate both the drives
and the internal hard disk. Pressing the Rewind and
FFwd (fast forward) transport keys multiple times can
increase the speed of the rewind and fast forward
functions.

6

3
4

January 2000

2-23

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

ITEM CONTROL O R INDICATOR DESCRIPTION

3 Full

Almost Full

Indicates that one of the archive drive media has been
recorded on to capacity.

A yellow light indicates that the media in that drive has
one half hour or less of record time available.

4 Fault

A yellow light indicates that an archive drive or internal
hard disk failure may have occurred. It may also indicate
that the “cleaning timers” must be reset.

5 Media Drive Indicator Lights

Different tape and disk drives have their own indicator
lights. In most cases, ignore these lights. In general, the
VR240 display provides more and better information.

6 Channel Status Array

These LEDs will light as required to report the current
state of each installed channel. They will light under the
following conditions:

Red – indicates that the channel is currently being

recorded

Yellow – indicates the channel is currently being

monitored.

Green – indicates 1. that channel is configured to record

when signal is present but 2. there is currently no signal
present.

No light – indicates that the channel has been disabled

so that it will not record. A yellow light indicates that an
archive drive or internal hard disk failure may have
occurred. It may also indicate that the “cleaning timers”
must be reset.

2-24

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

2-11. KEYPAD AND FRO NT PANEL PORTS,

Table 2-5 describes the front panel controls and ports.

Table 2-5. Front Panel Controls and Ports Description

ITEM CONTROL OR INDICATOR DESCRIPTION

1 Numeric Keypad

The keypad can be used in place of the soft keys when
entering numbers in the VR240. This will prove
convenient when entering a time and date for a search
or selecting a channel to monitor or play. The keypad
is also used to enter a password.

2 * (asterisk)

Pressing the asterisk button during “auto-record” will
cancel the timed recording.

To set the unit back to the factory defaults, press this
key while the unit powers-up.

3 # (pound symbol)

In many instances, the # pound symbol may be used
interchangeably with the

Enter

soft key.

4 Relay

The relay jack can be used to trigger a remote alarm.
It can also be configured in conjunction with the line
out jack for use with a stop/start, hand-held or other
external cassette recorder.

5 Phones

Headphone jack for ¼” phone plug equipped headsets.
The volume of this output is controlled by a soft key
located in the

Controls

menu.

January 2000

2-25

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

CHAPTER 3
SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION

Section I. SETUP

3-1. DESCRIPTION.

Setup is a configuration procedure performed from the front panel of the VR240. At this point,
we assume that the unit is connected to power and audio, and is powered up. If so, you will be
looking at a display with a legend indicating either
whether the drive is loaded. A “soft key” is the button immediately below the legend in bold.
Saying “press the System soft key” means that there is a legend “System” on the display and
you must press the key immediately below it.

3-2. MENU OPERATION AND TIMEOUT.

To facilitate operation of the VR240, we have made some assumptions that cause the soft key
menus to change depending upon circumstances. For example, the menu options while playing
will be different than when the unit is in the record mode.

Another important aspect of menu operations is “time-out.” You are given a period of time to
perform operations under the menus you select. Menus have levels. Refer to Appendix I. In
computer terminology, the Home screen display is the “root.”
level, or one of the “branches.” Menus can have multiple levels, but you will eventually reach
the last level (“leaf”) and will either perform or not perform the action on that level. In order to
prevent the unit from continuously displaying an action, perhaps one you don’t want to perform,
each menu times out to the next level, until eventually the root is reached. That way, the unit
will eventually return to a known state, and if another user comes upon it, they won’t have to
backtrack your operations to get it to do what they want.

The balance of this section describes in detail the steps performed under the
As shipped from the factory, each of the configuration items is set to a logical “default.” If the
default is unsatisfactory, change it as needed.

NOTE

The unit cannot be configured when in record. Be sure you are
not recording to the internal hard disk or either archive drive.

3-3. SETTING THE CLOCK.

It is very important that the system clock be set to any legal date between 1 January 1989 and
31 December 2088. The clock can be set to local time or UTC, previously known as Greenwich
Mean Time.

Ready

Not Ready

or

GoTo

is one selection on the next

depending upon

Config

menus.

January 2000

3-1

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

When setting the system clock, the display will give you the time and date as stored in the
VR240. This may be very close to accurate, or completely incorrect if never set. The clock is
powered by a lithium battery that allows it to keep time even if no power is applied to the VR240.
If the battery is discharged, the date and time will be wrong. This will affect the playback
functions when time and date is selected. With only the last two digits of the year displayed, the
wrong clock setting may affect the re-recording of older media you may want to archive.

Refer to paragraph 2-3.4 for setting the system clock.

3-2

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Section II. GLOBAL SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

3-4. SYSTEM.

System configuration sets the various options that define recorder operation apart from the
clock and the individual channels as described in section 1 and Chapter 2. Pressing the

Config

soft key accesses the

System

configuration menu.

The top line of the display must read either “UPPER” or “LOWER.” If “DISK” appears on this
line, press the

Drive

soft key to select an archive drive. The

Config

soft key is available from
the first menu screen when there is no media loaded in the archive drives. If you have
formatted media in an archive drive, press the > (next) soft key for access to
function is not available when the VR240 is recording. To view the

Config

Config

screen:

. Again, this

a. Press the

Config

soft key.

Upper: Not Ready
Controls SysInfo Drive

Config

b. Press the

System

soft key.

CONFIGURATION:
< Clock Descriptors

System

Quit >

You have now reached the System Configuration menus.

3-5. SAMPLING.
Sampling

allows you to select the sampling rate of the recorder. The VR240 uses digital signal
processing to compress the input audio. As discussed elsewhere in this manual, the number of
samples determines the media usage. This is a linear function. Doubling the sampling rate
reduces the recording time by half. The audio quality of the VR240 is dependent on the
sampling rate.

January 2000

3-3

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

a. After pressing the

Config

and

System

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION:
<

Sampling

Security MediaUsage Quit >

b. Press the

Change

soft key to cycle through the available sampling rates.

TRANSCODING RATE: 32 kbps

soft keys, press the

Change

Done

Sampling

soft key.

16 KBPS

(kilobits/second) is the slowest sampling rate available, and gives the full
recording time available from a DDS media or magneto-optical disk. Normal voice
signals are perfectly intelligible at this rate, but the signal sounds somewhat more harsh
and noisy than the faster rates. This should be used when the media is to be played
back only for human listeners.

32 KBPS

is an intermediate rate that is generally satisfactory for recording all but
facsimile and the highest speed modem transmissions.

64 KBPS

should be used only for recording high-speed modem or facsimile
transmissions. There is little or no audible difference between the 32 and 64 KBPS
rates, and for broadcast logging, 64 KBPS simply uses media faster with no real benefit.
64K is not available in VR240s with more than 16 channels.

c. Press the

Done

soft key to save your setting and return to the system configuration

menu.

A technical note: Normally one would expect sampling rate to change frequency response. The
VR240 has a fixed frequency response of slightly over 3 kHz. This would normally imply a
sampling rate of about 8kHz and, in an 8-bit system like this one, a 64K (8 times 8) bit per

second sampling rate would be required. Since that is the highest sampling rate used, you can

see that something is being done to lower it. The DSP algorithms used at 32K and 16K, in
effect, discard redundant information, and enable the full bandwidth to be reproduced with fewer
bits per sample than would otherwise be required. The DSP algorithm is almost “lossless” at 32
KBPS, but does cause some degradation at 16 KBPS.

3-4

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

3-6. SECURITY.

The VR240 has a security feature that is intended to prevent operation and, if desired, media
removal, by unauthorized personnel. In several operational menus, you have the opportunity to

Lock

the unit by entering an 8-digit password. Once you have done this, the front panel

controls will be unresponsive until the password is re-entered.

It also is possible to LOCK the unit in various states. From the CONFIG/SYTEM/SECURITY
menu, you can LOCK the VR240 in an inoperative state to prevent its being used at all.
CONFIG/SYSTEM/SECURITY is also the menu that allows you to change the password.

3-6.1 Select Security Levels.

There are two security levels with access options available at each.

a. After pressing the

Config, System

, then

Security

soft keys press the

soft key.

SECURITY:

b. Use the

Done

Changpaswd

Change

soft key. Whatever is showing on the display when you press

Lock

Security Level

Quit

soft key to scroll through the two options. When finished, press the

current setting.

SECURITY LEVEL: High Security

Change

Done

Security Level

Done

will be the

High Security

Whether or not the VR240 is in a “locked” state, this level of security
denies access to the Config menu. This will prevent accidental or unauthorized changes
that would affect operation of the VR240. High security also password protects the
TIME ADJUST and MEDIA USAGE menus during record.

Low Security

When the VR240 is “locked” and in “Low Security” mode, you must use a

password to unlock the unit. Once the unit is unlocked, access to all menus is available.

January 2000

3-5

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

3-6.2 Change user password.

When the VR240 is shipped, it is initialized with an 8-digit password “00000000” (eight zeros).
This will be the password unless you change it from this menu. When you press the the

ChangPaswd

keypad. Once you enter the correct password, it will ask you for a new (8-digit) password. You

are requested to enter the password twice, to prevent errors. If you enter the password twice

and both versions are identical, the VR240 will accept the new password and the old one will
then be invalid. If you do not enter the correct “old” password or if you make any mistakes
during this procedure, it will abort and leave the password unchanged.

a. After pressing the

soft key, the unit requests the original password, which you enter using the

Config, System

SECURITY:

ChangPaswd

Lock Security Level Quit

, then

Security

soft keys press

ChangPaswd

IMPORTANT !

If you do plan to use the security features of this unit, we strongly recommend
that you change the password. As you can see, the initial password is printed in
this manual and is also available by calling Eventide Technical Support. If you
do change the password,
your password is, and cannot help you if you lose it.

DON’T FORGET IT!

We have no way of knowing what

3-6.3 Lock

This key will lock the unit (once you have correctly entered the password as requested). If you
lock the unit while in this menu - and you have set your security level to “low” - you will have no
access to the controls until you unlock it.

a. After pressing the Config, System, then Security soft keys press the Lock soft key.

SECURITY:

Changpaswd

Lock

Security Level Quit

3-6

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

b. Use the keypad to enter your eight-digit password. The unit will now automatically lock.

A legend indicating that the controls are locked will appear in the top right corner of the
display.

Enter Password:

Cancel

3-6.4 Unlock

Use the keypad to enter your 8-digit password. If the correct password is entered, the unit will
automatically unlock with the last key press.

3-7. MEDIA USAGE.
Media Usage

over previously recorded media. In a two-drive unit, you can load (and format, if necessary),
two media simultaneously. When medium in one drive is full, recording automatically switches
over to the other, ready drive. Pressing the
selected and gives you the opportunity to change it.

a. After pressing the

gives you the opportunity to decide whether to record over or prevent recording

Config

then

System

MediaUsage

soft keys press the

key displays the option you have

MediaUsage

soft key.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION:
< Sampling Security

b. Use the

MEDIA USAGE: Do NOT record over prev media

January 2000

Change

MediaUsage

Quit >

soft key to scroll through the available options.

Change

Done

3-7

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

c. Whatever is showing on the display when you press

configuration.

MEDIA USAGE: Record over previ ous medi a

–

If you have selected this option under

Media Usage

second drive is full, the recorder will switch back to recording on the first one,

whether or not you have removed the previously r ecorded media and inserted a
fresh one. This option should only be used if you are certain that nothing on that

medium will ever be required.

In the

Record over

mode, and especially when you are recording many
channels at a high sampling rate, it is possible to overuse a particular medium.
Please be sure to adhere to recommendations about media lifetime and head
cleaning. (Ignore this last statement if you are using disks as they can be
rewritten indefinitely.)

single drive

On a
another. On these units, selecting

recorder, there is no automatic switch-over from one drive to

Do NOT

requires you to physically remove the
media and either insert a new one or reinsert the old one before you can
continue recording. Selecting

Record over

will not restart the single drive once
the medium has automatically rewound, but it will allow you to begin recording
when the medium is ready, whether or not it has been changed. In other words,
you do not have to remove and reinsert the medium (or new medium) before
starting again if “Record over previous media” is set.

MEDIA USAGE: Do NOT record over prev media –

If you select this option, the system behaves as follows:

If the unit is

LOCKED

, the medium just recorded will not eject. You must

manually unlock the recorder, eject the medium, and insert a new one. You can

LOCK

then

the recorder if desired.

If the unit is

NOT LOCKED

, each medium will be ejected upon completion of

recording.

In the

Do NOT

mode, in order to record on a drive on which media has already
been recorded, it is necessary to eject the old medium and insert another. When
you insert medium, the unit does not check to make sure it is new, unrecorded or
even a different medium. It just checks for the ejection.

MEDIA USAGE: Disable transfer –

On a dual-drive recorder, selecting

Disable transfer

prevents the completion of
recording on one medium from starting the other medium in record, even if it is
otherwise ready and can be started with a manual command.

Done

will be the current

, when the media in the

3-8

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

3-8. DISPLAY ASCII CHARACTER ADJUSTMENT.

a. After pressing the

Config, System

, and > (next) soft keys, press the

Display

soft key.

DISPLAY TYPE: Standard ASCII

Change

Done

Change

Toggle between the option of standard ASCII characters or ASCII with
European characters (useful if you plan to use the VR240 in a language
other than English).

Done

Whatever is showing on the display when you press the

Done

soft key will

be the current configuration.

3-9. STATUS REPO RT PRINT OUT.

The StatReport (Status Report) selection controls the configuration of the optional status report
printer. As shipped, the VR240 is configured for no status printer operation.

To configure a unit for printer operation:

a. After pressing the

Config, System

, and > (next) soft keys, press the

StatReport

soft key.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION:
< Display

StatReport

TimeTrack Quit >

b. Press the appropriate soft keys to configure the options listed below:

STATUS REPORT CONFIGURATION:
LineLength Detail Intervals Quit

January 2000

3-9

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

The following menus are used to configure the status printer. If you have not connected a
status printer, these settings should be left at their default values (Line Length: 78; Detailed
Activity Report: CHAN 01: off, Intervals – Summary: None, PRINT: None, NEXT RPT: 00:00).

LineLength

allows you to limit the length of each printed output line to correspond to the
physical characteristics of your printer. The default is 78 characters per line, which is 2 fewer
than the length of most letter size (8-1/2 x 11) printers. (Some printers may count carriage
return or line feed characters as part of a line and skip a line if you set your line length to 80
characters.)

Decrease

reduces the length to a minimum of 78 characters by pressing or holding
the button. (The setting “wraps around” to 132 if you try to reduce the
length below 78.)

Increase

permits a line length of up to 132 characters to be selected by pressing or

holding the button. (The setting “wraps around” to 78 if you try to exceed

132.)

Done

accepts the new length and drops back to the printer configuration menu.

Cancel

drops back to the printer configuration menu without changing the length.

Detail

allows you to configure the printer to show individual “messages.” A new line is printed
whenever a channel is activated automatically (by signal being present) or by the transition of its
squelch input, either from off to on, or from on to off.

Channel

selects the channel for which you wish to activate or deactivate the

message reporting capability. Pressing this button scrolls through all 24
channels and shows their current status on the display. Press the

Channel

soft key to cycle through the channels displayed.

Change

cycles the current status from

key to switch each Channel to On or

Off

to On to

Off

Off.

Press the

Change

soft

.

Done

accepts any changes you have made and drops back to the previous

menu. Press the

Done

soft key after selecting the desired channel status

(to be included or excluded in the status report printout).

Cancel

drops back to the previous menu without changing the configuration.

Intervals

allows you to select how often channel utilization is summarized, and how often the
summaries are printed. It also gives you an opportunity to select the time of day of the
summary printout. When you hit the

Intervals

soft key, the display shows the current setup as

follows:

Summary

shows you how often the summary data is collected. Possible values are

None, 5, 10, 15, 20,
hours

. Each summary consists of a single line showing the activity

30 minutes, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12,

and

and

24

during the summary interval.

3-10

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Print

shows you how often the summary data is printed. The possible values

are the same as those for collection. Note that the VR240 will not allow
you to select a print interval that is shorter than the collection interval.
Each printout comprises a heading and shows the interval covered by the
printout. Depending upon the ratio between the summary interval and the
printout interval, from 1 to 288 lines of summary data will appear on each
printout.

NextRpt

(next report) shows you when the next summary will be printed. This is
selected automatically for printer intervals up to 1 hour. If you select an
interval longer than 1 hour, you have the opportunity to change the time
that the report is printed.

The soft keys under the display permit you to change the numbers in the
display, hence the report characteristics.

Cursor

selects which of the three items is presently under control. If
selected, the cursor remains under
up to 1 hour is selected, the cursor alternates between

PRINT.

And if a

PRINT

interval of greater than an hour is selected, the

SUMMARY

. If a summary interval of

SUMMARY

None

and

is

cursor alternates among the three choices.

Change

modifies the displayed time of the feature selected by

CURSOR

.

Done

accepts the changes you have made and drops back to the previous

menu.

Cancel

returns to the previous menu without modifying the settings.

Quit

returns to the

StatReport.

Config

menu from which you originally selected

3-10. TIME TRACK.
Time Tra ck

of the main advantages to the VR240 is that no space on the media is used when there is
nothing to record. In some applications, however, it is desirable to have a continuous time track
to be able to prove that the media was running continuously and that no input was missed
because it was temporarily stopped. Normally, simply recording a single channel on a
continuous basis will accomplish this, even if all the other channels are intermittent. If, however,
you are not recording continuously, you can turn the
continuous recording.

Selecting
recording is being performed. There is a penalty in that this feature uses, at most, the
equivalent of one-half of an audio channel (at the slowest sampling rate) of media time, even if
nothing is being recorded.
mark. If at least one channel is being recorded most of the time, the “wasted media” penalty is
substantially less. In the worst case, if nothing is being recorded at all,
medium in about twice the number of hours that the medium has available in “channel hours.”

is a feature that can be enabled to assure that the media is “always running.” One

Time Track

Time Track

to On will put a time mark on the media once per second if no actual

Time Track

is only activated when necessary to provide a time

on to provide a record of

Time Tra ck

will fill the

January 2000

3-11

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

To turn on or off the Time Track feature:

a. After pressing the

Config, System

, and > (next) soft keys, press the

TimeTrack

soft key.

RECORD TIME TRACK: Off
Change Done

Change

Cycles the feature from

Off

to On and back.

Done

Exits the Time Track menu. Whatever is showing on the display when you
press

Done

will be the current configuration.

3-11. LANGUAGE.

As of this printing, the only language available in the VR240 is English. From time to time you
may want to check our web site or the local trade magazines for news of the availability of
French and German languages.

a. After pressing the

press the

Language

Config

soft key.

and

System

soft keys, press the

>

(next) soft key twice. Then

LANGUAGE: English
Change Done

Change

When alternate languages are available, this key will scroll through them.

Done

Exits the Language menu. Whatever is showing on the display when you

press

Done

will be the current configuration.

3-12. COPY CONFIGURATION.

Copy Configuration (

CopyConfig

) sets the VR208HF system-configuration parameters to
match those found on the media in the archive drive. Best results are achieved when the
archive media was recorded on a logger with the same software version and hardware
configuration as the VR208HF.

3-12

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

NOTE

Some parameters will not be copied from the archive media.
These are: Unit serial number, PC-Remote ID number, SCSItype
and SCSIterm settings.

a. After pressing the

press the

CopyConfig

Config

soft key.

and

System

soft keys, press the

>

(next) soft key twice. Then

Overwrite UNIT CONFIG with MEDIA CONFIG

Continue

Cancel

Press the

Continue

soft key and the unit will automatically update its parameters with those on

the archive media.

3-13. SERIAL I/O PORT PARAMETERS.
Serial I/O

brings up a selection of data communication parameters for the RS-232 and RS-485
ports on the back of the unit. These ports are used to connect to printers (including the optional
label printer), PC remote control, master clock systems, and other external control devices.

The VR240 supports two types of printers, an optional label printer, and an optional status
printer. The label printer automatically prints a label that identifies media when it is ejected.
The status printer lists and can depict graphically, activity on the individual channels. Separate
appendices discuss each of these printer options.

Adjust the Serial I/O parameters as follows:

a. After pressing the

Config, System

, and

>

(next) soft key twice, press the

SerialI/O

soft

key.

CHAN A: 19.2 BITS:8 STOP:2 PARITY:NONE
Cursor Change Save Quit

b. Choose parameters as follows:

Cursor

Use the vertical or side-to-side arrow keys to move the cursor through the

Channel number, Bits, Stop, and Parity parameters

January 2000

3-13

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Change

Use the the

Change

soft key to scroll through the parameter options above

the cursor.

Save

Whatever is showing on the display when you press the

Save

soft key will be

the new configuration.

Quit

Drops back to the Serial I/O Configuration menu without saving your

changes.

3-14. C3ECC ERROR CORRECTION (Applies to DDS Tape Drives Only).
C3ECC

error correction can be enabled or disabled by this configuration option. By default, it is
left disabled, because enabling it can significantly reduce the capacity of the media. There is
typically no need for this additional level of error correction on audio because, unlike data, there
is an enormous amount of redundancy built into speech, and if an error were to occur, it would
likely not be noticeable. We recommend that it be left disabled.

a. After pressing the

Config, System

, and

>

(next) soft key three times, press the

C3ECC

soft key.

C3ECC: Enabled
Change Done

b. Change C3ECC error correcting as follows:

Change

Use the

Change

soft key to toggle between “Enabled” and “Disabled” on

the VFD display.

Done

Whatever is showing on the display when you press

Done

will be the new

configuration.

3-15. RELAY.
Relay

configures operation of the relay contacts connected to the front (mini-plug) and rear
panel (1/4” phone jack). One contact of the relay is connected to ground (the connector sleeve).
The other is connected to the tip on the front jack, the ring on the rear jack. The relay is
“normally closed”, so that if no power is applied to the unit, there is continuity across the
contacts. In this way, the relay unconditionally closes when the unit loses power and can
provide a remote indication of this condition. The relay can also be programmed to
certain circumstances. When you hit the

Relay

soft key, the legend

RELAY CLOSES ON:

Close

under

appears on the top line of the display and three soft keys appear on the bottom.

3-14

January 2000

a. After pressing the

Then press the

RELAY CLOSES ON: None
Change Save Quit

b. Press the

Change

NOT Recording

Media Full

is analogous to the beep alarm. The relay will close when the

Fault

closes the relay only when the VR240 software detects that there

Playing

allows the relay to be used for dubbing. If you connect it to the

None

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Config

Relay

soft key.

and

System

soft keys, press the

>

(next) soft key three times.

soft key to scroll through the conditions for relay closure. They are:

• NOT Rec, Full, Fault

• NOT Rec, Media Full

• NOT Recording, Fault

• Fault, Media Full

• NOT Recording

• Media Full

• Fault

• Playing

• None

is a catchall situation. If the unit is not recording for any reason,

even if it is been deliberately stopped, the relay will close. This is
useful if the unit is configured to continue recording regardless of
exogenous circumstances. Note that the “media almost full”
condition that sounds the beep alarm is not included in this
definition.

media reaches the almost-full point and will remain closed until
either a new media is inserted and started, or the media currently
recording runs out.

is some problem with the unit, such as a defective drive. “Full
media” is not considered a fault.

motor control input of a cassette or other recorder, it will activate
the recording only when the VR240 media is playing.

means that the relay will not close under any condition (except loss
of power).

January 2000

3-15

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

By pressing

Change

, you cycle through the above conditions. Note that

Playing

and

None

each appear by themselves on the display. However the other three can be selected in any

combination. This allows you to select conditions that need to be called to your attention. For

example, if you are in a location where you can hear the beeping alarm, you may wish to have
the relay close only on a FAULT condition. On the other hand, if the unit is expected to always
have the second drive loaded and ready to go, and it is in a remote location, you might want to
be alerted to all three conditions.

Save

Accepts the relay configuration shown in the display and drops back to the
previous menu.

Cancel

Ignores any new selection you have made and drops back to the previous
menu without reconfiguring the relay.

3-16. LABEL TITLING.
Label

allows you to select a title that will appear on labels generated by the optional label
printer. Eleven characters are available for the label title. Refer to Appendix F for the
description of this feature.

3-17. AUTOMATIC FORMATTING.
Automatic Formatting

permits you to defeat this feature of the recorder. Automatic formatting
is a timesaving feature that will format media that is to be recorded on without a specific front
panel command. However, it can also format media that you do not want to be formatted if that
media is not write protected.

a. After pressing the

Then press the

FORMAT

Config

System

and

soft key.

soft keys, press the

>

(next) soft key four times.

AUTOMATIC FORMATTING: On
Change Done

b. Select

Automatic Formatting

option as follows:

Change
Done

Pressing the

Pressing the

Change
Done

soft key toggles between “On” and “Off.”

soft key will save your change.

3-18. RECORD VERIFY.
Record Verify

operator. Any operation that will put the unit in

prevents media from being recorded without manual confirmation by the

Record

(e.g.,

Resume

or pressing the

Record

button) will not perform its intended function. Instead, the display will ask you to verify the
operation that you have just requested by pressing the
aborts the operation). You can also verify the operation by again pressing the

Yes

soft key (pressing the No soft key

Record

transport

key.

3-16

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

a. After pressing the

Then press the

C3Ecc

Config

soft key.

and

System

soft keys, press the

>

(next) soft key four times.

RECORD VERIFICATION: Enabled
Change Done

b. Select the

Record Verify

option as follows:

Change
Done

Pressing the

Pressing the

Change
Done

soft key toggles between “Enabled” and “Disabled.”

soft key will save your change.

3-19. SET ID #.
Set ID#

(Set identification number) identifies each VR240 to the optional PC Remote control.
The PC Remote control, a software program available from Eventide, gives you remote access
to key front panel functions for search, playback, and channel configuration. Because this
program can run up to 8 units, the program must know which unit it is speaking to. Even if you
are only controlling a single VR240, you must set an ID#. The ID# must be sequential
beginning with 01.

a. After pressing the

Then press the

SetID#

Config

soft key.

and

System

soft keys, press the

>

(next) soft key four times.

Network ID # : 01
Increase Decrease Done

b. Select the SetID# as follows:

Choose ID#
Done

The new ID# will be whatever is showing on the display when you press

by pressing the up arrow key located under the keypad.

Done

the

January 2000

soft key.

3-17

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

3-20. DISK CONTROL.

This setting has meaning only if your VR240 has two removable archive drives. “DiskContrl”
offers you a choice between two modes of operation. The two choices are:

•

Separate Hard Disk Control for each Drv (

•

Automatic Disk Control (Public Safety) (

Separate Mode

Automatic Mode

)

)

To understand the difference between

Separate

mode and

Automatic

mode, you need to know

something about how the VR240’s internal hard disk is used.

Whenever you start recording on the Upper archive drive, the VR240 creates a file on the hard
disk. The file name will be something like UPRFILE. Audio from the input boards is
accumulated in UPRFILE. When UPRFILE grows to a certain size, most of the data in it is
transferred to the upper media drive, and the size of UPRFILE is decreased. If the media in the
upper drive becomes full and the lower drive is not ready to record, audio will continue to
accumulate in UPRFILE.

If you press

Stop

and select

Suspend

, the VR240 will stop transferring material to the upper

drive but it will continue to accumulate material in UPRFILE.

The following table describes what happens when you load media in either drive and press

Record

.

ACTION

The VR240 is
recording with no
medium loaded in
either drive.
Medium is loaded in
the upper drive and

RECORD

Medium is loaded in
the lower drive and

RECORD

is pressed.

is pressed.

VR240 RESPONSE IN

AUTOMATIC MODE

Audio is being recorded and
saved to UPRFILE on the
hard drive.

Contents of UPRFILE is
transferred to the medium in
the upper drive.

UPRFILE is renamed
LWRFILE. All accumulated
material is transferred to the
medium in the lower drive.

This means that under certain
conditions with the VR240 in

Automatic

the
not need to remember which
media drive the VR240 has
been set up for saving
material.

mode, you do

VR240 RESPONSE IN

SEPARA TE MODE

Audio is being recorded and
saved to UPRFILE on the
hard drive.

Contents of UPRFILE is
transferred to the medium in
the upper drive.

A new file called LWRFILE is
created and used to
accumulate and transfer
material to the medium in the
lower drive.

The VR240 tells you for each
drive whether or not material
is being saved for that drive.
The screen display will show
“Ready (disk recording)” or
“Not Ready (disk Recording).”
This way you know which
drive the material will be
saved to.

REMARKS

No difference
between Automatic
and Separate
Modes.
No difference
between Automatic
and Separate
Modes.

Separate

Control is
recommended.

Hard Disk

3-18

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

a. After pressing the

Then press the

DiskContrl

Config

System

and

soft key.

soft keys, press the

>

(next) soft key five times.

Separate Hard Disk Control for each media
Change Done

b. Change your disk control setting as follows:

Change

Pressing the

Change

soft key toggles between the following two options:

Separate Hard Disk Control for each Drv
Automatic Disk Control (Public Safety)

Done

the hard disk control will be whatever is showing on the display when you
press the

Done

soft key.

Note: “Separate Hard Disk Control” is recommended when using the “Dual Record” feature.

3-21. AUTOMATIC RECORDING CONFIGURATION.

The VR240 has the capability of starting and stopping a recording automatically. You can set
the start time, stop time, and select a repeat cycle that will allow you, for instance, to record
every day between the hours of 08:00 and 17:30.

Once all the timers and parameters are set, pressing the

Enable

soft key locks the keyboard
and sets the unit to record as determined by the timers (see below). The only functions
available while in

AutoRec

are live monitor, media info, lock, and the ability to review the

autorecord settings. These functions are described in detail later on in this section. To regain

keyboard control and cancel the

Canceling
enter

AutoRec

AutoRec

after enabling it also has the effect of resetting the timers. If you wish to re-

, you must reset them.

AutoRec

operation, press the ✻✻✻✻

(asterisk) key on the keypad.

a. Press the

Config

and then the > (next) soft key. Then press the

AutoRec

soft key.

AUTOMATIC RECORD CONFIGURATION:
< Enable SetTimers SetCycle Quit >

January 2000

3-19

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

b. Select the timers and cycle parameters.

SetTimers

allows you to set the time and date of three operations:

StartRec

Sets the time that the recorder begins operation.

SwapRec

Sets the time at which the drives on a two-drive recorder switch

over. (The drives will switch automatically if this timer is not set.)
This parameter is not available on

single drive

StopRec

Sets the time at which the unit will stop recording.

All three timer settings work in a manner identical to that of the
paragraph 2-3.5.

SetCycle

gives you a display showing how often a recording will occur.

Change

cycles through the following choices:

Once

a recording will be made and

AutoRec

will be exited

Weekly

the recording will be made once a week at the date and time
indicated

Daily

the recording will be made every day at the time indicated

Weekdays

the recording will be made every day, at the time indicated, except on
Saturday and Sunday

Hourly

the recording will be made every hour at the start and end times

indicated

NOTE

In order to perform the multiple recording function, the
automatically reset by the increment specified after their function
is activated. For instance, once you have started a
recording, the

Start Timer

is automatically incremented by a day.

Done

exits the

SetCycle

choices and leaves the selection displayed at that time

active.

ClearTimers

clears any settings you may have entered in the timers and resets them to

the current time. The

ClearTimers

soft key is accessed by pressing the >

(next) soft key from the Automatic Record Configuration menu.

recorders.

Clock

, discussed earlier in

Timers

are

Daily

3-21.1 Notes on Auto Record Timer Settings.

3-20

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

It is your responsibility to set the timers sensibly and appropriately. For example, you cannot
make a two-hour recording “hourly,” and there is no point in stopping a recording before it starts.
If you set the timers inappropriately, we try to use sensible defaults as explained below. Since
these may not be what you intended, check your settings carefully.

The VR240 automatically gives you a

1-minute margin

on start and stop. It will start a minute
before you program it to, and stop a minute after you program it to stop. If this is undesirable,
take this margin into account when setting the timers.

You MUST set the
than the current time, then recording will begin as soon as

Start Time

before you can enable Auto Record. If the start time is earlier

AutoRec

is enabled.

If you set the
time. If you have selected a cycle other than

SwapRec

time on a two-drive recorder, the drives will change over at the specified

ONCE

, the swap timer will update by the
increment time. If, however, the media reaches the end before the swap time is reached, it will
swap without waiting for the swap time to be reached.
time earlier than

StartRec

or later than

StopRec

.

SwapRec

will be ignored if it is set to a

Stop Time

If

is set earlier than

continuously just as if the

Auto Rec

should the media become full.

Start Time, Stop Time

Record

transport key had been pressed. The unit will drop out of

will be ignored, and the unit will record

If you have not set a particular timer, it will show the current time when you select it. To have
the timer register the current time or the current time as modified by the increment or decrement
keys, you must hit

Set

, just as you would with any other time setting.

3-21.2 Options Available in Auto Record.

While in the

is possible, however, to view the current state of the timers and also to monitor the input signals.

When the reverse-video
the following choices are offered.

Auto Rec

Monitor

DispTimer

Start Timer

Swap Timer

mode, almost all keyboard functions are disabled, as explained above. It

Aut o Re c

legend appears on the display, and the unit is not

Locked

Allows you to select which channels you wish to listen to through the
internal speaker. This is explained in detail in paragraph 5-6 on recording.

(Display timer) presents a menu showing the current settings of the three
timers. Note that if you happen to be viewing a timer setting while an
event (such as the beginning of a recording) takes place, the display will
not be updated until you have dropped out of that display and requested it
again.

gives the time and date at which the next scheduled recording will start. If

the

Cycle

is set to

ONCE

and recording has already begun, it will show

the time at which the current recording started.

gives the time and date at which the recording will stop on the current

drive and begin on the other. This selection appears only on dual-drive
recorders

January 2000

3-21

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Stop Timer

gives the time and date at which the current (if recording) or

the next scheduled (if stopped) recording will stop.

Quit

located on the keypad, drops back to the previous menu,

as does simply waiting for timeout.

DispCycle

Shows the cycle selection you have made. If

Once

is displayed, it means
that Auto Rec will be canceled as soon as the stop time has been
reached.

Exit

Drops back to the previous menu, as does simply waiting for timeout.

Press the > (next) function key for access to:

MediaInfo

Sampling Rate, Descriptor Titles, Media Position, and Re-write information
is available by pressing the

MediaInfo

soft key.

Lock

You will be prompted to enter your password to lock the unit.

3-22. TRIGGER.
Trigger

allows you to set one channel in such a way that when an action occurs on that channel

(such as a contact closure or voltage drop) it begins to record and also “triggers” selected

channels to record. Set the channels to “be triggered” using the instructions in the “Board

Configuration.”

Set the “trigger” channel by following these instructions:

a. Press the

Config

and then the > (next) soft key. Then press the

Trigger

soft key.

TRIGGER CHANNEL: None
Previous Next Select Cancel

b. Use the

Previous

and

channel “None” is an option to be selected.

c. Press the

menu, or, press the

Select

soft key to select the displayed channel and return to the Configuration

Cancel

3-22

Next

soft keys to display the channel desired to be the “trigger”

soft key to exit the menu without setting a “trigger” channel.

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Section III. SYSTEM INFORMATION

3-23. SYSTEM INFORMATION.

To find out the serial number, software version, history and error logs, and descriptors, you use
the SysInfo menu. The SysInfo menu is found in one of three ways:

a. If the upper line of the display is showing the status of the internal hard disk or a

recording archive drive, press the > (next) soft key. Then press the SysInfo soft key.

UPPER: Recording 0096 15:26:11 29Feb2000
< ChangDr

SysInfo

MediaInf MediaUsage >

b. If the upper line of the display shows an archive drive in a “not ready” (no media) state

press the SysInfo soft key displayed on the first menu page. Note: The Config soft key
will be displayed if the VR240 is not recording, it will not be displayed if the VR240 is
recording.

Upper: Not Ready
Controls

SysInfo

Drive

c. If the upper line of the display shows an archive drive in a “ready” (media installed, not

recording) press the > (next) soft key twice. Then press the SysInfo soft key.

Upper: Ready
<

SysInfo

>

January 2000

3-23

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Select the following System Info options as required:

Internal
Sampling:

Reveals the transcoding rate.

Descript:

(Descriptors) Allows you to cycle through the channel numbers and view the

descriptors. Use the Channel # - (minus) and + (plus) soft keys to scroll
through the descriptors. Use the < (previous) and > (next) soft keys to view
descriptors that are longer than the display line.

UnitNum

: (Unit Number) displays serial number and software version.

DriveInfo
ActvHours:

Displays the number of hours the drive has been active since it was installed.

This will displayed the active status of the selected archive drive. To view the
status of the other archive drive, go back a few menu pages until you find the
Drive soft key. Press this soft key until the required drive status appears in
the top line of the display. Then return to the SysInfo menu.

Cleaned:

Keeps a record of the last time you reset your cleaning timers. You must

reset these timers every time you clean a drive. Cleaning timers that have not
been reset will cause the VR240 to light the front panel “fault” LED. Refer to
paragraph 5-3, DATA DRIVE CLEANING.

SysLogs
ErrorLog

displays unusual events that have occurred since power was most recently

applied. Use the Older and Newer soft keys to scroll through the log. This

feature is presently used for factory diagnost ic information. If you experience
difficulty with the unit, note t he Error Log information before turning the unit
off.

HistoryLog

displays the events such as when media have started, stopped, loaded, and

been ejected. This log can be viewed to determine a recent history of the
unit’s operation. Use the Older and Newer soft keys to scroll through the log.

Quit

Press the Quit key on the keyboard to exit this screen or simply wait for a

time-out to occur.

Printout

Press the Printout soft key for a printed report of the Error and History Logs.

3-24

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

3-24. MEDIA INFORMATION.

Media information provides information about the media itself, which may have come from
another recorder, and therefore may have different descriptors or a different sampling rate.

a. Use the Drive soft key to select the archive drive that contains the required media.
b. Press the > (next) soft key.
c. Press the MediaInfo soft key

LOWER MEDIA INFORMATION:
< Sampling Descrip Position Quit >

Sampling

Shows the transcoding (sampling) rate at which the media was recorded; 16,

32, or, 64 KBPS. (Although rarely done, it is possible to change the sample
rate of the media by stopping record, reconfiguring, and starting again. The
display only shows the sampling rate at which the media began recording.)

Decrip

(Descriptors) Use the Channel # - (minus) and + (plus) soft keys to scroll

through the descriptors. Use the < (previous) and > (next) soft keys to
view descriptors that are longer than the display line.

Position

1

st

Column display a tape counter for the media in both archive drives.

RecTo

(Recorded to) the last recorded media position. This feature allows you to

determine approximately how much more can be recorded on media without
either going to the end or removing it from the drive to determine its capacity.

Len

(Length) The length of the media or the memory capacity of the magneto-

optical disk that is currently loaded in the drive.

ReWrites

Percentage of the media used to compensate for errors. Reach this soft key

by pressing the > (next) soft key.

Quit

Press the Quit soft key to exit this screen or simply wait for a time-out to

occur.

January 2000

3-25

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

3-25. DISK INFORMATION.

Disk information provides information about the internal hard disk (capacity and recording
status).

a. Press the Drive soft key until “Disk: (status)” appears on the top line.
b. Press the SysInfo soft key.
c. Press the DiskInfo soft key.

HARD DISK INFORMATION:
Capacity RecStatus Quit

Capacity

Here you can read the capacity (size) of the internal hard disk

RecStatus

(Record Status) This screen reports on whether or not the internal hard disk is
currently recording.

Quit

Press to exit this menu or wait for a time-out to occur.

3-26

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Section IV. BOARD/CHANNEL CONFIGURATION

3-26. BOARD/CHANNEL CONFIGURATION.

You must configure each audio input channel to correspond to the type of audio signal expected
to be input. As factory default, each channel is set to record automatically when a signal is
present, and to stop recording if the signal stops (VOX). This will be unsatisfactory in many
applications, and you may want to take advantage of the choices presented. In addition, you
have the option of providing a short “descriptor” of each channel that will be recorded on the
media for identification or informational purposes. These descriptors can be displayed on the
same or another VR240.

You may not configure the individual boards/channels if the VR240 is recording.

Pressing the
access to the
access to the

Config

RecEnable, Vox

soft key, then the > (next) soft key, then the

NextBoard

, and

AudioGain, Beep, Off Hook

, and

menus

AGC

.

Press the

parameters.

Board

>

soft key gives you

(next) soft key again for

The following instructions will step through the process of configuring the first 8 channels of your
VR240. To configure higher channels, simply press the

NextBoard

soft key until the channels

displayed on the screen are the ones you want to configure.

3-27. RECORD ENABLE (RecEnable).

a. Press the

Config

and then the > (next) soft key. Then press the

Board

soft key.

b. Press the

RecEnable

soft key.

RecEnable

Channel

Mode

January 2000

RECORD: Ch 01: OFF HOOK
Channel Mode Done Cancel

selects the record enable submenu, comprising the following keys:

Scrolls through the installed channels (1 through 8, 16, 32, 40, or 48, D1,
D2) and shows you their current settings.

Is used to select the operational mode of the selected channel. Each time
you hit this key, the mode readout associated with the channel changes.

3-27

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

NOTE

There are two different sets of

RecEnable

options available with
the VR240. One set is used when the unit is equipped with a
telephone board. A different set is used with an audio board. The
differences are as follows:

3-27.1 Telephone Board - RecEnable Modes.

VOX (Voice Activated)

signal is present on that channel. VOX options are described in detail in paragraph 3-28.

Off Hook:

Records on a channel only when the DC voltage level drops below the off hook
threshold (such as a decrease in voltage caused when the receiver is lifted from its cradle).
Should be used to record pure analog or “central-office” type phone lines.

Automatic (VOX and Off Hook):

the VOX threshold level and there is a decrease in voltage detected. Inputs set on Automatic
Mode will record continuously when there is no audio source connected to the input port.

On Trigger:

Records on a channel only when the channel set as a “trigger channel” is
recording. (Refer to the Installation section for information on the input signal requirements.)
Instructions for setting a “trigger channel” are located in paragraph 3-22.

Disabled

, prevents recording on the channel under any circumstances.

By proper selection of
mode is most effective when you are recording the output of a scanner or other piece of
equipment that provides no indication (other than the audio signal itself) that there is a signal to
record. This is ideal for non-critical applications in which, for instance, you are only interested in
the content of a message and not interested in the timing, since the recording will shut off
automatically during long pauses or interruptions. The
recording telephone lines and assures that the recorder will continue operating even during
periods of almost-silence, such as when a party to a call may be speaking very softly. The

Automatic (VOX and Off Hook)

and there is a sufficient voltage drop indicating an
change the individual channel modes while the VR240 is recording since the
are only available when the unit is in a

Check with your local telephone provider to see what type of audio
is available. Some digital systems may require special adapters.

, the factory default mode, records on a given channel when an audio

Records on a given channel when an audio signal is above

Mode

, you can easily control when a channel records its input. The

Off Hook

mode records when both the

Off Hook

Ready

mode.

mode is most appropriate for

VOX

circuitry detects a signal

condition. Note that you cannot

Setup

VOX

functions

NOTE

3-27.2 Audio Board - RecEnable Modes.

Automatic

present on that channel. VOX options are described in detail in paragraph 3-28.

3-28

, the factory default mode, records on a given channel when an audio signal is

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Input: Active Low/Closed:

Records on the channel only when a control signal is either
brought to a logic low level, or a contact to ground is closed. Audio board input options are
described in paragraph 2-8.4.

Input: Active High/Open:

Records on the channel only when a control signal is either brought

to a logic high level, or no signal is connected at all.

On Trigger:

Records on a channel only when the channel set as a “trigger channel” is
recording. (Refer to the Installation section for information on the input signal requirements.)
Instructions for setting a “trigger channel” are located in paragraph 3-22.

Disabled

, prevents recording on the channel under any circumstances.

By proper selection of

Automatic

mode is most effective when you are recording the output of a scanner or other

Mode

, you can easily control when a channel records its input. The

piece of equipment that provides no indication (other than the audio signal itself) that there is a
signal to record. This is ideal for non-critical applications in which, for instance, you are only
interested in the content of a message and not interested in the timing, since the recording will
shut off automatically during long pauses or interruptions. The two input modes are most
appropriate when a signal such as a telephone off-hook or receiver squelch output is available.
Using the control inputs assures that the recorder will continue operating even during periods of
almost-silence, such as when a party to a call may be speaking very softly. Note that you
cannot change the individual channel Modes while the VR240 is recording since the
functions are only available when the unit is in a

Ready

mode. For this reason, when

Setup

configuring the unit, rather than disabling the unused channels you may want to consider
leaving them on

VOX

or, even better, provide hardware during installation for the capability of

switching the channels on and off.

3-28. VOX (Voice Activated).

3-28.1 Setting the VOX Hold Time.

Vox Hold Time

allows selection of the time that a channel set to
recording after the input signal drops below the level needed to activate the input (or the
squelch goes to the inactive state). This capability is useful in recording signals with long,
almost-silent intervals, such as telephone calls, in which one party may pause for a long time.

In such cases, a long time setting (8 to 10 seconds is recommended) will allow the VR240 to
continue recording the “conversation.” Cases where there is a definite end to a message, such
as when a radio is squelched, will benefit from shorter delays. Settings from 1 second to 255
seconds are available in 1-second increments. The factory default setting is 1 second for all
channels.

January 2000

Automatic

or

Vox

continues

3-29

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

a. After pressing the

press the

VOX

Config

soft key.

and the > (next) soft key, press the

VOICE OPERATED SWITCHING:

b. Press the

HoldTime

HoldTime

Level Quit

soft key.

VOICE OPERATED SWITCHING:
HoldTime

Level

Quit

Board

soft key. Then

Select the channel
Channel

soft key. Its current value is shown on the upper line of the display.

for which the hold parameter is to be adjusted by pressing the

Decrease and Increase soft keys

–increments the current delay setting by one second.
Incrementing above 255 seconds “wraps around” back to one second. Holding the
button down rapidly increments the delay.

Keypad entry

may be used to enter any number between 1 and 255, inclusive. Entering
an illegal value causes the delay time to remain as it was before the attempted
modification.

Enter

saves your parameter change for that channel. You must press this soft key each

time you make a change.

c. To save your setting or cancel this operation, press the > (next) soft key.

Save

drops back to the VOICE OPERATED SWITCHING menu and accepts all

the changes you have made to the individual channel holdoff times.

Cancel

drops back to the VOICE OPERATED SWITCHING menu and ignores any

changes you made to the holdoff times, leaving them as previously set.

3-30

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

3-28.2 Setting the VOX Level.

a. After pressing the

press the

VOX

VOX HOLD: Channel 01 : 01
< Channel Decrease Increase Enter >

b. Press the

Level

VOX LEVEL: Channel 01 : 320 millivolts
Channel Decrease Increase Done

Config

soft key.

soft key.

and the > (next) soft key, press the

Board

soft key. Then

Channel

scrolls through the installed channels (1 through 8, 16, 32, or 48) and
shows you their current settings. 320 millivolts is the factory default.

Decrease and Increase

will change the VOX level settings.

Done

save the setting that appears on the display and exits you from this

screen.

NOTE

Voltage levels are only an approximation and will vary from line to
line. Some experimentation will be necessary for optimum results.

3-29. AUDIO GAIN.
AudioGain

sets the level of the signal being recorded on each input. If there is audio present

on the channel you are setting, you will hear it during this configuration process.

January 2000

3-31

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

a. After pressing the

press the

>

(next) soft key. Then press the

Config

and the > (next) soft key, press the

CONFIGURE BOARD 1: Chan 1-8 (Telephone)
<

AudioGain

Beep OffHook AGC

b. Select channels and select audio gain as follows:

AUDIO GAIN: Channel 01 : 0dB
Channel Decrease Increase Done

AudioGain

soft key.

Board

soft key. Then

To select a channel

press the

Channel

soft key.

To set the audio gain

use the

Decrease

and I

ncrease

soft keys. The gain for each

channel can be set for +24dB to –24dB in 3dB steps. 0dB is the factory default.

Done

– saves the setting that appears on the display and exits you from this screen.

3-30. BEEP.

Beep allows you to enable or disable the sound (made by the VR240’s beep generator) that lets
all parties know a conversation is being recorded. Each channel has its own control.

To configure the beep tone:

a. After pressing the

press the

>

(next) soft key. Then press the

Config

and the > (next) soft key, press the

Beep

soft key.

Board

soft key. Then

CONFIGURE BOARD 1: Chan 1-8 (Telephone)
< AudioGain

Beep

OffHook AGC >

3-32

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

b. To set the beep tone:

TELEPHONE BEEP: Channel 01 : On
Channel Change Done Cancel

Channel

Press the

Channel

soft key to scroll through the channels so that you may

change each one individually.

Change

Press the

Change

soft key to toggle between On and

Off

.

Done

saves the setting that appears on the display and exits you from this

screen.

Cancel

exits you from this screen without saving your changes.

3-31. OFF HOOK.
OffHook

sets the level that the DC voltage on the telephone line must drop below for the VR240
to begin recording. The DC voltage on a telephone line is normally 48 volts. When a telephone
is lifted off hook, the DC voltage drops as a result of the load that the telephone puts on the line.
The OffHook circuit monitors the DC voltage and when the voltage drops below the threshold
voltage you have selected (0-63 volts in 1 volt steps), and if you have selected OffHook as the
channel configuration, the VR240 starts recording. The factory default is 32 volts.

To configure the off-hook setting:

a. After pressing the

press the

>

(next) soft key. Then press the

Config

and the > (next) soft key, press the

OffHook

soft key.

Board

soft key. Then

CONFIGURE BOARD 1: Chan 1-8 (Telephone)
< AudioGain Beep

January 2000

OffHook

AGC >

3-33

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

b. To set the Off Hook level:

OFF HOOK LEVEL: Channel 01 : 32 volts
Channel Decrease Increase Done

Channel

selects the channel for which the off hook voltage is to be adjusted, and
shows its current value on the upper line of the display. You may also use
the vertical or side-to-side arrow keys located under the keypad to scroll
through the channels.

Decrease

and

Increase

Adjust the Off Hook voltage using the

Decrease

and

Increase

soft keys.

Done

saves your parameter change for that channel. You must press this soft

key once for each board.

3-32. AUTOMATIC G AIN CONTROL (AGC).

AGC (Automatic Gain Control) enables or disables AGC on each record channel. The factory
default is “On.” Leaving AGC enabled for telephone channels is recommended to bring both
sides of the conversation to a closer level. For radio channels we recommended that the AGC
be disabled.

a. After pressing the

press the

>

(next) soft key. Then press the

Config

and the > (next) soft key, press the

AGC

soft key.

Board

soft key. Then

CONFIGURE BOARD 1: Chan 1-8 (Telephone)
< AudioGain Beep OffHook

3-34

AGC

>

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

b. Select channels to be enabled or disabled as follows:

AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL: Channel 01 : On
Channel Change Done

Channel

selects the channel for which the AGC is to be turned On or

Off

and

shows its current value on the upper line of the display.

Change

press this key to toggle between On and

Off

.

Done

saves the setting that appears on the display and exits you from this
screen.

Section V. DESCRIPTORS
3-33. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION.
Descriptors

activates the menu that enables you to create and edit the individual channel
descriptors. There is an important distinction between descriptors that exist on the media and
those that exist in the recorder. You can read the descriptors from media (if media is loaded)
from the

Media Info

menus.

Descriptors

actually controls the information that will be recorded

on the media when it is formatted. Therefore, they should be set to correspond with the audio
inputs for the individual channels.

To modify the Descriptors:

a. Press the

Config

soft key then press the

Descriptors

soft key

CONFIGURATION:
< Clock

January 2000

Descriptors

System Quit >

3-35

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Q

b. Press the

Modify

soft key.

CONFIGURE DESCRIPTORS:

Select a channel to modify

c.

Modify

CopyFromMedia Quit

using the – (minus) and + (plus) soft keys. Hitting these
keys changes the display that shows the channel number and the descriptor currently
valid for that channel. (The factory default for each channel is simply the legend
“Channel #”, where # is the channel in question.)

CH 01: Channel 01 >

Channel #

-

Edit

+

d. Once you have selected a channel to modify, press the

CH 01: Channel 01 >

< <

Cursor +> - Character +

-

The following keys appear under the

Edit

menu:

Using the

< – (minus) and + (plus) Cursor >

soft keys, move the display cursor under
the character you wish to modify. The descriptor may be up to 77 characters long.
Arrows on the upper display line indicate that part of the descriptor is to the right (or to
the left) of the visible portion of the display.

Using the

– (minus) and + (plus) Character

soft keys, change the character for the
current cursor position. The characters ascend and descend in an ASCII sequence and it
may take many presses to get the one you want. (The cursor and character keys auto­repeat. Holding them down will speed up the process quite a bit.) You can select
punctuation and numbers as well as upper and lower case characters. When you first hit

Edit

uit

soft key.

3-36

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

a character key, the character already present on the line is used as a starting point. Any
characters not used are actually space characters, which have an ASCII value of 32, the
lowest value available. Here is the sequence you will see by starting with a space and
pressing the up arrow key:

ASCII 32 - 47: ! “ # $ % & ‘ ( ) * + , - . /
ASCII 48 - 63:0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 : ; < = > ?
ASCII 64 – 79:@ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O
ASCII 80 – 95:P Q R S T U V W X Y Z [ ¥ ] ˆ _
ASCII 96 –111:` a b c d e f g h I j k l m n o
ASCII 112-127:p q r s t u v w x y z { | } →

This character set differs slightly from standard ASCII in that character number 92, a
backslash in the standard, is now a Yen symbol. And, character 126 is no longer the

tilde, it is now a right-bracket.

a. Additional editing options are found by hitting the > (next) soft key:

Insert

will insert a blank space at the cursor location, and “pushes” all characters

to the right of the cursor one position to the right. (It is possible to push
characters off the display; they will remain part of the descriptor providing
that you haven’t pushed them beyond the 77-character limit.)

Delete

deletes the character above the cursor, and “pulls” all characters after the

cursor to the left by one character position.

Save

will preserve the newly edited descriptor in the VR240’s non-volatile RAM.
At this point you have completed the editing of one descriptor, and the
menu drops back one level to the channel selection keys. You can now
edit another channel if you wish.

Cancel

will also drop you back to the channel selection menu, but it abandons all

changes that you may have made during editing, and the descriptor is not
changed.

3-34. COPY DESCRIPTORS.

Descriptors (on the secondary menu) is a powerful and hence potentially “dangerous” option
that will copy the channel descriptors from the media in the selected drive to the memory of the
VR240. The “danger” lies in the fact that it is time consuming to enter descriptors manually and,
once they have been changed, the only way to get the original ones back is to re-enter them,
unless, of course, you have media with the original descriptors. The purpose of this feature is to
allow you to substitute one VR240 for one that may be on temporary duty elsewhere or out of

service for other reasons. This operation does not change other aspects of the machine

configuration. It does not change serial numbers, or any user-configurable parameters. When
you hit

CopyFromMedia

, you are given the opportunity to change your mind.

January 2000

3-37

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

a. Press the

Config

soft key then press the

CONFIGURATION:
< Clock

Descriptors

b. Press the

CopyFromMedia

soft key.

c. Select from the options shown:

The display shows a legend:
keys

CONTINUE

and

CANCEL

To perform the copy operations, press the
in the selected drive, hitting the

CANCEL

soft key.)

CANCEL

drops back to the

CONFIGURE DESCRIPTORS

descriptors.

Descriptors

soft key

System Quit >

UNIT DESCRIPTORS WILL BE LOST

.

CONTINUE

CONTINUE

soft key is the equivalent of hitting the

soft key. (If there is no media

menu without copying the

and two soft

3-38

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

CHAPTER 4
THEORY OF OPERATION

Section I. PHILOSOPHY OF OPERATION

4-1. GENERAL.

While the VR240 is similar in some ways to ordinary tape recorders, many of its features are
unique to logging recorders in general and digital logging recorders in particular. This section
explains aspects of the VR240 that may not be obvious, but with which you should be familiar in
order to make the best use of the unit’s capabilities.

NOTE

Most of the following discussion involves a comparison between
analog and digital recording to tape. Once a signal is converted
to digital form, recording amounts to simply storing data on the
media (whatever it is). Therefore, much of the discussion applies
to any type of media, including magneto-optical disks and DVD­RAM.

4-2. COMPROMISES IN LOGGING RECORDERS.

Ordinary recorders are judged mainly for sound quality, and are rarely called upon to record
more than an hour at a time. Logging recorders are judged mainly for the ability to fit as much
material as possible on a given amount of tape, and are rarely called upon to play more than an
hour at a time. When we do listen to a logging recorder we listen for content and intelligibility
rather than “audiophile quality.” A logging recorder is a compromise, trading sound quality for
quantity.

4-3. ANALOG vs. DIGITAL RECORDING.

In analog tape recording, audio is stored by magnetizing the tape in direct proportion to the
audio signal. While this process can achieve excellent quality, anyone who has made a copy of
a copy knows that some degradation is inevitable. The magnetization process is not precise,
and any variation in tape speed is audible as unsteadiness in the sound.

To maximize sound quality in an analog recorder, you run tape at a high speed and you keep
the tape tracks as wide as possible while maintaining separation to avoid crosstalk; in other
words, you use a lot of tape. To maximize recording time and channels you do exactly the
opposite: run the tape slowly and jam as many tracks as you can across the width of the tape; in
other words, you use as little tape as possible. Reducing the amount of tape used to record an

January 2000

4-1

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

audio signal is like using very grainy photographic film: the image (audio) becomes very fuzzy
(noisy).

In digital recording, as used on the VR240, the audio signal is measured at regular intervals and
converted to numbers. Instead of relying on the amount of magnetization on the tape to
accurately represent an audio signal, digital recording relies on the magnetization to represent
only two values – zero and one – needed to support binary numbers. Using the comparison
with photography again, we can say that with digital recording we can tolerate very “grainy film”
since we only need to distinguish light (one) from dark (zero). As long as we can store and
reproduce the ones and zeros without error, the quality of the resulting audio depends on how
we use the numbers.

To maximize sound quality in a digital recorder, you measure the audio signal very precisely
and very often; in other words, you use a lot of tape. To maximize recording time, you cut back
on accuracy and don’t measure so often. Audio quality is traded off, but with digital recording
there is 1) more control, 2) no degradation when making digital copies, 3) no wow or flutter, and

4) no crosstalk from tape “tracks” too close together.

4-4. AUDIO QUALITY CONSIDERATIONS AND TRADEOFFS.

Audio quality in a tape recorder is usually determined by several measurable quantities:

•

Frequency Response

•

Dynamic Range

•

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

•

Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N)

•

Wow and Flutter

•

Crosstalk

4-5. FREQUENCY RESPONSE.

Frequency response is the range of frequencies over which a machine can record and
reproduce a sine wave such that the reproduced signal has the same relative amplitude as the
input signal. “High fidelity” audio equipment should have a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz
±1dB. It is commonly agreed that a frequency response of about 200-3000 Hz is necessary to
faithfully reproduce human speech.

In an analog recorder, frequency response is directly proportional to tape speed, and is also
related to the type of tape and the design and condition of the tape heads. It is truly remarkable
how good a standard audio cassette deck can sound considering the tape speed is only 1 7/8
inches/second and that the format was designed for voice recording. Professional analog tape
recorders used for music run at 15 or 30 inches/second.

In a digital recorder, frequency response is directly proportional to sampling rate, or the number
of times per second that the analog signal is converted to a number. To the extent that each
number requires a certain amount of space on the tape, the frequency response of a digital

4-2

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

recorder is also directly proportional to tape speed. The Nyquist Sampling Theorem states that
the sampling rate must be greater than twice the highest frequency you want to process.

4-6. SAMPLING RATE IN THE VR240.

In the VR240, the recording time of a tape depends on the “sampling rate” chosen via the front
panel. We chose the term “sampling rate” because it is more obviously related to digital audio
than “transcoding rate”, which is a more accurate term. When you select a “sampling rate”, the
actual sample rate does not change, and neither does the frequency response. What does

change when you change the “sampling rate” from the front panel is actually the data rate , or

the amount of digital information per channel that is stored on tape.

The input signals are sampled at 8000 times per second, and each sample occupies 8 bits.
When you select 32kbps, you are selecting 8000 samples per second times 4 bits per sample.
Likewise, at 16kbps you are selecting 2 bits per sample. The VR240 doesn’t simply throw away
bits to get the lower data rates. Various DSP operations are performed to eliminate redundant
information in the audio signal.

4-7. DYNAMIC RANGE, SNR, AND THD+N.

Dynamic range is the ratio in dB of the largest undistorted signal to the smallest signal that can
be heard above the noise. For analog tape recorders, the largest signal is limited by tape
saturation and the smallest signal is limited by tape hiss. For digital systems, dynamic range is
determined by the largest number that a sample can be, which depends on the number of bits in
each sample.

Various tricks can be played to increase dynamic range. For analog signals, dynamic range
expander circuits can make loud signals louder and soft signals softer. Similar tricks are
possible with digital signals, which we play with numbers instead of voltages. The VR240 uses

8-bit samples, but these samples are nonlinear. The 8-bit samples used in the VR240 actually

have a dynamic range equivalent to 13-bit linear samples, but the 13-bit values are especially
coded into 8-bit quantities.

Signal-to-noise ratio is the ratio of the largest undistorted signal to the noise level with no signal
present. This is not the same as dynamic range. There may be 2mV of noise voltage in an
analog system, but it may be possible for a human to detect a 1mV audio signal even with the
noise there; in this case the dynamic range would be 6dB greater than the SNR. The situation
is even stranger for digital signals. Each sample is an approximation of an analog voltage. The
more bits per sample, the better the approximation, but there is always some error, which is
perceived as a combination of noise and distortion. You can measure the noise level in a digital
audio system with no signal present, and this can be very quiet indeed, but to properly state the
SNR of a digital audio system you must take the average sampling error into account. A 4-bit
system may be nearly silent with no input signal, but as soon as there is a signal you’ll hear
quite a bit of noise.

THD+N is measured by applying a pure sine wave to the input of the system under test and
subtracting a pure sine wave from the output; whatever is left over is the distortion plus noise.

January 2000

4-3

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Harmonic distortion by itself is that part of the output which is harmonically related to the input
sine wave with the fundamental subtracted. Distortion is visible on an oscilloscope if the output
waveform doesn’t look like a sine wave. A common and severe form of distortion is clipping,
which is visible as a flattening of the peaks of an audio waveform. In analog systems, clipping
may be rounded and may actually sound pleasant up to a point. In digital systems, clipping
means that the input to the analog-to-digital converter is above the maximum; the largest
sample value is not large enough to serve as a measurement of the input signal. When
reproduced, the waveform from a clipped digital signal is perfectly flat where the peaks could
not be properly sampled, resulting in a very unpleasant sound.

4-8. WOW AND FLUTTER.

In an analog recorder, wow and flutter are caused by variations in tape speed due to lack of
mechanical precision, and they get worse as the absolute speed of the tape decreases. To
avoid unacceptable wow and flutter, the tape mechanism must be kept meticulously clean and
aligned. How much wow and flutter can be tolerated depends on the application. If the goal is to
listen to a section of a recording and transcribe it, significant amounts can be tolerated. If the
goal is to reproduce and analyze critical signals, even tiny amounts can seriously degrade the
signal.

Because digital recording uses electronic clocking of its input and output, and electronic signals
are much more precise than mechanical devices, a digital recorder like the VR240 will have so
little wow and flutter that it will be unmeasurable. Digital audio is stable as long as the sampling
interval is precise while recording and playing. Once sampling is done, steady timing is not
important until the audio must be reproduced. During the recording process, each channel is
sampled every 125 microseconds. Samples from all channels are accumulated in memory until
a certain number is reached, at which time the accumulated samples are copied to tape at high
speed. Playback is the reverse: every few seconds a large number of samples is copied from
tape into memory; samples are then taken from memory, separated into the original channels,
and converted to analog one at a time every 125 microseconds. Think of a bucket of water with
a small hole in the bottom: water (samples) will drip out of the bucket (memory) at a fairly
constant rate whether there is one inch or several inches of water in the bucket. This type of
operation explains why the tape in the VR240 does not move steadily.

4-9. CROSSTALK.

In an analog machine, channel separation is achieved by recording different channels on
different areas of the tape, called tracks. There is always a compromise in tape head design:
the closer together you put the heads, the more tracks you can get on a tape, but the greater
will be the crosstalk between channels.

The VR240 has only one physical “track”. Along with the number representing audio samples,
the VR240 adds time and channel information so that when the tape is played back the samples
are sent to the proper output channels The only crosstalk in the VR240 is a result of proximity
of electronic circuitry, and is easy to control.

4-4

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

4-10. DEGRADATION.

With continued use, analog recorders degrade in an analog fashion. The frequency response
gets poorer, and wow and flutter increase. As the tape head wears, it becomes harder to align
the mechanism for proper performance, and audio quality suffers.

While digital recorders also physically degrade in an analog fashion, their performance doesn’t
suffer in the same way. Rather, the “error rate” increases. In most cases this doesn’t affect the
signal quality at all. Instead, the amount of tape used increases to prevent the reproduced
signal from losing integrity. Since the tapes have a built-in margin, this problem doesn’t become
evident until that margin is seriously encroached on. At that time, the drive must be realigned
and serviced. As with analog recorders, continued high performance requires periodic cleaning
of the tape heads.

4-11. TAPE USAGE.

The VR240 uses technology similar to that used in video recorders—the tape speed necessary
for recording high-density information is obtained by using a rotating tape head. This increases
the information storage density many fold over a fixed-head machine. This, along with the
efficiency obtained by not wasting tape on unused channels, is responsible for the drastic
decrease in tape usage and tape storage requirements of the VR240.

In an analog recorder, each channel is assigned to a separate track on the tape. The same
amount of tape is used whether one channel is active or all channels are active. That’s a lot of
waste.

The VR240, however, “multiplexes” all channels onto a single data track. When there is no
active signal on a channel, there is no data for that channel on the tape. Therefore, if only two
channels are active, an 8-channel VR240 will use tape only one fourth as rapidly as an 8­channel analog recorder. This, along with the rotating head technology, digital signal
processing, and the nature of the tape itself, is what allows us to record so many hours on such
a small tape.

January 2000

4-5

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Section II. THE VR240 CHANNEL HOUR CAPACITY

4-12. THE “CHANNEL HOUR”.

The VR240’s capacity is measured in channel-hours: the number of hours of a single channel
that can be recorded on one tape (see Table 4-1). That number, for a 120 meter DDS-2
cassette, is about 520 hours, or some 21 days. Of course, if you record more than one channel
at a time, the tape will fill faster.

For example: You are recording your broadcast station 24 hours a day. You also are recording
two additional morning shows 4 hours per day each. How long will the tape last? 24 plus 4 plus
4 equals 32 channel hours every day. You are entitled to 520 channel hours per tape, which
comes out to 16.25 days.

In this example, you will need to change the tape every 16.25 days. As a matter of
convenience, you would probably want to change it at the same time every 16 days or perhaps
every 2 weeks, ignoring the trivial waste involved. Recording more sources adds to the
channel-hour load, and you might find a tape lasting from a few days to more than two weeks.

Table 4-1. Eventide Logging Recorder

Channel Hours* of Storage Chart

VR320, VR240, VR204

toll

VR208HF, VR204HF

toll commentator rebroadcast

FREQUENCY RESPONSE 3.4kHz 3. 5kHz 7kHz 14.4kHz

sample rate 8kHz 8kHz 16kHz 32kHz
data compression 16kbps 32kbps 64kbps 32kbps 64kbps 128kbps

ARCHIVE MEDIA audio storage hours audio storage hours

DDS-2 tape

DDS-3 tape

DVD-RAM⊥ -

- 120M, 4GB

- 125M, 12GB

5.2GB, re-writeable

Magneto-optical

5.25"

INTERNAL HARD DISK a udio storage hours audio storage hours

4GB hard disk

9GB hard disk

(standard)

(optional)

537 268 134 260 130 65

1600 800 400 780 390 195

686 343 171 335 167 83

⊥

- 5.2GB,

712 356 178 348 174 87

540 270 135 260 130 65

1230 615 307 600 300 150

18GB hard disk

(optional)

2460 1230 615 1200 600 300

one day = 24 hours, one week = 168 hours, one month = 672 hours

4-6

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

*Channel Hour equals one (1) channel recording continuously for one hour

4-13. HARD DISK DRIVE.

Each VR240 comes standard with an internal hard disk drive. As of the time of writing (Nov 99),
the standard hard disk drive capacity is 4GB. The precise definition of GB (gigabyte) depends
on the drive manufacturer. Everyone agrees that a KB (kilobyte) is 1024 bytes, but some say
that a MB (megabyte) is 1000KB, some say it is 1024KB, and some might say it is 1,000,000
bytes. In this manual we say 1MB = 1024KB. In the VR240, each 100MB of storage on the
hard disk drive represents about 14.5 channel-hours.

The VR240 stores the most recently recorded audio material on the hard disk drive. This
provides three major operational benefits:

1) You can listen to material from the hard disk drive without disturbing tape drive operation
(“instant recall” is simply a quick way to start playback from the hard disk).

2) If the VR240 runs out of tape, you have several hours of time to change tapes without
any loss of material.

3) If you need to listen to material that is not on the hard disk, you can suspend recording
on a tape drive, use the tape drive for playback, and resume recording without losing
anything.

Another benefit of the hard disk drive in the VR240 is that it prolongs the life of the tape drives.

Here’s why: a DDS tape drive is either “streaming” (recording data on tape at a fixed rate of

about 500KB per second) or it is stopped. If you back up your computer’s disk drive to a DDS
tape, your computer reads files from your disk (which is much faster than a tape drive) and
sends them to the tape drive as fast as the tape drive can accept the data; a 1GB disk drive
takes about 30 minutes to copy, and the tape “streams” the entire time, only stopping when the
copy is finished. This is what the tape drive is designed for. In a logging recorder, the average
rate of data from active channels is much less than the tape drive’s streaming rate, which
means the tape drive must start and stop many times before a tape is full. In the VR240, the
hard disk is used to manage the data to maximize streaming and minimize the number of starts
and stops, which prevents excessive wear of the tape transport. Eventide loggers provide this
benefit – other loggers do not.

January 2000

4-7

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Section III. VR240 THEORY OF OPERATION

4-14. MAIN COMPONENTS.

The main components of the VR240 are:

Input Boards (signal conditioning, A/.D and D/A conversion, data reduction)
CPU Board (microprocessor, memory, SCSI, clock, Ethernet, communication ports)
Removable-media Drives (tape, MO disk, DVD-RAM)
Internal fixed hard disk drive
Motherboard (backplane for CPU and Input boards, audio mixer)
I/O Control Board (audio output and display control circuits)
Front Panel Assembly (keyboard, display, status indicators)
Switching Power Supply
Uninterruptible Power Supply with Battery Charger

4-15. GENERAL OPERATION.

NOTE

The following description assumes that standard telephone input
boards are installed. See Figure 4-1.

Signals to be recorded are connected to the input boards. The front-end circuits condition the
signals according to user settings for gain and AGC. The conditioned signals are filtered and
converted from analog to digital. The digitized signals are pass through a data reduction
algorithm (standard G.726 ADPCM), resulting in a data rate per channel of 64, 32, or 16 kilobits
per second. Data from all channels is transferred from the input boards to memory on the
CPU3 board. A decision is then made for each channel whether to save the data or ignore it,
depending on the user setting for channel activity (OFF-HOOK, VOX, etc.). Data for active
channels is transferred from memory to the fixed hard disk drive. After a certain amount of data
is accumulated on the disk drive, it is then transferred from the hard disk to memory and then to
the removable media. If the removable media is full or not loaded, data continues to
accumulate on the hard disk. All data is time coded so as user can easily locate desired
material by searching for a time and date.

Playback is the reverse of recording. Once the desired data is located (either on the hard disk
or on a removable-media drive that is not in record mode), the data is transferred to memory
and then to the input boards for playback. The data is converted to analog, and the signals from
all enabled channels are mixed to a single channel and played through the speaker (or
headphones) and the line-out jack.

The CPU board features a Motorola 68000-family microprocessor running a proprietary real­time multitasking operating system. System firmware is stored in Flash ROM and can be
updated in the field. Updates are created periodically to add new features and to support
different types of SCSI removable-media drives (such as the new DVD-RAM drives).

4-8

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

The VR240 can be controlled from the front panel or it can be operated remotely via RS­232/RS-485. Several connectors on the rear panel provide access to various functions
including remote control, time code input/output, and outputs to a label printer and status printer.

INPUT BOARD 1

Input Gain Adjust, VOX, AGC

Analog-to-Digital Converter

ADPCM Data Reduction

INPUT BOARD 2

INPUT BOARD 3

ROM, RAM, Real-Time Clock

RS232, RS485 Serial Ports

SCSI, Ethernet, GPS

CPU BOARD

Uninterruptible Switch to Battery

AC Fail Detect, Battery & Charger

UPPER DRIVE

Tape, Optical Disk, DVD-RAM

DISPLAY

4-Lines, 40 Characters

KEYBOARD, LEDs

I/O CONTROL BOARD

Audio Output Level Control

ADC for Audio Level Metering

Keyboard & Display Control

POWER SUPPLY

Switcher for +5V, +12V, -12V

SCSI BUS

Figure 4-1. VR240 General Block Diagram

4-16. CONCLUSION.

This chapter has attempted to explain the philosophy behind the VR240 digital logger. We hope
that by knowing how the unit works you will not be surprised when the operation is not quite the
same as an analog machine, and we hope you will come to appreciate the benefits of digital
logging.

January 2000

LOWER DRIVER

Tape, Optical Disk, DVD-RAM

HARD DISK

4-9

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

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4-10

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

CHAPTER 5
OPERATION

Section I. PREPARATION FOR OPERATION

5-1. GENERAL.

This chapter covers routine operation of the VR240. Topics covered include:

Recording:
Level setting:
Playback:

Auxiliary:
Cleaning:

In this section, we assume that the VR240 has been both installed physically and configured
using the software configuration menus. In other words, that the unit is set up and ready to
begin operation at your facility. In addition, you should also have a supply of media (4MM DDS
or rewriteable DVD-RAM) and, for those with DDS drives, a cleaning cartridge at hand.

5-2. MEDIA FORMATTING.

Before you can record on any media (4MM DDS or rewriteable DVD-RAM), it must be
formatted. Formatting is a simple process. It takes a few minutes to format tapes, a few
seconds to format a DVD-RAM disk. When media is formatted an index is created that gives
information about the machine on which it was formatted. The descriptors entered during the
configuration process are stored in this index, and whenever you access

information is displayed. For this reason, it is important to format media on the VR240 which
will subsequently be used to record on it. If you format media on a machine with different

descriptors, when you load it you will get a message
playback but you will not be able to record on that media unless it is reformatted on the correct
machine. All VR240s have the same factory default descriptors. If you leave the default
descriptors intact, media can be formatted on any VR240 and recorded on any other.

In the familiarization section of Chapter 2, the initial media loading process (paragraph 2-3.7)
was discussed.

Normal record operation, and the menu options available while recording.

Confirming and monitoring input signal presence and level.

Playing media loaded in the drive or playing from the hard disk including

searching for a particular channel or time and date, and more complex
message storage and retrieval options.

Formatting media, copying media, and recreating the media index.

How and how often to clean the drives. (Applies to tape drives only.)

Ready, descrip.dif.

Media Info

This will not affect

, this

January 2000

5-1

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

NOTE

Media can be formatted on one drive while the other drive is
recording.

a. Insert new media in the drive slowly until you feel resistance. Gently continue pressing

forward. The drive will swallow the tape or disk and try to load it. (The display will show
that the drive is loading, and, shortly thereafter, indicate that the media is “unreadable.”)
Use the

Drive

soft key to select this drive.

b. Press the > (next) soft key.

Upper: Media unreadable
< Controls GoTo Drive Resume >

c. Press the

PrepMedia

Upper: Media unreadable
< SysInfo MediaInfo Config

d. Press the Format soft key

Upper: Media unreadable
Copy

soft key).

Format

PrepMedia

MakeIndex Quit

>

5-2

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

e. Press the

Yes

soft key.

ERASE ALL DATA ON MEDIA – ARE YOU SURE?

Yes

Cancel

(Notice that you were given the opportunity to
format the media in the other drive, press the

Cancel

Drive

this potentially dangerous operation.) To

soft key until the other drive’s status

appears on the screen. (Both operations can be performed concurrently.)

The media will now be formatted, a process that requires approximately 4 minutes for a tape, 30
seconds for a rewriteable DVD-RAM disk. If you have a stack of media to format and a dual
drive VR240, you can save time by formatting on both drives at once. While one drive is
formatting, use the
You can also hit the

Drive

function key to select the other drive, and repeat the above steps.

Eject

transport control as soon as the formatting process begins if you wish
to remove the media after formatting instead of having it loaded. Otherwise, after being
formatted, the media is automatically “loaded” in the same manner as already formatted media
would be.

5-3. DDS DRIVE CLEANING.

Recording and playback are critically dependent upon the cleanliness of the DDS drive
mechanism. Even microscopic particles of magnetic material (shed from the media) or
environmental pollutants such as cigarette smoke can adversely affect the performance of the
drive mechanism. The Fault LED will light to indicate that the pre-set time between cleaning
has elapsed. This is for reference only. For best results, follow the guidelines listed below
rather than waiting for this light to alert you the drive must be cleaned. Clean the drive
immediately if this light goes on.

Time:

For every two weeks of operation, regardless of other

circumstances, the drives should be cleaned.

Tape:

After every pass of a complete DDS cassette over the heads, clean

the drives.

New & old tapes:

Brand new tapes and tapes that have exceeded their useful life of

approximately 10 passes are more likely to shed particles than
other. If you are using exclusively new tapes, clean the drives after
every pass. If you are using tapes beyond their useful lives, clean
more often or better, replace the tapes.

Environment:

If your VR240 is in an unusually dusty or smoky environment,

reduce the interval between cleanings by half.

January 2000

5-3

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

5-3.1 Clean the DDS drive.

Insert a DDS cleaning cartridge, such as the one supplied with the VR240. Wait for it to pop
out. Then reset the clean timers. That’s it. (The drive recognizes the cleaning tape and will

automatically eject it. Do NOT use an audio grade cleaning tape, which may not be recognized

by the drive.)

IMPORTANT

It is very important to reset the clean timer. Otherwise the VR240
will not know that the drive was cleaned and the

Fault

LED will
come on sooner than the 100 hours of drive operation (because
the clean drive timer was not reset to 0:00).

5-3.2 Reset the cleaning timers.

a. Press the

Upper: Recording 1521 15:13:54 29Feb1999
< ChangDrv

SysInfo

soft key

SysInfo

MediaInf MediaUsage >

b. Press the DriveInfo soft key

SYSTEM INFORMATION:
< Internal

DriveInfo

SysLogs Quit >

5-4

January 2000

c. Press the

DRIVE INFORMATION:
ActvHours

d. Press the

UPPER HOURS SINCE CLEANING: 100:00

Cleaned

Reset

soft key.

Reset

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

soft key

Cleaned

Quit

Quit

January 2000

5-5

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Section II. TRANSPORT CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

The operation of the soft keys and menus used during operation was covered in Chapter 3.

For most users, however, the actual transport controls will be more familiar and more frequently
used. They are laid out in the familiar fashion immediately under the drive(s), and are screened
with international icons. Refer to Chapter 2, paragraph 2-10 for illustrated descriptions. These
controls are designed to be as close as possible in operation to those on a standard tape
recorder. It is possible to operate the VR240 using these controls without reference to the
menus at all.

5-4. TRANSPORT CONTROLS.

Each transport control is a momentary action pushbutton. The buttons have no mechanical
function, and any interlocks are electronic. As with an analog recorder, there is some
interlocking of controls. To prevent media damage, you cannot go from

FFwd

directly to

Play

on a typical recorder. Older machines have a mechanical interlock to prevent you from pressing

Play

at the wrong time; newer ones automatically stop the media before going into
you don’t explicitly hit
several inappropriate operations that are locked out. For instance,

Stop

. While media motion is not a problem in the VR240, there are

Eject

is not honored if the

Play

even if

unit is in the process of recording.

Record

The

Rec

button is used to begin a recording on the VR240. Before you can record,

all of the following conditions must be true:

• The drive status indicator on the VFD screen must read

Ready

for the drive

on which you wish to record.

• The media must be formatted and must not be write protected.

• The media must be positioned correctly – either at the very beginning of the

media or at the end of all recorded material. (If the media is otherwise
available to record but not positioned correctly, a message will be displayed
briefly saying so.)

• The VR240 must be in the appropriate state if you have selected the

USAGE

option

Do NOT record…

MEDIA

With all of these requirements, the VR240 does its best to protect already-recorded
archival media. We remind you again that the best protection is to never load
valuable media unless it is write protected.

When you press
lit as long as recording continues. If you perform a “stop-suspend,” the

Record

, the LED on the record button illuminates red and remains

Record

LED
will blink, indicating that recording is taking place but a transfer of data will not occur
on the suspended drive.

Play

Unlike

position. Hitting

Rec, Play

can be activated under many circumstances, and at any media

Play

will start the media or internal hard disk playing from its

5-6

January 2000

current position. (
the VR240 will not automatically start playing when the operation is complete.)

While playing, the

transport keys other than

Rewind

The

Rew

key is active both when the media is stopped and when the VR240 is
playing. If you hit
current position to its beginning. The VR240 offers three rewind speeds. To speed
up the Rewind task, press the key multiple times.

Variable speed Rew/FFwd applies only to the hard drive.

If you hit

Rew

while the media is playing or paused, it will also be moved from its

current position to the beginning of the media. However, instead of moving
immediately to the beginning, the
media usage counter, time and date. The display is updated at every index
boundary, or each time approximately 2-3% of the media is passed, giving counter
readings that decrease by about 250. In this way, you can get a quick overview of
what times correspond to what positions, and how much of the media has been
recorded.

While in this special

If you hit

Play

media reaches an index boundary, it will begin playing at that point.

If you hit

Stop

media reaches an index boundary, the VR240 will enter the

Pause

you can, as usual, hit

twice to get exit from the play menu.

While in the normal
keys are active until the media reaches the beginning.

FForward

The

FFwd

key is active both when the media is stopped and when the VR240 is
playing. If you hit
from its current position to the end.

If you hit

FFwd

while the media is playing or paused, it will also be moved from its

current position to the end of the recorded material. However, instead of moving
irrevocably to the end, the position will be shown on the display with the media
usage counter, time and date. The display is updated at every index boundary, or
each time approximately 2-3% of the media is passed, giving counter readings that
increase by about 250. In this way, you can get a quick overview of what times
correspond to what media positions, and how much of the media has been
recorded. The VR240 offers three fast forward speeds. To speed up the fast
forward task, press the key multiple times.

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Play

is not “memorized.” If you are performing another operation,

Rew

Rew

FFwd

and

Rec

keys are redefined, as explained below. All the

and

Eject

are active during

Play

.

while the media is stopped, the media will be moved from its

NOTE

Rew

, the

, the

FFwd

position

mode,

Play

Stop

Rew

both

the

transport key LED starts blinking, and as soon as the

transport key LED starts blinking, and as soon as the

Play

to continue playing from that point or hit

mode, the

while the media or optical disk is stopped, it will be moved

will be shown on the display with the

Play

and the

Rew

transport key LED is illuminated and no

Stop

keys are active.

Pause

mode. From

Stop

January 2000

5-7

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

While in this special

FFwd

the

transport key LED is illuminated.

FFwd

mode, both the

Play

and the

Stop

keys are active, and

If you hit

Play

, the

Play

transport key LED starts blinking, and as soon as the media

reaches an index boundary, it will begin playing at that point.

If you hit

Stop

media reaches an index boundary, the VR240 will enter the

Pause

you can, as usual, hit

, the

Stop

transport key LED starts blinking, and as soon as the

Pause

Play

to continue playing from that point or hit

mode. From

Stop

twice to exit from the play menu.

While in the normal

FFwd

mode, the

FFwd

transport key blinks and no keys are

active until the media reaches the end.

Stop

Hitting

Stop

from

Play

returns to a paused mode.

When you

completely) or

Stop

Suspend

hard disk to the drive). If you
written to index the media. If you hit

from

Rec

, the VR240 will ask if you wish to

Stop

(end all recording

(temporarily suspend the transfer of data from the internal

Stop

from

Stop

Record

during

, additional information must be

DualRec

, a soft key menu is

displayed asking you to select which drive to stop or suspend.

If you

Stop

from normal

Rew

or

FFwd

, the operation will complete before

Ready

is

displayed.

Eject

The

Eject

button ejects the media from the currently selected drive.
when the media is stopped, or when in
shorthand for

Rewind/Eject

since the media is always rewound before it can be

FFwd

or

Rewind

Eject

. Note that

is active

Eject

is

removed. Depending upon media location and status, it can take a significant
amount of time to eject. This is especially true if you have just recorded on the DDS
or DVD-RAM disk. Before media can be ejected, the index must be written, which
takes even more time. The best case

Eject

time occurs with rewound, write­protected media. Worst case occurs when you have manually stopped a recording
in process near the end of the media.

Eject

can also be used to abort a media loading operation, or to have the media

automatically released after a formatting operation is complete. Simply hit

Eject

at
any time during either process. Load will be canceled; format will go to completion
before the media is ejected.

While the media is in the process of being ejected or an

completion of some other operation, the
The VFD display may not indicate

Eject

Ejecting

transport control key is illuminated.

immediately, depending upon what

Eject

operation is pending

other tasks must be performed by the VR240 first.

If the optional label printer is connected, a label will be printed and extruded, as

described in Appendix F.

5-8

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

5-5. TRANSPORT CONTROL REACTION TIME.

It is important to be patient when operating the transport controls. With analog recorders you
can see the spinning tape reels, and you know how long you will have to wait for an operation to
complete. In the VR240, equipped with archive drives, you can not see the medium, and the
recorder may have a queue of tasks to perform, so it might take longer to complete. The good
news is that while operating the

Play, Rew, FFwd

internal hard disk, or if your unit is equipped with rewriteable DVD-RAM, the reaction time is
faster.

and

Stop

transport controls to manipulate the

January 2000

5-9

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

Section III. SIGNAL MONITORING, LEVEL INDICATOR,

AND CHANNEL STATUS

In any recording system, it is important to make sure that the input level is correct. If the level is
too high, it can cause distortion and clipping. If it is too low, you lose “dynamic range” and the
signal may sound noisier than necessary. As with all logging recorders, the VR240 has a
limited dynamic range. We do provide AGC (Automatic Gain Control) so that signals of wide
level variation can be recorded effectively. (Whether a channel uses AGC is determined during
configuration. Refer to paragraph 3-36.)

5-6. MONITOR.

You can confirm that your signals are present at the VR240 input and are of the correct level by
using the

Monitor

function.

a. Press the

Controls

soft key.

Upper: Not Ready

Controls

SysInfo Drive Config

b. Press the

Monitor

soft key.

MONITORING: All channels disabled
Enable Disable Done

The

Monitor

menu shows the keys

Enable, Disable,

and

Done.

The purpose of this submenu
is to allow you to select the input channels you wish to monitor. As you enable individual or
groups of channels, the signals applied to their inputs will become audible.

Enabling (and disabling) channels is an additive (and subtractive) process. If, for example, you
enable channels 1 thru 3 and then enable channel 5, channels 1, 2, 3, and 5 will be audible

5-10

January 2000

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

(your selection will be displayed as 1-3, 5). If you disable one of these channels, the remainder
will still be audible.
Select the channel(s) you wish to monitor.

a.

Monitor a single channel as follows:

(1) Press the

Enable

soft key.

(2) Use the keypad to enter the channel number desired.

(3) Press the

(3) Press the

Enter
Done

soft key.
soft key.

b.

Monitor all channels simultaneously as follows:

(1) Press the
(2) Press the
(3) Press the

Enable
All

soft key.

Done

soft key.

soft key. The VR240 will immediately begin playing all active

channels.

c.

Monitor multiple channels as follows:

(1) Press the
(2) Use the keypad and the

Enable

soft key.

Thru

soft key to select the first number of the desired
sequential range of channels to monitor. Then select the second number on the
keypad to complete the desired range.

(3) Press the keypad
(4) Press the

Done

Enter

soft key.

soft key. The VR240 will immediately begin playing the active

channels selected.

d.

Monitor multiple channels which are not sequential as follows:

(1) Press the

Enable

soft key.
(2) Press selected channel on keypad.
(3) Press the
(4) Press the

Thru

soft key and the second selected channel on the keypad.

Enter

soft key.
(5) Repeat steps (1) thru (5) for additional channels to be monitored.
(6) Press the

Done

soft key. The VR240 will immediately begin playing the active

channels selected.

5-7. LEVEL INDICATOR.

When you are in either the

Channel Status

LEDs is redefined to be an audio level indicator. LEDs 1 through 6 turn on

Monitor

menu or in the channel selecting process, the top row of the

green as the signal level progressively increases. LED 7 indicates orange, and LED 8 indicates
red. The input signal level is adjusted optimally when 1 through 7 are on most of the time, and 8
flashes occasionally. When you exit the

Monitor

menu, either through hitting the

Done

soft key
or by waiting for the timeout, the LEDs revert to their normal function of indicating channel
status.

January 2000

5-11

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder

NOTE

If you entered

Monitor

while you were recording, we make the
assumption that you want to listen continuously to the signals selected,
and the audible monitor remains active until you deliberately disable the
channels you are monitoring. If you entered

Monitor

from a

Ready

indication, the logger assumes that you are only listening to the enabled

channels to confirm their presence and level, and that you do not wish

to listen to them while recording. Therefore, the audio is disabled when

you start recording. If you do wish to continue monitoring the selected

channels, reselect the

Monitor

menu and the channels you previously

selected will again be connected to the audio output.

5-8. CHANNEL STATUS DURING RECORD.

Channel Status LED Array

The

located on the front panel shows the status (record, monitor,
play, or level) of the individual audio channels during recording and playback. Their functions
during

Record

are as follows:

OFF:

The channel either is not physically present in the unit, or has not

been enabled either for recording or for monitoring.

RED:

The channel is recording, i.e., it is active because its control input is

valid or an input signal is present

GREEN:

The channel is enabled to record, but no input signal is present or its
control signal is invalid.

ORANGE:

The channel is enabled for record (whether or not it is actually being
recorded) and it is also being monitored.

FLASHING
ORANGE:

The channel is being monitored, but it is disabled from recording.

5-12

January 2000