Optocore DD2FR-FX Operating Manual

DD2FR-FX

Operating Manual
Rev. 2.1

Operating Manual for OPTOCORE DD2FR-FX

DUAL MADI / SANE / VIDEO / DATA MODULE WITH ETHERNET

Optical Digital Network Device

© Copyright 2015 All rights reserved

OPTOCORE GmbH

Lohenstr. 8

82166 Munich-Gräfelfing

Germany

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Important Safety Instructions

• Please read this manual carefully.

• Please keep this operating manual in a safe place.

• Heed all warnings.

• Follow all instructions.

• This device may only be used in accordance to the information provided in this operating

manual. Ensure that all recommendations, especially the safety recommendations as detailed in
this operating manual, are followed before and during the usage of the device.

• Do not use this device near water, for example, in humid or damp rooms.

• Clean only with a dry cloth.

• Do not block or cover any ventilation slits. Install the device in accordance with the operating

manual.

• Do not install or place the device near any heat source such as radiators, power-amplifiers, or

any other heat producing equipment.

• Protect the power cord from being stepped on, crushed, pinched or damaged in any other way.

Pay special attention to plugs and sockets of the device.

• Never switch on power amplifiers before the complete system is stable and the level meters of

the OPTOCORE CONTROL software indicate a normal level.

• Do not place this device on an unstable table, tripod, cart, etc. The device may fall, causing

serious damage to the device.

• The device can be disconnected from the power supply by pulling the plug. These must be freely

accessible at all times. The device should be disconnected during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.

• The device must be grounded; any disconnection of the grounding is not permitted.

• The internal components of the switched-mode power supplies operate at very high voltages.

Coming into contact with them can lead to considerable electric shock, which may result in
death.

• Only use attachments specified by the manufacturer.

• This device contains no user serviceable parts: only refer to authorized, qualified service

personnel for any servicing.

• Your warranty will be voided if you tamper with the internal components.

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Purchaser Information

• Operating Manual
Please read this manual. If you call for technical support, we will assume that you have already done

so. Study the operating manual carefully in order to familiarise yourself with the device and its
operation. The operating manual contains important information on proper use of the device.

It cannot be guaranteed that this operating manual will not contain typographical mistakes or
misprints. The operating manual is regularly revised and updated.

Modifications, which serve the purpose of technical improvement of the device, may be carried out
without prior notification.

• Transport and Shipping
Always ensure careful handling of the device. The device should be transported and shipped in

shock-absorbing transport cases. If these are not available, we recommend well-padded packaging
such as the coated carton in which the device was delivered.

We strongly advise against the use of light weight flight-cases without shock-absorbing rack-in-rack
mounting.

• Environments

This device can be used in E1, E2, E3, E4, or E5 environments (as listed below) according to the
harmonized European standards EN55103-1 and EN55103-2 “Electromagnetic compatibility –
Product family standard for audio, video and audio-visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus
for professional use”

E1-Residental
E2-Commercial and light industrial
E3-Urban outdoors
E4-Controlled EMC environment e.g. broadcast and TV-studio
E5-Heavy industry
The product is intended for the use in moderate climate.

• Ventilation

Do not block or cover any ventilation openings. Install the device in accordance to the operating
manual. Allow for sufficient space around the units (at least 200 mm ≡ 7,87" free space behind the
rear-panel of the device) and make sure to allow for air circulation near the ventilation openings on
both sides of the device. Keep the rear of the rack open during operation. Do not operate the device
close to heat emitting equipment, such as power-amplifiers. Leave sufficient space (minimum ½ RU)
between the device and any heat emitting devices housed in the same rack.

A DD2FR-FX may be placed on top or beneath other Optocore products,. except a DD32E, without
additional space for up to 4 adjacent rack spaces.

• Water and Moisture etc.

To prevent fire or shock hazard do not expose the device to direct sunlight, dust, water, or rain during
operation or storage.

Please note:

Do not populate more than 4 adjacent rack spaces with Optocore devices.
Maintain 1RU of empty space between each 4 RU of Optocore devices.
Keep the equipment rack open during operation.
Ensure air circulation around the devices.
Maintain at least 200mm (~8”) clearance behind the rear panel of the devices.

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• Cleaning
Only use a dry linen cloth to clean the device. If the unit is very dirty, moisten a cloth using a little

water and a small amount of household detergent. Never use cleansing agents containing solvents to
clean the device.

• Operating and Storage Temperature
Operating temperature: -20

°

C …50°C ≡ -4°F … 122°F; ensure proper ventilation

Storage temperature: -20°C …60°C ≡ -4°F … 140°F

• Power Supply
The device can be disconnected from the power supply by unplugging the power cord. The power

cords must be freely accessible at all times. The device should be disconnected during lightning
storms or when the device is unused for a long period of time.

Never disconnect the main plug by pulling the cable, always pull the plug itself.
Power-supply cords should be routed in such a way that they are not likely to be walked on, crushed,

pinched or damaged in any other way. Pay special attention to the plugs and the sockets of the
device.

• Fuse
There is no fuse in the device. The power supplies contain circuitry that protects the device from

overload.

• Lightning
For additional protection of this device during lightning storms or when it is left unattended and

unused for a long period of time, disconnect the power cord. This will prevent damage to the device
due to lightning and power line surges. Disconnection from the mains power supply is only possible
by disconnecting the power plug from the main socket.

• Eye Safety
This product is a Laser Class 1 product. It complies with IEC 60825-1, FDA 21 CFR 1040.10, and

1040.11.

• External objects and/or liquids with the device
Never push objects of any kind into the device through openings in the casing. They may come into

contact with dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the device.

Important:

The switched-mode power supplies operate at very high voltages.
Coming into contact with the power supplies can lead to considerable electric shock,

which may result in death.

Important:

A damaged power cable must be replaced immediately.
The device must be grounded. Disconnecting the ground is strictly prohibited. Ensure

that the device is always grounded using the power connector.
Do not cover the ground connection of the power connector with any kind of
insulation material!

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• Cables and Accessories
Only use attachments that are specified by the manufacturer of the device.

Use high quality, properly terminated, cables to connect the device. The device should only be used
with optical fibre cables that are specified for use with the devices’ optical transceivers and within the
specified power budget of the optical transceivers. When not in use, ensure that the optical
connectors on the device and the optical fibre cables are covered with the provided caps.

Do not place this device on an unstable table, tripod, cart, etc. The device may fall, which can cause
injury and serious damage to the device. Any mounting of the device should follow the manufacturer’s
instructions, and should use mounting accessories recommended by the manufacturer of the device.

• Servicing
Do not attempt to service this device yourself.

The device contains no user serviceable parts, components or controls. The operation of an opened
device is not permitted. Such operation can lead to damage of the device’s components due to lack
of air-flow through the device.

The device may not be serviced, altered or modified without authorization from Optocore or an
Optocore authorized distributor / dealer. Only qualified service personnel may carry out repair and
maintenance work on the device. The warranty of the device will be voided if any unauthorized
maintenance or repair work has been carried out..

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CE/FCC-Conformity

This document confirms that the DD2FR-FX bearing the CE (Communauté Européenne) label meets all
requirements in the EMC directive 2004/108/EG laid down by the Member States Council for adjustment of legal
requirements. Furthermore the product complies with the rules and regulations of the low-voltage directive
2006/95/EG and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Recast Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2). This product
bearing the CE label complies with the following standards, ratified by CENELEC (Comité Européen de
Normalisation Electrotechnique):

Electromagnetic compatibility – Product family standard for audio, video, audio-visual and

entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use

EN 55103-1, Emission
EN 55103-2, Immunity

EN 60065, Safety requirements

FCC notice

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communication. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference, in which case you will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Optocore GmbH could void the user’s authority to operate
this equipment.

Industry Canada Compliance Statement

This Class[A] digital device complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Avis de conformité à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada

Cet appareil numérique de la class[A] est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada

The authorised declaration and compatibility certification lies with the manufacturer and can be viewed on
request. Responsible as manufacturer is:

OPTOCORE GmbH, Lohenstr. 8, 82166 Munich-Gräfelfing, Germany

represented by Marc Brunke, Managing Director

N.B. The awarding of the CE label confirms the compliance with legal directives issued for the manufacturer and

marketing of electronic and electrical devices. As such the CE label is not a "seal of quality" but rather proof that
the device bearing the CE label conforms with the electromagnetic compatibility standards laid down in the above
named testing regulations.
Munich, 11.12.2013

Marc Brunke

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DD2FR-FX – Dual Fiber MADI device for Optocore and SANE

Table of Contents

Important Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................................... 3

Purchaser Information..............................................................................................................................................4

CE/FCC-Conformity.................................................................................................................................................7

Device Description.................................................................................................................................................10

Front Panel ............................................................................................................................................................12

Rear Panel.............................................................................................................................................................13

Device Details........................................................................................................................................................14

Optocore Fibre Optic Connection ...............................................................................................................14

MADI Ports.................................................................................................................................................14

SANE Ports ................................................................................................................................................ 14

RS485 Auxiliary Ports.................................................................................................................................14

Word Clock................................................................................................................................................. 14

Video Ports................................................................................................................................................. 14

Ethernet Ports.............................................................................................................................................14

Power Supply ............................................................................................................................................. 15

Transmission Delay....................................................................................................................................15

Control...................................................................................................................................................................15

Optocore bandwidth allocation...............................................................................................................................15

SANE bandwidth allocation....................................................................................................................................16

Connectors and Cables .........................................................................................................................................17

Optical Connection .....................................................................................................................................17

MADI Ports.................................................................................................................................................17

SANE Ports ................................................................................................................................................ 17

Principal and Auxiliary Ports.......................................................................................................................17

RS232-Connection .....................................................................................................................................17

Connector Hood Quality .............................................................................................................................17

USB-Connection.........................................................................................................................................17

Word Clock-Connection..............................................................................................................................17

Video-Connection.......................................................................................................................................17

Mains-Connection.......................................................................................................................................17

Hardware Connection............................................................................................................................................ 18

Network Examples.................................................................................................................................................19

Technical Specifications ........................................................................................................................................23

Dimensions and Weight.........................................................................................................................................23

Warranty and Liability ............................................................................................................................................24

Shipping Contents..................................................................................................................................................25

Company Information.............................................................................................................................................25

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Device Description

Congratulations on your purchase of a DD2FR-FX Optical Digital Network Device with Cat5 based SANE, MADI,
video, Ethernet and data interfaces. The DD2FR-FX manual will quickly demonstrate the advantages of the
device and help to ease your day-to-day workload in a professional audio-visual environment.

The DD2FR-FX is a digital I/O unit and interface to the OPTOCORE and SANE DIGITAL NETWORK SYSTEM.
The unit provides two SC single/multimode optical MADI input and two SC single/multimode optical MADI output
ports, allowing the transmission of up to 128 input and 128 output digital audio channels. Device can operate in
sample rates up to 192 kHz (sample rates above 96 kHz are available upon request). Each MADI port can be
adjusted by OPTOCORE CONTROL software to handle different formats according to the standards AES10­1991/AES10-2003. SC multimode optical cables shall be used at the MADI ports. The device is perfectly suitable
for 3rd party equipment integration, especially with Soundcraft, Studer, Lawo and SSL digital consoles.

Redundant fibre Optocore connections can be established using the two provided SFP-based LC multimode or
singlemode optical LINK-interfaces. The dual redundant ring structure provides maximum safety in a network with
an outstanding low latency. It facilitates the use of the advantages of fibre optical transmission in all sorts of
temporary and permanent applications, especially when long distance connections and high-quality audio are
required.

The DD2FR-FX enables connectivity to the SANE network via RJ45 ports. It is possible to use SANE as a Cat5
based cost-efficient extension to the optical core system. SANE ports may be used as point-to-point MADI over
Cat5 or as a bridge interface between SANE and OPTOCORE, providing in total up to 128 input and 128 output
additional channels.

Two built-in Ethernet ports can be used to establish 100Mbit Ethernet LAN through the OPTOCORE and SANE
networks. The DD2FR-FX together with R-Series devices, YG2 and DD6NE behaves like one 100Mbit Ethernet
switch. SANE ports can be used for Ethernet transport as well, so up to four ports can be used to provide Local
Ethernet connection via single DD2FR-FX.

The DD2FR-FX provides both word clock input and output. It includes also bi-directional composite video
interfaces. Additionally four RS485 ports allow the transport of a wide range of standards such as RS422, DMX,
MIDI, and CAN-Bus (bi-directional, requires special firmware version). In addition to the audio signals, video and
data signals are transmitted through the common fibre connection. The dual power supply unit, with automatic
switchover, permits a redundant power supply and safeguards against malfunctions in the event of a power
supply failure.

The DD2FR-FX is the perfect I/O interface for a wide range of professional audio devices with MADI inputs and
outputs such as digital consoles and I/O systems. The high number of channels exchanged by one DD2FR-FX
makes it the ideal and most cost effective interface for digital console systems. The number of input channels can
be defined in groups of eight by the OPTOCORE CONTROL software. Only this number of channels is allocated
for transmission via fibre optical connection. This keeps the system highly flexible in order to build the network
exactly suiting the application needs. A DD2FR-FX, for example, can transmit 128 channels to a digital console
system from various Optocore devices such as DD32R-FX, X6R-FX or V3R-TP. If only eight return channels from
the console are required, only those eight channels instead of 128 inputs can be received at the DD2FR-FX and
transmitted via fibre optical connection, leaving the other channels to be shared with the other network devices.
Networks with several DD2FR-FX and other Optocore devices allow the transport of a huge amount of digital
signals, e.g. 768 audio channels with a sample rate of 48 kHz, 32 RS485 channels and three video channels.
Depending on the type of fibre optic transceiver, distances from 700 m up to 120 km can be covered.

The dual optical interfaces with data transfer rates up to 2 Gbps are equipped with LC-connectors, commonly
used and absolutely reliable in permanent installations. For rough applications such as touring and live
productions the 1U OptoCon panel, with rugged and secure fibre optic connectors can be added to the rack.

All Optocore devices are designed and built using the latest programmable microprocessors and FPGA (field

Please note:

Fiber MADI ports on DD2FR-FX are equipped with special fiber transceivers which
support both singlemode and multimode connectivity. Please use multimode cable in
each case

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programmable gate array) logic circuitry. This allows the devices internal logic to be updated, in the field, ensuring
a continual state-of-the-art device.

Optocore devices, and complete networks, are configured and operated using the OPTOCORE CONTROL
software. The software provides access to all configuration parameters and controls needed to operate the
system, including: naming channels, setting gains and phantom power, routing as well as recall and capture of
partial or full system configurations. The software can be operated offline as well as online with level meters for all
channels on the network

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Front Panel

Word Clock LED: Indicates the selected word clock source:

INT: Internal word clock – The device is a system master
BNC: External word clock via BNC WC Input
NET: Word clock received from network

Status LEDs of MADI Input and Output 1 and 2:

INPUT SYNC Indicates the status of MADI Input

LED ON: Valid MADI frame is present
LED OFF: No MADI signal is present or signal is not valid

OUTPUT ON Indicates the configuration of MADI Output
MADI Indicates if there is MADI protocol active
56 / 64 MADI format and number of channels

LED ON: 64 CH = single speed (AES10-2003)

LED OFF: 32 CH = double speed (AES10-2003)
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 Signal status of the eight channel groups, each group representing eight audio

channels:

LED ON: Signal present

LED OFF: No signal present

AUDIO LINK: Indicates the audio link status

SL1: Communication is established via SANE 1 (rear panel)

SL2: Communication is established via SANE 2 (rear panel)
OL1: Communication is established via Optocore LINK 1 (rear panel)
OL2: Communication is established via Optocore LINK 2 (rear panel)

System status

Master LED: Indicates the Word Clock Master unit
OPTO LED: Optocore communication is established
SANE LED: SANE communication is established

Device ID Display: Indicates the identification number of the device

HEALTH LED: Green: Power supply to the device works, temperature is below the limit

PWR 1 LED: Power supply 1 is working correctly
PWR 2 LED: Power supply 2 is working correctly

USB plug and LED: USB connection for remote control and update via PC

Green: Indicates data activity

RS232 plug: D-Sub-9 RS232 connection for remote control and update via PC

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LAN LINK: Indicates the Ethernet link status

S1: Ethernet communication is established via SANE 1 (rear panel)

S2: Ethernet communication is established via SANE 2 (rear panel)

UP: There is other device with physical Ethernet port enabled on the network

L1: Ethernet communication is established via LAN 1 (rear panel)

L2: Ethernet communication is established via LAN 2 (rear panel)

Sample Rate LED: Yellow: 44,1 / 48 / 88,2 / 96 / 176,4 / 192 kHz

Rear Panel

RS485: 4 x RS485/RS422 (D-Sub-9) auxiliary port for data transmission

Word Clock IN: BNC Word clock input allowing synchronization of Optocore devices/network

from an external word clock source

Word Clock OUT: BNC Word clock output for synchronization of external devices

Video IN: BNC Video input for composite video

Video OUT: BNC Video output for composite video

MADI 1 / 2: 2 x SC multi/single-mode optical MADI inputs and 2 x SC multi/single-mode

optical MADI outputs

POWER 2: Mains input for power supply 2 (100 … 240 V)

POWER 1: Mains input for power supply 1 (100 … 240 V)

SANE 1: SANE RJ-45 interface for data transmission + 100 Mbit Ethernet

SANE 2: SANE RJ-45 interface for data transmission + 100 Mbit Ethernet

LINK 1: Full-duplex, full bandwidth LC-type optical interface for Optocore transmission

(SFP multimode transceiver included, singlemode transceiver option available
on demand)

LINK 2: Full-duplex, full bandwidth LC-type optical interface for Optocore transmission

(SFP multimode transceiver included, singlemode transceiver option available
on demand)

LAN 1: 100 Mbit RJ-45 Ethernet interface

LAN 2: 100 Mbit RJ-45 Ethernet interface

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Device Details

Optocore Fibre Optic Connection

The device is equipped with the Optocore FX communication module. The OPTOCORE ® OPTICAL DIGITAL
NETWORK SYSTEM utilizes Time Division Multiplex technology (TDM) with a Fibre Channel based 8B10B-NRZI­coding. Static time slots guarantee a synchronous transmission of all channels, at all times, without the use of
dynamic bandwidth or latency. All signals connected to the intercom, audio, video, word clock and auxiliary ports
of the device are transmitted simultaneously on one fibre while the second fibre of the LINK-Interface receives
data from the network. The second LINK-Interface pair is identical to the first one, and can optionally be used for
network redundancy.

MADI Ports

MADI (Multichannel Audio Digital Interface) was first standardized by the AES10-1991 for the transmission of 56
digital audio channels in one frame. The revision AES10-2003 enhanced the number of channels to maximal 64
digital channels. The DD2FR-FX supports the formats according to both standards. If an external device cannot
handle a 64 channel MADI frame the ports can be set to the ‘older’ AES10 standard with OPTOCORE
CONTROL.

The DD2FR-FX is equipped with two MADI input ports and two MADI output ports, each transmitting or receiving
up to 64 audio channels. This amounts to a total number of up to 128 input channels and 128 output channels per
device. The interfaces are SC multi/singlemode optical connections.

The number of input and output channels exchanged at each port and transmitted on the fibre optical connection
can be defined in the OPTOCORE CONTROL software (for details refer to OPTOCORE CONTROL SOFTWARE
Manual). This keeps the matrix easy-to-handle and the quantity of channels per device in the network flexible.
Using one DD2FR-FX does not automatically mean that 128 channels are allocated on the fibre connection. The
user is free to decide how many channels are needed for the transport of MADI in groups of eight. LEDs on the
front panel of the DD2FR-FX indicate the number of channels received at the MADI input ports. The MADI output
ports always transmit the complete frame with 56 or 64 audio channels according to the standard. The inactive
channels have all bits set to zero.

SANE Ports

The device is equipped with two RJ45 200MBit SANE Ports, capable of transmitting 64 channels of synchronous
audio and 100MBit Ethernet. SANE 2 port is compatible with MADI over Cat protocol.

RS485 Auxiliary Ports

The auxiliary ports provide four RS485 interfaces to establish a maximum of four half-duplex or two full-duplex
connections between the devices. A wide range of bi-directional and unidirectional standards can be connected,
such as RS485, CAN-Bus (bi-directional, requires special firmware version), or RS422, DMX, MIDI
(unidirectional). The ports automatically sense whether they are sending or receiving control data.
The ports and their destinations are configured in the OPTOCORE CONTROL software..

Word Clock

Devices with Optocore/SANE modules are equipped with an internal, high quality, low jitter clock generator as
well as Word Clock inputs and outputs. Any device on the network can act as the master of the network and pass
Word Clock to networked Optocore/SANE devices.

The internal/networked Word Clock is available at the Word Clock output connector of each device on the network
to synchronize non-networked devices.

In standalone network configurations external synchronization is not required.
The Word Clock input termination can be switched on using the OPTOCORE CONTROL software’s Local

Settings. External termination is not required to avoid cable reflections.
Word Clock master negotiation after any Word Clock source failure is done automatically.

Video Ports

A video in- and output is integrated for the transmission of composite video signals. Up to three video channels
can be transported through the Optocore network depending on configuration.

Ethernet Ports

DD2FR-FX supports Optocore and SANE Ethernet transport. Two LAN ports interface with all other LAN and
SANE/LAN ports in the Optocore and SANE Network creating a large unmanaged virtual 100Mbit Ethernet switch.

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Power Supply

The device is optionally equipped with two power inputs and power supply units. If one power supply fails, due to
malfunction of the feeding power line or the power supply unit itself, the device will automatically switch over to
the other power supply unit. In order to make the power supply redundant, both power inputs must be connected
to the mains supply, if possible to different phases, power supply systems, or even better, one of them to an
uninterrupted power supply (UPS).

The power supply units operate with mains voltage of 100 ... 240 V and frequency of 50 … 60 Hz. Thus the
device can be used throughout the world without any modifications or transformers.

Transmission Delay

The Optocore system delay including the matrix is fixed to 41,6 µs @ 48 kHz for all channels. The additional
transport delay per Optocore unit (<200 ns) in the network is insignificant in comparison. Overall system delay is
dependent on the converters used and the length of network cables in the system. Assuming ‘normal’ cable
lengths of <700 m per link, the additional delay is considered marginal.

The transmission delay is constant between any points in the network.

Control

All system and device parameters are configured using the OPTOCORE CONTROL software.
The system can be configured and controlled centrally, over the Optocore network, with the exception of the initial
configuration of the unique identifier (ID) of the device.

The OPTOCORE CONTROL software is capable of running multiple instances on the same PC or by using the
OPTOCORE CONTROL software’s Client/Server mode.

Optocore bandwidth allocation

The standard bandwidth allocation of an Optocore network is as follows:

Audio

256 Channels @ 48 kHz – 1 Gbit network
768 Channels @ 48 kHz – 2 Gbit network

RS485 Data 32 Channels
Video 3 CVBS Video Channels *
Ethernet 100 MBit Fast Ethernet *

* If the network is used for transport of Ethernet compatible data the capacity is reduced to one CVBS video
channel plus 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet.

Important:

The switched-mode power supplies operate at very high voltages.
Coming into contact with the power supplies can lead to considerable electric shock,

which may result in death.
To prevent electric shock, do not remove any covers of the device.

Please note:

Please refer to the Optocore Quick Start Guide for the basic system configuration and
setup.

For more detailed setup please refer to the Optocore Software Manual

Please note:

Optocore R-Series devices equipped with 2Gbit fibre transceivers are required for
2Gbit network operation.

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SANE bandwidth allocation

The standard bandwidth allocation of a SANE link is as follows:

Audio 64 Channels @ 48 KHz
Ethernet 100 MBit Fast Ethernet

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Connectors and Cables

Optical Connection

Multimode transceivers connected using a 50 µm OM3 fibre cable can be used for applications requiring cable
lengths of up to 700 m (worst case).
Single mode transceivers connected using a 9 µm fibre cable can be used for applications requiring cable lengths
of up to 70 km (worst case).
The total optical loss should be less than 6dB between transceivers.

For portable applications, such as touring and other temporary installations, ruggedized HMA Expanded Beam
Connectors, mounted on 1 RU panels and portable cables on cable drums are available.
Please refer to the Product Brochure available at www.optocore.com.

MADI Ports

The MADI-interfaces are equipped with SC multimode optical connectors. Standard SC cables are perfectly
suitable for interconnection of devices. It is recommended to use multimode cable for MADI connectivity. The
MADI transceiver provided by Optocore supports both multi-mode and single-mode connectivity as long as the
multimode cable is used.

SANE Ports

Use standard, fully wired, twisted pair cable (Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6) terminated with RJ-45 connectors. SANE
utilizes all four pairs of the Cat 5 cable, two pairs for standard Ethernet transmission and two pairs for the SANE
synchronous audio transport. A SANE cable shall not exceed a total cable distance of 100 m..

Principal and Auxiliary Ports

Each of the four channels requires a shielded twisted pair cable.
If two or more channels are wired to the same cable, a common braided shield should enclose the pairs.

RS232-Connection

Use a standard shielded RS232 cable.

Connector Hood Quality

Locking screws for D-Sub connectors should be compatible with 4-40 UNC. Care should be taken in selecting the
right type of connector hoods in order to fulfil the requirements of EMI-radiation directives. Full metal connector
hoods should be used, approved acc. to VDE 0871, FCC 20780 and EMC directive 2004/108/EG, providing
attenuation > 40 dB between 30 MHz up to 1 GHz. The shield of the cable should have contact to the connector
hood.

USB-Connection

Use a USB-A to USB-B cable between PC and Optocore device.

LAN-Connection

Use standard twisted-pair-cable (Cat-5, Cat-6) with RJ-45 connectors.

Word Clock-Connection

Use 75 Ω-coaxial-cable with BNC-connectors.

Video-Connection

Use 75 Ω-coaxial-cable with BNC-connectors.

Mains-Connection

Standard power cords with IEC C13 connectors.

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Hardware Connection

An exemplary network with four devices is shown in Fig. 1. It is established by creating a (non-redundant) loop
simply by "daisy-chaining" the units and monitoring the three status LEDs of each device, as revealed through the
signal flow in diagram below. There is no need to worry about the sequence of neither IDs nor which of the two
LINKS of a device is used for connection. The only condition is that an optical input must be connected to an
optical output. During the self-configuring of the network the system word clock master will be automatically
determined. If the DD2FR-FXs and other Optocore devices are pre-configured, the network is ready to work. With
a PC connected to any unit in the loop and by running the OPTOCORE CONTROL software, the network may be
analyzed, supervised, parameters may be changed and the matrix can be accessed for signal-routing.

Fig. 1: A non-redundant network with one DD2FR-FX unit

A second redundant reverse loop can be additionally created with only one more connection from the last unit of
the chain back to the first, as demonstrated by the signal flow diagram in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2: A redundant network with one DD2FR-FX unit

In case an interruption occurs at position “a” as illustrated above, this will only result in a loss of redundancy. This
also applies to the very unlikely case of a device failure. The redundancy of the ring can be reestablished simply
by connecting the in and out fibre with the help of an adapter and a new device can be integrated at any time.

DD2FR-FX

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rev. 2.1

Network Examples

DD2FR-FX devices can be used as a fibre optic extender for 3rd party consoles to transport all audio signals and
control data between stage unit and FOH local equipment. Below configurations with LAWO and Soundraft
consoles are presented. Studer signals can be transported similar to the examples below. Connecting AVID
console with its stagerack requires a special firmware version, which supports AVID’s Snake protocol.

Fig. 3: Redundant network with two DD2FR-FX in a 64 send / 64 return configuration with Lawo and
Soundcraft

DD2FR-FX

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rev. 2.1

Second example shows how to use OPTOCORE devices as a stage I/O for 3

rd

party mixing consoles. Up to four
Emulation Modes are available in the system, allowing remote preamp control from Soundcraft, Studer, Lawo,
SSL and Yamaha. After enabling Emulation Mode using OPTOCORE CONTROL software, all adjustments as
gain, Phantom power and Pad switches can be set directly from console without any additional control unit or
software. Connection between console’s Local rack and OPTOCORE NETWORK is made using MADI digital
signal.

Fig. 4: Redundant network with one DD2FR-FX and four X6R-FXs. 48 analog inputs and 16 analog outputs
are available at the X6R-FXs

For more details regarding the connecting of 3rd party consoles please refer to Quick Start Guides for each
console or Optocore Control Software Manual

DD2FR-FX

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rev. 2.1

Connection Tables

Pin-out Auxiliary Ports 4 x RS485

RS485

Channel

1 2 3 4

GND

+ 1 2 3 4

Pin

- 6 7 8 9

5

Please assure correct polarity “+” and “-“

at both (!) sides / devices when connecting

external equipment to the RS485 ports.

D-Sub-9- female

Locking system acc. to 4-40 UNC

Pin-out SANE – Synchronous Audio and Ethernet

SANE /

“MADI” In

SANE /

“MADI” Out

Ethernet

In

Ethernet

Out

+ 7 4 3 1

Pin

- 8 5 6 2

A device compatible with

10/100MB Fast Ethernet can be

connected to a SANE port for

Ethernet data communication.

RJ-45

Pin-out Optical Fibre-Port

Optocore

RXD TXD

Pin 1 2

LC connectors

Pin-out RS232-Port

RS232 Power

Channel

RXD TXD

Internally

Bridged

+5VS GND

Pin 3 2 1, 4, 6 7, 8 9 5

Use 1-modem cable, male – female, to

connect to PC

D-Sub-9- female

Locking system acc. to 4-40 UNC

Pin-out USB-Port

USB

Channel

VBUS D - D +

GND

Pin 1 2 3 4

USB device-connector

DD2FR-FX

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rev. 2.1

BI-C Cable

The D-Sub-9 BI-C enables the bi-directional transmission of control data between DD2FR-FX and Yamaha HA
Remote port. The RS485 Ports 3 and 4 of the DD2FR-FX are used.

DD2FR-FX Auxiliary Port 4 x RS485
X3...X4: I/Os
D-Sub-9-male
Fastening system 4-40 UNC

COM RS422

X3: R x D
X4: T x D
D-Sub-9-female
Fastening system 4-40 UNC

DD2FR-FX

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rev. 2.1

Technical Specifications

MADI Ports

Convention AES10-1991 / AES10-2003

Inputs

Number / Connectors 2 / optical
MADI digital audio channels 56 or 64 per Input

Outputs

Number / Connectors 2 / optical
MADI digital audio channels 56 or 64 per Output

Data rate

125 Mbps

Output/Input

Output 1310 nm (typical)

Max. cable length

50 / 125 µm 1500m / 5000ft

Word clock

Hardware standard BNC - 75 Ω

Data rate

Depending on selected sample rate Up to 192 kHz

Impedance

Output ≤ 5 Ω
Input 75 Ω

Drive level

Output ≥ 1 V

pp

Zero level

Referring to GND + 1.7 V

Sense level

Input ≥ 400 mVpp

Remote Control

Convention

RS232 EIA / TIA - 232 57 600 Baud
USB USB 2.0 - Device 12 Mbit/s
LAN TIA-568A/B, IEEE - 802.3 10/100 Mbit/s

SANE, LAN

Convention

Audio TIA - 568A/B, Optocore 200 Mbit/s
LAN TIA - 568A/B, IEEE - 802.3 10/100 Mbit/s

Optical Connection

Complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11

Power supply

Type Switch-mode, universal input
Mains voltage 100 … 240 V
Frequency 50 … 60 Hz
Power consumption 32VA – Max
Security classification Class 1: basic insulation, connected to the protective grounding conductor
Security regulations Harmonised European standard EN60065
Mains connector acc. to IEC-950
Cooling Passive, via surface and ventilation-openings on both sides of the device.

Dimensions and Weight

Front panel: width 483 mm / 19 inch
height 44 mm / 1.73 inch
depth 200 mm / 7.87 inch

Rear panel: width 438 mm / 17.25 inch

Weight

2.7 kg ≡ 4.41 lbs

Please note:

Modifications that serve the purpose of technical improvement may be carried out
without prior notification.

DD2FR-FX

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rev. 2.1

Warranty and Liability

Summary of Warranty

OPTOCORE DD2FR-FX device is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for 60 months (5
years) from the date of purchase. This warranty does not include mechanical damages caused by misuse. This
warranty covers the original registered purchaser only and is not transferable. This warranty does not apply to
devices which have been purchased in used condition or demonstrator equipment.

OPTOCORE will, at its discretion, repair or replace a defective product, providing that the defect has occurred
under normal operating conditions.

This warranty does not cover damage from acts of God, accident, abuse, neglect, contamination, unauthorised
modification, misuse, or operation outside of the environmental specifications for the product, improper site
preparation or maintenance, or abnormal conditions of handling. This would include over-voltage failures, and
conditions outside of the products specified ratings, problems with customer-supplied software or interfacing, or
normal wear and tear of mechanical components. OPTOCORE will acknowledge the evaluation of warranty after
inspection.

Not covered by this warranty are defects arising from electromagnetic or electrical interferences, deficiency,
excess, or surge of electrical supply, air conditioning, or humidity. This also includes repairs made necessary by
dirt, abrasion, moisture, rust, corrosion, or similar conditions.

Devices on which the Serial Number has been removed or defaced are not eligible for warranty service.
OPTOCORE devices contain no user-serviceable components: refer to qualified service personnel for repair or

upgrade. The warranty will be void if you tamper with internal components. Please address any questions or
inquiries to OPTOCORE or your distributor/dealer.

For a full warranty conditions refer to the Warranty Card attached to every Optocore device with a first shipment.

How to Obtain Warranty Service

When discovering a problem with an OPTOCORE device, you should contact either Optocore directly or a
dealer/distributor to determine and confirm a hardware fault. If it is a software issue the hardware must not be
returned to OPTOCORE, OPTOCORE will issue a support ticket in this case.

If hardware service is required within the warranty period, take the equipment, along with warranty card, to the
nearest authorised OPTOCORE dealer/distributor. The dealer/distributor will make sure that the device is
serviced according to the terms of warranty by OPTOCORE or an authorised service centre.

If the equipment needs to be returned directly to OPTOCORE, first contact [email protected].
OPTOCORE requires the serial number of the equipment intended for return, as well as a short description of the

problem. If possible, you should also provide us a phone number where you can be reached during regular
working hours. To return a defective product, please contact your distributor / dealer. Our web site:

http://www.optocore.com/ provides a complete list of Optocore distributors / dealers.

Make sure the equipment being returned is packed carefully to protect it from damage during shipment.
OPTOCORE requires that shipments are pre-paid and insured – unless specifically authorized in advance.

We strongly advise not to use simple flight-cases without rack-in-rack mounting.

Declaration of Liability

Optocore accepts no liability for damage caused to other devices through operation of the DD2FR-FX device.
Optocore is not liable for any damage caused by shipping accidents, misuse, abuse, operation with incorrect AC

voltage, operation with faulty peripheral equipment, or improper or careless installation of the device.

Neither OPTOCORE nor anyone involved in the production of the equipment shall be liable for
any indirect, special, disciplinary, consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use
or inability to use this equipment even if OPTOCORE has been advised of the possibility of
such damages. In no event shall the liability of OPTOCORE exceed the purchase price of any
defective equipment.

Optocore accepts no claims for compensation whatsoever (e.g. cancellation of events).

DD2FR-FX

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rev. 2.1

Shipping Contents

The standard shipment of a DD2FR-FX unit contains the following:

• 1 DD2FR-FX unit

• 1 operators manual

• 1 fibre patch cable LC-LC

• 2 power cables (according to number of PSU units installed)

Any additionally purchased equipment such as optical wave-guide cables in required lengths, D-Sub cables and
adapters, RS232 cables, and international electric cables which have been supplied on your request and your
purchase order, cannot be listed above.

Company Information

Mailing Address:

OPTOCORE GmbH
Lohenstr. 8
D-82166 Munich-Gräfelfing
Germany

Telephone:

+49 – (0)89 – 8999640

Fax:

+49 – (0)89 – 89996455

Internet:

www.optocore.com

Email: