Pliant CRP-44-900, CrewCom, CRP-44-900AN, CRP-22-900, CRP-22-900AN Operating Manual
...
Radio Pack
OPERATING MANUAL
®
RADIO PACK MANUAL
Thank You
We at Pliant® Technologies want to thank you for purchasing CrewCom®. Pliant brings our experience, expertise, and commitment
to quality technology with the new CrewCom System. In order to get the most out of your new CrewCom product, please take a few
moments to read this manual completely so that you better understand the operation of this product. For questions not addressed
in this manual, feel free to review the additional support documentation provided on our website or to contact Pliant’s Customer
Support Department:
Pliant Technologies, LLC
205 Technology Parkway
Auburn, AL 36830 USA
www.plianttechnologies.com
Phone: +1.334.321.1160
Toll-Free: 1.844.475.4268 or 1.844.4PLIANT
Fax: +1.334.321.1162
Copyright © 2018 Pliant Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved. The Pliant®, CrewCom®, and CrewNet™ word marks and the Pliant
“P” logo are trademarks of Pliant Technologies, LLC. Any and all other trademark references within this document are property of
their respective owners.
Model Information
This document applies to models CRP-44-900, CRP-44-900AN, CRP-22-900, CRP-22-900AN, CRP-44-2400,
CRP-44-2400CE, CRP-22-2400, and CRP-22-2400CE.
CRP-22-900 and CRP-44-900 models are only available in North America and operate within the 902–928 MHz frequency range.
CRP-22-900AN and CRP-44-900AN (Oceania) models are approved for use in Australia and New Zealand and operate within the 915–928 MHz frequency range.
CRP-44-2400CE and CRP-22-2400CE models meet the same specications as the CRP-44-2400 and CRP-22-2400 models, and they comply with ETSI standards (300.328
v1.8.1). Non-CE models are non-compliant with some ETSI standards.
Document Reference: 2018.09 D0000215_B
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RADIO PACK MANUAL
Table of Contents
Safety Information ................................................................................................................................................1
Safe Operation and Service .............................................................................................................................1
Battery Safety ................................................................................................................................................1
Firmware Version 1.2 Release Notes ......................................................................................................................2
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................5
What’s in the box? ..........................................................................................................................................5
Additional Items Required ...............................................................................................................................5
CrewCom Overview ........................................................................................................................................5
CrewCom Conguration File Overview .............................................................................................................7
Product Overview ..................................................................................................................................................9
CRP-44 Model ...............................................................................................................................................9
CRP-22 Model ..............................................................................................................................................11
Radio Pack LCD Display .................................................................................................................................12
Radio Pack Battery System ...........................................................................................................................13
Setup and Installation..........................................................................................................................................14
Installing a Radio Pack Battery .....................................................................................................................14
Charging a Radio Pack ..................................................................................................................................14
Pairing a Radio Pack (to a Control Unit) .........................................................................................................15
Operation ............................................................................................................................................................16
Understanding Link Quality ..........................................................................................................................16
Pack Information ...........................................................................................................................................16
Device Settings .............................................................................................................................................17
User Settings ................................................................................................................................................19
Tech Menu ....................................................................................................................................................22
Radio Pack Menu .........................................................................................................................................23
Headset Connector Pinout and Wiring ...........................................................................................................23
Product Specications ........................................................................................................................................24
Product Support ..................................................................................................................................................25
Returning Equipment for Repair or Maintenance ...........................................................................................25
Maintenance and Storage ...................................................................................................................................26
Cleaning .......................................................................................................................................................26
Temperature and Humidity ............................................................................................................................26
Storage of your Lithium-Polymer Batteries .....................................................................................................26
License Information ...........................................................................................................................................27
RF-Exposure Statement .................................................................................................................................27
CrewCom Compliance Numbers ....................................................................................................................28
Warranty Information ..........................................................................................................................................29
Limited Warranty ...........................................................................................................................................29
Parts Limited Warranty ..................................................................................................................................29
Glossary ..............................................................................................................................................................30
Index ..................................................................................................................................................................33
iii
Safety Information
RADIO PACK MANUAL
Safety Information
The following section details important safety information related to the ownership and operation of the CrewCom Radio Pack.
WARNING: Indicates a situation, which, when not avoided, has the potential to result in death or severe injury.
CAUTION:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Follow all instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
Safe Operation and Service
• Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not spray household cleaners or water onto the cloth. Never spray household cleaners or
water onto any part the unit.
• Use only attachments/accessories that are specically made for or certied by Pliant Technologies with the Radio Pack.
Indicates a situation, which, when not avoided, results or has the potential to result in minor
injury or product failure or damage.
• Unplug the Radio Pack charger during periods of inclement weather and after use.
• Do not charge the Radio Pack outdoors. The charger is designed for indoor use only.
• Refer all Radio Pack service to qualied Pliant Technologies personnel. There are no user-serviceable parts
inside the CrewCom Radio Pack. Opening the unit may expose dangerous electrical components, which will result in
product failure. Any attempt to self-service or self-repair the unit will void the product warranty.
• Service is required if the Radio Pack receives any type of damage to any of its parts or if it does not operate normally.
For example, if water or any other type of liquid has been spilled on the Radio Pack or if it has been exposed to rain or
moisture, then service is necessary. Service is also required if debris or other objects have fallen into the unit or if it has
been dropped.
Battery Safety
WARNING: DANGER! EXPLOSIVE GASES RISK
• Battery explosion is possible if incorrect type is used. Use only batteries approved for use with CrewCom Radio Packs.
• Do not leave the battery unattended while charging. Immediately unplug unit if battery begins to swell or emit smoke
while charging. If battery bursts or chemicals begin to leak out of battery housing, the chemicals will react with the air
and cause a re.
• Pliant Technologies recommends keeping a Class-D re extinguisher available when charging lithium-polymer batteries.
The chemicals inside lithium-polymer batteries are highly ammable.
• Do not allow batteries to overheat (reach temperatures of above140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius)).
• Batteries that appear swollen, deformed or damaged, or that do not t properly should never be used. Properly dispose of
any batteries in this condition in accordance with the instructions provided by your local authorities. For more information
and local drop-off sites, visit http://www.call2recycle.org/.
1
Firmware Version 1.2 Release Notes
RADIO PACK MANUAL
Firmware Version 1.2 Release Notes
The following document is a list of features implemented with the latest CrewCom® rmware release.
Firmware Details:
Version
Release Date
Affected Models
Compatibility Note: To work together as a system, all connected devices must have rmware that matches the version
installed on the Master Control Unit.
1.2.0.0
September 28, 2018
CRP-22-900, CRP-44-900, CRP-22-2400, CRP-22-2400CE, CRP-44-2400, CRP-44-
2400CE
CRT-900, CRT-2400, CRT-2400CE
CCU-22, CCU-44
CHB-8C
Device Parameters:
CrewNet supports the following:
• Up to 4 Control Units (CUs)
• Up to 72 Radio Packs (RPs): 4 CUs × 18 RPs per CU
• Up to 16 Radio Transceivers (RTs): any combination of 2.4 and 900*
• Up to 4 layers of Hubs (See Operational Notes for more information on Hub layers.)
• Up to 32 wired intercom/audio channel inputs (maximum of 16 2-wire and 16 4-wire across 4 CUs)
• Up to 64 Proles
• Up to 64 Conferences
• This rmware version is not yet compatible with the following device models: CRP-22-900AN, CRP-44-900AN, and
CRT-900AN.
*Maximum of 14 900MHz RTs on any single system (out of 16 total RTs). Systems may contain an even or odd number of RTs.
Feature Notes:
• The Master CU is the control host for the CrewWare application via the LAN port.
• Available RP Function button options include Stage Announce and Call.
• Call on Talk is now supported.
• Stage Announce Relay is now supported.
• Auxiliary Audio Input (program audio) and Output are now supported. Audio supplied to Aux In can be assigned to
any combination of up to 10 possible conferences. Audio supplied from Aux Out can be assigned from any single
conference.
• Up to 4 Hub layers can be congured. The number of Hub layers is dened by how many Hubs are between the
device and the Master CU.
• The following functions are not yet supported: GPIO Relays, Ping, High Density mode, User Access Rights
management, hardwire Mic Kill, and CrewWare multi-client access to one system.
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Firmware Version 1.2 Release Notes
• The following CU menu options are not operational: Sync Priority, Device Settings (CU menu), RT Hopping Patterns,
and RT Radio Band; however, these settings can be managed via CrewWare while ofine (requires save/upload of
new CrewCom Conguration File (.ccf)).
» By default, the rst Control Unit added to the CCF is automatically assigned the Master sync priority. Every
CCF must contain one Master Control Unit. Secondary and Tertiary sync priority assignments are not currently
operational.
• Out-of-the-box dynamic conguration of hardware is not yet supported. CrewWare is required to build a
conguration les (.ccf).
RADIO PACK MANUAL
Enhancements:
• Updated CrewWare user interface to remove/disable non-operational features that were previously visible.
• Added ability to upload CCF to your system from CrewWare via network LAN connection.
Operational Notes:
Firmware Updates
• The user will need to disable the Windows rewall in order to install CrewWare.
• When updating rmware from previous versions via USB, devices may require additional rescan. See the “How to
Update Firmware via USB” tutorial and/or the CrewWare Manual for further detailed instructions on this process.
• Following system rmware updates, a complete power down and restart of system is recommended. Upon restart,
Radio Transceivers will nish updating the radio. This will be evident by the alternating ashing of the RX and TX
lights. Once this sequence ends per RT, the device is ready. See the “How to Update Firmware” document and/or
the CrewWare Manual for further detailed instructions on this process.
Conguration and Startup
• If updating from rmware version 1.1 or older, you must save your CCF in the new version to match existing
settings to added features. Do so with the following steps:
» After updating device rmware, connect CrewWare to your CU via LAN connection, and go “live.”
» In CrewWare, click
and save it. This CCF is now updated.
» In CrewWare, click
CrewWare and CU prompts to upload the le and restart your system.
• Moving device port or connection locations will cause conguration errors at startup. Pliant recommends avoiding
connecting devices to a port different than that in the CCF.
» Once the system is powered on, you can tell that a conguration error has occurred with the system if the TX
LED on one or more connected RTs is not lit and if the associated RPs do not log in. The conguration error
may be present in the RT or other device upstream. If you are connected to CrewWare, it will alert you of any
rmware or conguration errors needing resolution.
File
File
then
Save File As...
then
Upload File...
; then select a le location, name your le (8 characters or less),
, then navigate to your saved le (.ccf) and choose it. Follow the
• CCF uploads from USB and from CrewWare are now supported.
» Uploading the CCF via USB is done by saving the .ccf from CrewWare to a USB drive, manually uploading the
saved le to the Master CU, and rebooting the system once more. Deleting the old CCF is no longer a required
step of this process.
» Uploading the CCF via CrewWare is done by selecting the
While uploading, CrewWare will notify you of any conguration exceptions. Follow the CrewWare prompts for
the upload and reboot your system when prompted by the CU LCD.
Upload File...
option from CrewWare’s le menu.
3
Firmware Version 1.2 Release Notes
• Adding and removing devices (such as an RT) in live mode (often referred to as “hot-plugging” or “hot-swapping”)
may cause system errors to occur. Pliant recommends only performing this type of action when the system is
powered off.
• Upon startup, non-Master CU(s) (if applicable) may require up to 60 seconds to complete the CCF load. The LCD
screen will display load progress messages during this time.
• Any change to RF parameters such as hopping pattern or radio band will require RPs to be repaired.
• To avoid an RP going inactive, Pliant recommends ensuring your CUs and RTs are powered on and ready prior
to powering on the RPs. An RP will enter inactive mode if it cannot establish communication with an RT. If an RT
becomes available, an inactive RP can be prompted to attempt to re-establish communication by pressing the RP
Menu button.
• Changes to CU port names made in live mode do not save in the CCF. To save changes, save the .ccf from
CrewWare, reload the le to the system from CrewWare, then reboot the system.
• Pliant recommends that Hubs be externally powered with local power supply (provided).
RADIO PACK MANUAL
LAN Settings
• When changing LAN settings from the CU front panel, a reboot is required before operation. Pliant recommends
waiting about 60 seconds after making the change before powering off the CU.
• Disconnecting the LAN connection while in live mode will require a system restart to reconnect CrewWare to the
Control Unit; therefore, Pliant recommends only performing this type of action when the system is powered off.
CrewWare Interface
• CrewWare’s “Device Management” tab (individual device detail view) does not currently populate with the accurate
Radio Version or Powered By data (for RTs). It also does not populate with the accurate Operational Status indicator
(for CUs and RTs). This does not affect operation.
4
Introduction
Introduction
What’s in the box?
• Radio Pack
• Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Battery
• USB A to Micro B Cable
• Multi Blade Worldwide Battery Charger/Power Supply
• Product Overview Guide
• Warranty Registration Card
Note: A one-year product warranty is standard with CrewCom products. Follow the product registration
instructions on the Warranty Extension Registration Card and visit www.plianttechnologies.com/customer/
account/login to extend your product warranty to two years at no charge. See page 28 for more
information about Pliant warranties.
RADIO PACK MANUAL
Additional Items Required
In addition to your Radio Pack, at least one of each of the devices listed below is required to complete your CrewCom System (sold
separately with included components):
• Control Unit
• Radio Transceiver
• Headset
CrewCom Overview
CrewCom is a versatile yet straightforward communications solution built on an intelligent wireless and wired network-based
distributed system architecture. Innovative technologies have been specically developed to facilitate intercom system growth
and effortless adaptation, along with unparalleled digital wireless reliability for consistent operation, even in the most demanding
production environments.
Decentralized Network Architecture
The CrewCom system utilizes a proprietary network backbone, known as CrewNet™, to coordinate and transport all system timing,
audio, signaling, and controls. This efcient, decentralized resource network delivers increased exibility over that of traditional
technologies, using a distributed network-to-device intelligence within a modular building block structure. System components can
easily be placed where they are needed or scaled to facilitate system growth, reconguration, and effortless adaptation to changing
environments. For increased infrastructure exibility, the CrewNet network is capable of operating over standard Cat 5e (or greater)
and/or Single Mode Fiber (SMF) lines.
5
Introduction
RADIO PACK MANUAL
Flexible RF Platform
CrewCom’s RF platform is vast and exible to meet the needs of virtually any wireless communication challenge facing production
and entertainment professionals worldwide. Each CrewCom wireless product is available in the 2.4GHz and 900MHz (North
America, Australia, and New Zealand only) ISM bands and any combination of these frequency ranges may be simultaneously
used on the same CrewCom system. CrewCom makes it easy to operate in challenging RF environments by combining support for
multiple simultaneous frequency bands, while also allowing for simple system setup without the need for an RF engineer.
In addition, a more robust RF link enhances RF range and reliability through a newly developed dual carrier double-send
transmission scheme that minimizes the adverse effects of inter-symbol interference. This innovation allows increased useful RF
range and improved performance, especially in large, reective environments.
Intuitive User Experience
CrewCom’s family of products is designed around a system architecture that offers a high density of users with a more manageable
infrastructure and lower cost per user than typically found in large-scale wireless installations. The CrewCom system not only
consists of a range of wired and wireless hardware products but also incorporates an intuitive software application, known as
CrewWare, working together with the system hardware to enhance the experience of system administrators, designers, integrators,
and users. Each device’s user interface allows a quick learning curve with high functionality, and its ease of use is consistent across
all frequency bands, types of users, and applications.
CrewCom Devices
The following is a list of available CrewCom devices. For more information on each of these products and their conguration
capabilities, visit our website at: www.plianttechnologies.com
• Control Unit (CU) – the 1RU foundational element of the CrewCom system that establishes the CrewNet-based
infrastructure while also providing external connections to common established intercom systems. Unlike traditional
BaseStations, the CU contains no radio and is frequency agnostic, which sets the groundwork for a multi-frequency
capable system. For maximum exibility, any CU can access, control, and monitor any active device across CrewNet. The
CU is available in a “CCU-22” or “CCU-44” model, which simultaneously support up to (2) 2-Wire and (2) 4-Wire or (4)
2-Wire and (4) 4-Wire intercom connections, respectively.
• Radio Transceiver (RT) – a CrewCom radio device that houses a radio (2.4GHz or 900MHz) and its corresponding
antennas, enabling RF communications to CrewCom Radio Packs. Using the CrewNet network as the system’s backbone,
RTs can be positioned throughout a wide coverage area by being linked back to a Control Unit either directly or through
a Hub(s). Connectivity is accomplished using either Cat 5e (or greater) or Single Mode Fiber (SMF).
• Radio Pack (RP) – the direct portable wireless communication device connecting individual CrewCom users to the
CrewCom system. Each RP provides full duplex audio communications and, through customized function buttons, GPO
control and event logging. The RP requires a connected headset and access to a Radio Transceiver on the CrewCom
system. Devices are available in 2.4GHz and 900MHz bands as well as two and four volume/talk button congurations.
• Copper Hub – a CrewNet-based device with eight ports to allow extended interconnection for a variety of CrewCom
hardware. Ports one through seven are copper (RJ-45, Cat 5e, or greater); port eight can be either an additional copper
port or a duplex LC Single Mode Fiber port, but only one may be used at a time. The Hub provides for extensive system
expansion and exibility.
• Fiber Hub – a CrewNet-based device with eight ports to allow extended interconnection for a variety of CrewCom
hardware. Ports two through eight are duplex LC single-mode ber ports; port one can be either an additional ber port
or a copper port (RJ-45, Cat 5e, or greater), but only one may be used at a time. The Hub provides for extensive system
expansion and exibility.
6
Introduction
RADIO PACK MANUAL
CrewCom Conguration File Overview
The CrewCom system operates using a CrewCom Conguration File (CCF) to coordinate the processes and data that make up the
system’s operation. A default CCF is available for your CrewCom system out of the box to provide your initial settings. You can use
CrewWare to customize your conguration to meet your specic needs beyond the default settings. The CCF stores the settings for
your Conferences and Proles, intercom settings, and connection information for your 2-Wire, 4-Wire, and CrewCom devices.
Conferences and Proles work together to create channels of communication between CrewCom users. They are dened for each
user, stored in the CCF, and available each time you set up. For more information about Conferences and Proles, continue reading
the following sections for their denition.
About Conferences
A CrewCom Conference is an administrator-dened grouping of audio entities (inputs such as Radio Packs, wired intercom ports,
etc.). Audio outputs are then created dynamically by mixing one or more audio entities and routing them to Conference subscribers
accordingly. This method of subscription-based audio using Conferences is very powerful. Point-to-point associations may also be
easily constructed using this method. Each association requires a separate, unique Conference. Conferences in CrewCom are full
duplex (i.e. bidirectional) and there can be a maximum of 1,024.
Default Conferences are included as part of a system’s default conguration. New Conferences can be created using CrewWare.
About Proles
Each Radio Pack has a Prole that contains a variety of system settings that are dened as either global prole settings or user
settings. A Radio Pack Prole assigns functionality to an RP’s local controls, knobs, and buttons (including Conference assignments),
and allows customization for user preferences and roaming
• Global Prole Settings - These settings are part of the CrewCom Conguration File and are usually assigned by
a system administrator through customization in CrewWare during setup. Find a full list of the global prole settings
available for each Radio Pack in the CrewWare Operating Manual or the Radio Pack Operating Manual.
• User Settings - A user setting is one that is classied as being adjustable by the Radio Pack user and is limited to local
device settings that do not alter the CrewCom Conguration File. The Prole can be used to determine these settings, but
they can also be customized directly from a Radio Pack after a Prole is loaded.
7
Introduction
RP Prole Settings
A prole is part of the CrewCom Conguration File and contains a variety of system settings that are dened as either system level
settings or user adjustable settings. A system setting is one that assigns specic operational functions to a Pack’s volume knobs, talk
buttons, and function buttons, along with relay assignments and roaming options. A user setting is one that is classied as being
adjustable by the device user and is limited to local device settings that will not alter the CrewCom Conguration File. These settings
can be set in the prole and/or adjusted separately at the Pack, via the Control Unit’s menu, or via CrewWare. A list of the specic
functions within each setting type is provided in Table 1.
Table 1: Prole Management Settings
Global Prole Settings Description
Prole Name Name assigned to the Prole
Radio Transceiver Scan List Which Radio Transceiver each Radio Pack can log into and function with
Conference Assignments Which Conferences are assigned to Volume knobs and corresponding Talk buttons
ISO Enables selection of specic Proles to include in a Conference ISO. This function is either
Enabled or Disabled. (ISO must also be enabled for the Conference.)
Function Buttons Functions such as Stage Announce, Call, GPO, or IFB Send are assigned to the Pack’s F1 or F2
button
Button Mode Determines the talk button behavior as either “Latch,” “Momentary,” “Disabled,” or “Always
On.”
User Settings Description
Sidetone Level adjustments
Mic Gain Level adjustments
Noise Gate Level adjustments
Volume Limit Level adjustments
Talk Tones Enabled or Disabled
RADIO PACK MANUAL
CrewCom Conguration File Defaults
Your system may be precongured at the factory. Consult the documentation provided with your system for your specic
conguration details. Be sure to follow the hardware connections in your conguration; failure to do so may result in system errors.
8
Product Overview
Talk A
Talk B
Talk D
Talk C
Function 2 (F2)LCDMenuFunction 1 (F1)
Vol A Vol B Vol C Vol D
RADIO PACK MANUAL
Product Overview
The CrewCom Radio Pack is available in a 4Vol (CRP-44) and a 2Vol (CRP-22) model and can be used with the CrewCom system
in highly-varying applications and environments. Each of these models are identical, other than the number of controls and their
related proles.
The following sections provide overviews of the different Radio Pack models’ controls and characteristics:
CRP-44 Model
Belt Clip
Battery
Compartment
Battery Door
Release
Figure 2: Radio Pack Rear View (All RP models have identical rear views.)
Figure 1: CRP-44 Top View
USB (Micro B)
Connection
On/Off
Headset
Connector
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