Rane MONGOOSE User Manual
Installation Manual
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MONGOOSE
Installation Manual
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
e wide blade or third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord and plug from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where it exits from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments and accessories specified by Rane.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally,
or has been dropped.
15. e plug on the power cord is the AC mains disconnect device and must remain readily operable.
16. is apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
17. When permanently connected, an all-pole mains switch with a contact separation of at least 3 mm in
each pole shall be incorporated in the electrical installation of the building.
18. If rackmounting, provide adequate ventilation. Equipment may be located above or below this
apparatus, but some equipment (like large power amplifiers) may cause an unacceptable amount of hum or
may generate too much heat and degrade the performance of this apparatus.
19. is apparatus may be installed in an industry standard equipment rack. Use screws through all
mounting holes to provide the best support.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases,
shall be placed on the apparatus.
e symbols shown below are internationally accepted symbols
WARNING
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not open the
unit. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified service personnel.
that warn of potential hazards with electrical products.
is symbol indicates that a dangerous
voltage constituting a risk of electric shock
is present within this unit.
This symbol indicates that there are
important operating and maintenance
instructions in the literature accompanying
this unit.
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MONGOOSE
Installation Manual
Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................................. 2
GETTING STARTED ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Task 1: Install and connect the Mongoose. ........................................................................................ 4
Task 2: Configure the Mongoose. .......................................................................................................... 4
Task 3: Pull and terminate the CAT 5 cabling for the RADs. .......................................................5
Task 4: Install and connect the individual RADs. .............................................................................. 5
Task 5: Verify connections, perform audio test, troubleshoot, save the configuration. .... 5
SYSTEM OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................................7
System Origins & Components ..............................................................................................................7
Installation Requirements .........................................................................................................................8
Using the Mongoose Documentation .................................................................................................. 8
The Mongoose Host Device ..................................................................................................................... 8
Remote Audio Devices ............................................................................................................................... 13
Mongoose Tracker Software ....................................................................................................................16
TASK 1: INSTALLING THE MONGOOSE ............................................................................................. 17
Installing the Mongoose in your Audio Rack .....................................................................................17
Installing Multiple Mongoose Devices ................................................................................................. 19
TASK 2: LOADING A CONFIGURATION FILE ..................................................................................... 20
TASK 3: PULLING THE CAT 5 CABLE .................................................................................................... 22
Terminating the CAT 5 Cable ...................................................................................................................22
TASK 4: INSTALLING THE RADS .............................................................................................................. 23
Installing and Testing RADs in a New Mongoose System ...........................................................23
Installing a RAD in an Existing Mongoose System ......................................................................... 26
TASK 5: VERIFYING AND FINALIZING THE INSTALLATION ....................................................... 27
Verify the RAD Configuration ..................................................................................................................27
Locating a Hardware Device .................................................................................................................... 29
Swapping RAD Ports .................................................................................................................................. 30
Perform an Audio Test ................................................................................................................................ 30
Save the final configuration file. .............................................................................................................. 31
Creating a Verification Configuration ...................................................................................................31
INSTALLING AND USING THE MONGOOSE TRACKER SOFTWARE ....................................33
Installing & Starting Mongoose Tracker .............................................................................................. 33
Connecting a Computer to the Mongoose ....................................................................................... 34
Generating RAD Labels ............................................................................................................................. 34
Updating (or Rolling Back) the Mongoose Firmware ...................................................................36
Uninstalling the Software .......................................................................................................................... 37
TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................................................................................38
Troubleshooting the Mongoose Hardware ........................................................................................ 38
Troubleshooting the RAD Devices......................................................................................................... 40
Troubleshooting the Mongoose Connection .....................................................................................41
Troubleshooting the RAD Port status in the RAD Settings dialogs .......................................... 44
Troubleshooting the Mongoose status in the Mongoose Settings dialog ............................. 46
INDEX.................................................................................................................................................................... 47
WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................................................ 49
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .......................................................................................................... 51
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MONGOOSE
Installation Manual
GETTING STARTED
Rane Corporation welcomes you to the world of the Mongoose. May it help erase all lingering memories
of tangled analog cables!
To help you get started with the installation of the Mongoose system, we have provided a simple
breakdown of the key tasks and have presented them in the recommended order. If you are new to the
Mongoose system, we recommend that you spend a few moments reviewing the basics of the system
before beginning the installation. We understand that your job is to get this system installed as quickly
and efficiently as possible. at’s why we’ve kept the system overview short and sweet – you’ll be through
it in no time – and the background information you gain will be well worth the detour. You can find this
in "System Overview" on page 7.
Key Installation Tasks
ere are five key tasks involved in the installation of a Mongoose system. An overview of each task is
listed below, along with page references to the specific details for each task. We recommend that you
review this entire list to get a sense of the work flow, and then return to the first task to begin the actual
installation process. As you complete each task, return to this section to determine the next step. Note
that the order of some of these tasks can vary. See each task description for more details.
Task 1: Install and connect the Mongoose.
is task involves the physical attachment of the Mongoose hardware to your audio rack. You can perform
this task off-site or on-site. Once installed, you then connect the Mongoose as appropriate – to the Ethernet
network, to the CobraNet network, and/or directly to another CobraNet device. If you are installing onsite, you may want to pull and terminate the CAT 5 cabling first (see Task 3) so that the cables are ready
to connect to the Mongoose. For details on installation, see "Task 1: Installing the Mongoose" on page 17.
Task 2: Configure the Mongoose.
Before the system can function properly, you must configure the Mongoose and the RADs. You perform
this configuration using the Mongoose Tracker software that is shipped with the Mongoose hardware
(and is also available on the Rane website). You can either configure the system by loading a configuration
file that contains the appropriate settings and audio routing information, or you can edit the settings
directly on a live device. We strongly recommend using a configuration file as a starting point.
In most cases, the audio designer will have already created this configuration file. is makes your
installation job much easier because all you have to do is load the file into the appropriate device. For
the purposes of this manual, we have assumed this to be the case – that the configuration file has already
been created for you. If not – well, you’re going to need to do a little more reading. You can find some
tips and overview information about configuration files in the Mongoose Design Manual (available on
the Rane website). But the best place to start is with the tutorials in the Mongoose Tracker help system.
ese tutorials walk you through the process of creating a configuration file. If the final configuration is
to be completed later, but you merely want to install the equipment and make sure the system can send
and receive audio, you can create a very simple configuration to accomplish this. See Task 5 for more
information.
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Regardless if you’re creating a new configuration or simply loading a pre-defined configuration, you will
need to install, start, and use the Mongoose Tracker software.
Note: e order of this task in the installation process is somewhat flexible. If you prefer, you can
install and connect the Remote Audio Devices (RADs) prior to loading the configuration file. ere are
advantages, however, in loading the configuration first. Whether or not the configuration is loaded, if the
Mongoose is powered on and connected prior to installing the RADs, you can determine immediately
upon installing a RAD (by observing its status indicators) if it is functioning properly. If the configuration
is also in place, however, you can immediately determine if the RAD model you just installed matches the
model specified in the Mongoose configuration (if there’s a mismatch, the RAD’s status indicators flash
red). Also, if you have wireless access to the Mongoose, loading the configuration file early in the process
makes it possible to then view the configuration from a laptop as you’re installing the RADs. If you do not
have a configuration file and you plan to simply test that the installed equipment can successfully send and
receive audio, disregard this recommendation. You will create a simple test configuration after you have
installed all of the equipment. For details see "Task 2: Loading a Configuration File" on page 20.
Task 3: Pull and terminate the CAT 5 cabling for the RADs.
Each RAD connects to its host Mongoose via a CAT 5 cable. We recommend pulling this cable prior to
installing the RADs because this makes it much easier to troubleshoot the installation of the RADs. Note
that each RAD requires a home run. As noted in the previous task, if the CAT 5 cables are installed and
terminated, and the Mongoose is powered on and connected, you can verify if the RADs are working
properly as soon as you connect them. For details on this task, see "Task 3: Pulling the CAT 5 Cable" on
page 22.
Task 4: Install and connect the individual RADs.
is task involves the connection of the RADs to the CAT 5 cable, followed by the physical installation of
the RADs into the switchboxes in the wall. A key part of this task is to doublecheck that you are installing
the correct RAD models in each location. e wiring diagram should specify which RAD models go
in which locations. Also, if you load the Mongoose configuration prior to installing the RADs, you can
view the RAD’s status indicators to determine if you have installed the correct model. If the models do
not match, the RAD’s bottom four LED indicators flash red. In addition to verifying that you’ve installed
the correct model, this task involves the verification that the RAD hardware is communicating properly
with the Mongoose. Again, the RAD’s LED indicators provide this information. For details, see "Task 4:
Installing the RADs" on page 23.
Task 5: Verify connections, perform audio test, troubleshoot, and save the final configuration.
After installing the Mongoose, the RADs, and the configuration file, you need to verify that everything is
working properly. See "Task 5: Verifying and Finalizing the Installation" on page 27.
Important Note for Installers who do not have a Configuration File: If you do not have a pre-defined
configuration file but you want to verify that the equipment works, you need to create a simple verification
configuration. See "Creating a Verification Configuration" on page 31 for details.
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You’ll be happy to see that Rane has taken much of the guesswork out of the verification process. Although
you will review the LED status indicators on the RADs and on the Mongoose at the time you install these
components, we recommend doublechecking these indicators in the final verification task. ere are three
primary sources of information to help you quickly troubleshoot any problem:
1. RAD indicators: By simply viewing the indicators on the front of a RAD, you can see immediately
if the RAD is receiving power, if its data communications connection is working, if its transmit (Tx)
and receive (Rx) functionality is working, if it is actively receiving an audio signal, if its audio signal
is overloading, and if its model matches the model configured for the port to which it is attached.
2. Mongoose indicators: Indicators on the Mongoose provide power and signal information for all
the RADs connected to that host device as well as information about the Mongoose’s participation
in the CobraNet and Ethernet networks.
3. Mongoose Tracker messages: Once the configuration file is loaded into the device, you can use
the Mongoose Tracker to determine if you installed the appropriate RADs in each location or if
a RAD is configured incorrectly. e software displays color-coded messages telling you of any
problems. e software also contains the audio routing matrix, which you should examine if there
are audio problems that cannot be traced to a hardware issue. It’s possible that the audio routing
was configured incorrectly.
When you have completed the installation, fully tested the system, and feel confident that the configuration
is accurate, SAVE AND BACK UP THE CONFIGURATION FILE! If you or someone else inadvertently
(or even deliberately) changes configuration settings on a live device and, as a result the system stops
working, you will be very happy that you have a backup. For more details on this, see "Save the Final
Configuration File." on page 31.
Now, on with the installation … (details begin in "Task 1: Installing the Mongoose" on page 17).
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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
So what is this Rane Mongoose system and why on earth does it have such a funny name?
System Origins
Rane Corporation is well aware of the pain, expense, and frustration of pulling and managing miles of
analog cable throughout a large audio installation, not to mention the potential for inferior sound quality.
For this reason, we have certainly heralded the advent and rapid adoption of digital audio networking. It’s
likely that you have, too. But we realized that there were still a few situations in which current networking
solutions didn’t quite solve the problem. e most popular systems that are currently available (CobraNet
and Ethersound) use large bandwidth Bundles for transmitting the audio signal. For example, CobraNet
Bundles contain up to 8 channels of audio. So if you have only a few channels within a given space, how
can you use these current networking solutions without wasting a tremendous amount of bandwidth?
It’s difficult. In fact, it isn’t possible, unless you implement a Mongoose system. e Mongoose system is
designed to distribute digital audio signals over CAT 5 wiring between low channel count locations and
your CobraNet network. It solves the bandwidth problem by allowing you to aggregate up to 8 channels
that you can then route as a single maximized CobraNet Bundle.
Now – about the name. In the animal kingdom, a mongoose is a furry, yet ferocious creature ranging from
one to four feet in length. ese creatures, which are found in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and southern
Europe, are known for their agility and cunning – so fast and smart that they can capture venomous
snakes, even king cobras. Rane chose this name because this system is designed to wrestle and control all
those analog cables you’ve been handling in the past. e Mongoose also aggregates channels to maximize
the bandwidth available in CobraNet Bundles. Clever, huh?
System Components
A Mongoose system contains three primary components:
1. e host device (called the Mongoose) to which you can connect up to eight Remote Audio
Devices (RADs). You can then connect the Mongoose to your Ethernet network (for setup and
control) and to additional CobraNet-enabled audio equipment. e Mongoose is typically located
in the audio rack room.
2. e RADs that serve as the input/output devices located in the rooms in which you want to send
or receive audio.
3. e Mongoose Tracker software (a Microsoft Windows application), which you use to configure
and troubleshoot the system.
Another key player in a Mongoose system is the CobraNet network. Although there may be a few scenarios
in which CobraNet is not required (for example, sending audio from one RAD to another RAD on the
same Mongoose), most applications will take advantage of the power of CobraNet. Combining a RAD and
CobraNet network allows you to digitize and aggregate scattered channels and efficiently route them to
any location within the entire audio system.
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Installation Requirements
To include a Mongoose/RAD network in an audio system, the system must meet the following requirements:
If you plan to use CobraNet to communicate between a Mongoose and other audio devices, those devices
must be CobraNet-enabled.
• You must have access to a computer running Microsoft Windows® XP (Service Pack 2 or higher)
or any version of Vista or Windows 7 (including 64-bit). e computer must also have an Ethernet
port, which you use to connect the computer to the Mongoose (either directly or via an Ethernet
network). is connection is necessary for using the Mongoose Tracker software to load configuration
information into the device and also for monitoring detailed status information. Note that some status
information is visible on the hardware itself.
• You must have administrative rights to install (or upgrade) the Mongoose Tracker software, but you
do not need administrative rights to run the software. Note that you also need administrative rights to
manually start or stop the RaneLink service (a Windows service installed with Mongoose Tracker that
runs at system boot up to ensure the establishment of communications between Mongoose Tracker
and the Mongoose). Manual control of this service is rarely needed.
• Most RADs require two, three, or four-gang standard switchboxes (for installation into a wall). e
switchbox must have a minimum depth of 2¼" (57 mm).
Required Ports
e Mongoose and Mongoose Tracker exchange information using the following ports and protocols:
Port Protocol Purpose
68 UDP DHCP Client (Note that Mongoose and Mongoose Tracker might both use this
port to communicate with a DHCP server. is port is not actually used for
communication between Mongoose and Mongoose Tracker).
3998 TCP Communications messages (for example, Locate, Signal/OL, audio routing matrix
changes, and so on).
3999 TCP Bulk data transfer (sending new configuration files and firmware updates).
5353 UDP Mongoose Discovery
Using the Mongoose Documentation
In addition to this installation manual, the Rane documentation set includes an introductory data
sheet, design manual and a software help system. e Mongoose Design Manual (available on the Rane
website) is intended for audio designers who are including a Mongoose system in their design. It provides
background information, sample applications, and best practices for incorporating a Mongoose in an audio
system. e software help system, which is embedded in the Mongoose Tracker software application,
contains tutorial simulations to introduce you to the software, background information on Mongoose
and RAD configuration, detailed information about the user interface as well as detailed procedures for
accomplishing specific tasks. We also recommend that you periodically check the Mongoose page on the
Rane website for the latest information on the system (for example, software updates, the release of new
RAD models, etc.).
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Mac and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.
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Hardware Details
Following are illustrations and descriptions of the Mongoose host device and a typical RAD.
The Mongoose Host Device
e primary purpose of the Mongoose host device is to connect up to eight RADs to a CobraNet network.
It is typically housed in the audio rack room along with the DSP and other audio equipment. In addition
to hosting the RADs, the Mongoose does the following:
• Provides power to the connected RADs
• Stores configuration settings for itself and for each of the connected RADs
• Provides a connection to an Ethernet network for control of the Mongoose and RADs
• Provides connections to both a primary and secondary (backup) CobraNet network
• Displays various status indicators (LEDs) which provide information about the health of the
system
Front Panel Description
1 2
®
IN USE / CONDUCTOR
LINK / ACTIVITY
CobraNet
PRIMARY
REMOTE AUDIO DEVICES ETHERNET
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1
2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1
OVERLOAD
SIGNAL
ENABLED
IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT
2
SECONDARY
COMM
3
LINK
RNET
LOCATE
POWER
4
M
ONGOOSE
Remote Audio
CobraNet Interface
Figure 1: Front panel of the Mongoose
1 e Remote Audio Devices status indicators provide information about the RAD audio channels.
e numbers 1 through 8 at the top of the front panel correspond to the RAD ports 1 through 8 on
the back of the Mongoose. For example, the status indicators for number 1 provide information about
the RAD connected on port 1.
Under each RAD number are four audio channels, two input and two output. ese represent the
maximum number of channels a RAD is capable of transporting. However, not all RAD models use all
four channels. For example, the RAD1 model provides two microphone inputs, so for that model, only
the two columns of indicators labeled IN would be active.
ere are three types of indicators:
� Overload LED (red) –indicates that the channel is experiencing a signal overload.
� Signal LED (green) – indicates the presence of an audio signal on this channel
� Enabled LED (yellow) – indicates the availability of the associated audio channel. If a RAD is
connected on this port and all Enabled lights are off, this indicates a problem with the CAT 5
connection or with the RAD. If the Enabled LEDs are flashing, this indicates that the physical RAD
model does not match the RAD model specified for this port in the Mongoose’s configuration.
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2 e CobraNet status indicators provide information about the Mongoose’s CobraNet connection.
ere are two sets of indicators for each CobraNet network – Primary and Secondary. Of course,
the secondary network indicators function only if you have implemented a secondary (or backup)
CobraNet network.
� In Use/Conductor LED (yellow) – indicates that the CobraNet port is in use, in other words
CobraNet packets are being sent or received by the Mongoose. If the Mongoose has autonegotiated to be the CobraNet Conductor, this LED flashes (indicating it is both in use and is the
Conductor). If you have connected both the primary and secondary CobraNet ports, only one of
your CobraNet networks will be active (or in use) at any given time, therefore, only one In Use/
Conductor indicator will be active.
� Link/Activity LED (green) – indicates the CobraNet network is connected, and flashes if there
is activity on the network. If the Mongoose is connected to another CobraNet device or network
switch but the Link LED is off, this indicates a problem with the connection. If you have connected
both the primary and secondary CobraNet ports, the Link LED for both ports should be on.
3 e Ethernet status indicators provide information about the Mongoose’s Ethernet connection.
� Comm LED (yellow) – flashes when the Mongoose is sending or receiving network packets to or
from the Mongoose Tracker software.
� Link LED (green) – indicates if the Ethernet network is connected. If the Mongoose is connected
to an Ethernet network but the Link LED is off, this indicates a problem with the connection.
Note: If an installation does not include an Ethernet network, this indicator is relevant only when
you connect a computer directly to the Mongoose. If the connection is working properly, the Link
LED lights up.
4 e remaining indicators on the front panel are the Locate and Power LEDs:
� Locate LED – flashes green when you place this device in Locate Mode (via the Mongoose Tracker
software). e purpose of this locate functionality is for verification, when working in the software,
of the physical device you are configuring or viewing. is is helpful when you are working with
multiple Mongoose devices. For more information about this functionality, see the software help
system.
� Power LED – indicates the Mongoose is powered on.
10
Rear Panel Description
ONGOOS
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MONGOOSE
Installation Manual
MADE
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THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH
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AUDIO TX
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7 8
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
REMOTE AUDIO DEVICESETHERNETETHERNET REMOTE AUDIO DEVICES
Figure 2: Rear panel of the Mongoose
1 Power IEC jack – connects to AC line voltage, 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz.
2 e Power and Locate LEDs on the back panel serve the same purpose as those on the front.
3 e Ethernet Link LED on the back panel serves the same purpose as the one on the front. e
Ethernet LAN LED flashes when the Mongoose detects any Ethernet packets on the network.
4 e CobraNet LEDs (In Use/Conductor and Link/Activity) on the back panel serve the same purpose
as those on the front.
5 e Remote Audio Devices LEDs on the back panel serve a different purpose from the ones on the
front. e front panel LEDs provide information about signal activity on each audio channel. e back
panel LEDs indicate the health of the CAT 5 connection between each RAD and the Mongoose. Just
as on the front panel, these LEDs are numbered 1 through 8 which correspond to the numbered ports
on the device. Each LED corresponds with one twisted pair within the CAT 5 cable. If the twisted pair
is functioning properly, the LED displays a solid green light.
� Audio Rx LED – lights solidly if the Mongoose’s receive pair is working properly.
� Audio Tx LED – lights solidly if the Mongoose’s transmit pair is working properly.
� Comm LED – lights solidly if the RAD’s data communications pair is working properly.
� Power LED – lights solidly if the Mongoose is supplying adequate power to the RAD port.
6 Ethernet port – used to connect the Mongoose to an Ethernet switch or directly to a computer. Note
that this Ethernet port contains auto-MDIX functionality, which means that if you connect directly
from this port to a computer, you can use either a standard Ethernet patch cable or a crossover cable to
make the connection. e auto-MDIX functionality takes care of coordinating the proper connection
between the devices.
7 CobraNet ports – used to connect the Mongoose to another CobraNet-enabled device or to a network
switch. Use the Primary port to connect your primary CobraNet network. If you have a backup
CobraNet network, connect the Mongoose to it using the Secondary port. Both ports have the same
Media Access Control (MAC) address. Note that the CobraNet ports do NOT contain auto-MDIX
functionality. erefore, if you use this port to connect the Mongoose directly to another CobraNet
device, you MUST use a crossover cable.
8 Remote Audio Devices ports – used to connect each RAD to the Mongoose via a standard CAT5
cable. You must use a standard Ethernet patch cable for this connection.
11
MONGOOSE
Remote Audio Ports
CobraNet
Primary
Secondary
32 x 32
Audio Router
RX 2 Bundles, 16 Channels
TX 2 Bundles, 16 Channels
AES3 RX (x8), 16 Channels
AES3 TX (x8), 16 Channels
CobraNet
Hardware
Chip
Remote
Audio
Tranceivers
Remote
Audio
Tranceivers
Remote
Audio
Tranceivers
Remote
Audio
Tranceivers
Remote
Audio
Tranceivers
Remote
Audio
Tranceivers
Remote
Audio
Tranceivers
Front Panel Indicators
Rear Panel Indicators
Ethernet
Ethernet
MAC/Phys
LED Display
Controller
Ethernet
MAC/Phys
Controller
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Ethernet
MAC/Phys
Remote
Audio
Tranceivers
Port
Power
Supply
8
In Use /
Conductor
Link /
Activity
Primary Secondary
Ethernet Remote Audio Devices
1
Locate
Power
Lan
Link
Comm
Power
Audio TX
Audio RX
Locate
Power
876532 4
1
Remote Audio Devices 1-8
In
Overload
Signal
Enabled
2
Ethernet
Out
Comm
Link
1 2
CobraNet
®
In Use /
Conductor
Link /
Activity
Primary Secondary
CobraNet
®
2 digital audio channels (Rx)
2 digital audio channels (Tx)
Data communications (COMM)
Power: 24 VDC & ground
Installation Manual
Mongoose Block Diagram
12
Figure 3: Block diagram of the Mongoose
MONGOOSE
2 digital audio channels (Rx)
2 digital audio channels (Tx)
Data communications (COMM)
Power: 24 VDC & ground
RAD NETWORK
CAT 5 CABLE
CONTENTS
Installation Manual
Remote Audio Devices
e primary purpose of a Remote Audio Device (RAD) is to amplify, digitize, and transmit a digital
audio signal via CAT 5 cable to a Mongoose host device. RADs can also receive a digital signal from the
Mongoose and then convert it to analog before sending it to its attached audio equipment. RADs are
capable of transmitting and receiving up to four channels of digital audio (two in each direction). Rane
offers various RAD models, some of which handle a maximum of two channels.
In addition to transmitting digital audio, the CAT 5 cable that connects the RAD to the Mongoose also
provides power to the RAD and a path for data communications. is makes it possible to control the
RAD’s configuration settings, view status information, and update a RAD’s firmware – all from the host
Mongoose. e following picture illustrates how the four twisted pairs within the CAT 5 cable are utilized:
Figure 4: Purpose of each CAT 5 twisted pair
e orange pair is reserved for data communications between the RAD and the Mongoose. Data
communications is needed for such things as sending configuration information from the Mongoose to
the RAD, sending firmware updates from the Mongoose to the RAD, and sending status information from
the RAD to the Mongoose.
NOTE: Configuration information for a specific RAD (for example, LED intensity, microphone sensitivity,
and RAD and channel names) is stored in the Mongoose, not in the RAD. is makes it easy to swap in a
new RAD, if necessary, without losing configuration data.
e green pair carries two channels each of balanced, differential, digital audio. Rx refers to audio that the
RAD receives from the Mongoose.
e blue pair carries two channels each of balanced, differential, digital audio. Tx refers to audio that the
RAD sends to the Mongoose.
e brown pair provides 24 VDC power and ground for the RAD. is is obviously the wire you should
check if it appears a RAD is not receiving power.
13
MONGOOSE
MICROPHONE MICROPHONE
RAD1
SIG / OL
AUDIO RX AUDIO TXPOWER COMM
SIG / OL
1
2
3
4
MIICRCRCRCRCOPOPOH
SIG / O
5
6
0
9
8
7
POWEPOWEPOWE
PHON
E
G
/ OL
L
DI
O TXO TX
CRRRRXRXRXRRAUAUO O
SIG / OL green if an audio signal is detected, red light during signal overload.
Analog Audio Connection
Removable Locking Tab
Custom Label Slot
POWER green when the RAD is receiving power, red if the voltage is low.
COMM green if the communications pair is detected, red if there is a problem. AUDIO Rx green when the pair for receiving audio is OK, red if there is a problem.
AUDIO Tx green when the pair for transmitting audio is OK, red if there is a problem.
Light sensor detects the light in the room and dims or brightens all LEDs appropriately.
All four LEDs ashing green during Locate mode in Mongoose Tracker to verify location.
All four LEDs ashing red indicate a mismatch between the RAD and the conguration.
Installation Manual
Typical RAD Front Panel
Figure 7: Remote Audio Device
1 Label – a location on the RAD for inserting a custom label of the input, output or channel number
associated with the corresponding jack. See "Generating RAD Labels" on page 34 for details.
2 XLR tab – push tab for releasing a microphone cable. If you wish to remove this tab, see page 25.
3 Input/Output jacks – the actual jacks to which you connect the appropriate audio device(s). e jacks
differ based on the RAD model.
4 SIG/OL LED – displays a green light when an audio signal is detected, displays a red light when the
channel is experiencing a signal overload.
5 Power LED – displays solid green when the RAD is receiving power, turns solid red if the voltage
received is lower that expected.
6 Comm LED – displays solid green when the RAD detects the communication pair of wires and
communication is established between the Mongoose and RAD. e LED displays solid red if the
RAD cannot communicate with the Mongoose, likely due to a communication pair wiring problem.
7 Audio Rx LED – displays solid green when the RAD detects that the pair of wires for receiving audio
is functioning properly, regardless of the RAD model, displays red if there is a problem.
8 Audio Tx LED – displays solid green if communication with the Mongoose has been established and
the Mongoose informs the RAD of the Tx Audio lock. e light displays solid red, if there is a problem
communicating with the RAD or if there is a problem with the Audio Tx pair of wires.
9 Light sensor – detects the amount of light in the room and dims or brightens all LEDs appropriately.
If the room where the RAD is installed is very dark and the “Allow LEDs to turn off” option is enabled,
the LEDs will go completely dark. If this is the case and you need to see the lights, simply shine a light
(from a flashlight or some other source) on the RAD. Note that you cannot permanently turn these
lights off manually. is is by design. We wanted to avoid the possibility of anyone thinking the RAD
is defective (because the power light is off) and attempting to replace it unnecessarily.
14
MONGOOSE
+ –
+
2.25” (57 mm)
front of mounting plate to
back of minimum box depth
1.125”
(28.58 mm)
back of RJ-45
jack to back
of RAD
1.8125”
(46.04 mm)
front of
mounting plate
to back of RAD
Decora plate
RAD
RJ-45 (8P8C) jack for the CAT 5 cable
Euroblock connectors to use if paralleling microphone jacks
1
2
1
2
Installation Manual
0 Locate mode (all four flashing green) – Mongoose Tracker software has a feature to verify the physical
location of a specific RAD or Mongoose. When you place a RAD in Locate mode, the Power, Comm,
Audio Tx, and Audio Rx LEDs on the front of the corresponding RAD flash green. e flashing
continues until you cancel the request in the software, place another RAD in Locate mode, interrupt
the connection between the computer and the Mongoose, disconnect the RAD, or power cycle the
Mongoose.
Mismatch mode (all four flashing red) – When a RAD is connected to a RAD port on the back of
a Mongoose device a comparison is made between the physical RAD model and the RAD model
specified for this port in the Mongoose’s configuration. If there is a mismatch the Power, Comm, Audio
Tx, and Audio Rx LEDs on the front of the corresponding RAD flash red.
Following is an illustration of the back and side of a typical RAD:
1 RJ-45 (8P8C) jack for the CAT 5 cable.
2 Euroblock connectors to use if paralleling microphone jacks
(Disclaimer: As it is poor design to plug two microphones into a single microphone input, we do not
recommend this practice. If, however, you have a situation that warrants it, proceed with caution. We
recognize that paralleling microphone jacks can lower the cost of your audio system.)
NOTE: RADs are hot-swappable. In other words, you can replace a RAD without having to power down
the system. e Mongoose automatically detects the new RAD and configures it using the configuration
data stored in the Mongoose. If the configured RAD and the physical RAD do not match, the Mongoose
front panel Enabled LEDs for this RAD flash yellow. At the same time, the RAD’s Power, Comm, Audio
Rx and Audio Tx flash red during a mismatch.
Figure 6: Behind a RAD
15
MONGOOSE
Installation Manual
Mongoose Tracker Software
e Mongoose Tracker allows you to configure and troubleshoot the RADs and Mongoose devices in your
audio system. e software is shipped with the Mongoose product. It is also available free-of-charge on
the Rane website. To run the software, you must have Microsoft Windows® 7, XP (SP2 or higher), or Vista
on your computer. To communicate with your Mongoose audio system, you must connect your computer
to the appropriate network switch or use a standard Ethernet patch cable (or a crossover cable) to connect
it directly to a Mongoose.
Using the Mongoose Tracker, you configure each Mongoose RAD port with the RAD model that should
be connected to it. You also configure various settings for each RAD, for the Mongoose itself, and for the
CobraNet network. One of the key configuration tasks is to set up the audio routing for your Mongoose
system. You do this using the audio routing matrix that appears in the Mongoose Tracker’s main window.
More detailed information about the audio routing matrix is available in the Mongoose Design Manual
and in the Mongoose Tracker help system.
In addition to configuring the Mongoose components and the audio routing, the software is a valuable
tool for troubleshooting any issues that may arise. Although you can determine a lot from the hardware
status indicators, the software allows you to drill down and pinpoint the problem with greater accuracy.
16
Figure 7: Mongoose Tracker main window
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