Rane RPM 26 User Manual

OPERATORS MANUAL RPM 26
DSP MULTIPROCESSOR
QUICK START
If you don’t read all of this document, you risk setting up your system improperly. But at least read this section and the Input Trim section on page Manual-12. Paying careful attention to your system’s gain structure and setting the RPM’s Input Trim properly are essential in maximizing the noise performance of your entire system. (See the enclosed RaneNote “Setting Sound System Level Controls”.) Once you’re done reading and memorizing the manual, please recycle the paper it is printed on by reconing an old speaker. If RaneWare has not yet been installed on your computer, refer to STEP BY STEP RANEWARE INSTALLATION on page Manual-2 first.
Leave the audio connections on the RPM 26 until last. Connect the RW 232 INPUT jack on the unit’s rear to a serial (COM) port on a PC-compatible computer using a standard 9-pin RS-232 cable. A short one is supplied with the unit, which is intended to connect between units in a rack. The cable and adapter must not be a null-modem type.
Locate the RW 232 DEVICE ADDRESS switch on the rear panel. If this unit is to be used by itself, set the switch to ‘1’ by setting all switches off (down), except switch one (labeled ‘1’ on the chassis, the right-most switch when viewed from the rear). If there is more than one unit, refer to Device Address Calculator in the software’s Help system or run the included Device Address Calculator software and set a unique address for each unit.
Apply power by connecting the RS 3 remote supply’s 5-pin DIN jack to the rear of the unit, then connect the IEC end to a powered AC outlet. CAUTION: Do not connect anything but an approved RANE power supply to this jack. If the RS 3 and the RPM 26 are getting power, the yellow front panel POWER LED will be on.
Start your computer, run Windows®, and launch RaneWare by double-clicking on the RaneWare™ umbrella icon. (See the next page for software installation instructions.) The Help file’s Software License Agreement appears the first time RaneWare is run — read it all and close it. Then the System Setup window may appear. If it doesn’t, select System Setup from the Setup menu. Be careful to select the COM port which is physically connected to the RPM 26. Click OK. Now, the Device Selection window may appear. If it doesn’t, choose Select from the Device menu. Click on
Poll and the Devices Found: displays the units found. Click the Stop button to stop Polling. Select the unit from the Device Selection window and click OK. If no unit was found, please refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING section at the
end of this manual or in the software’s Help system.
Several clues indicate communication between the computer and the RPM 26. The yellow COM (communications) LED on the front of the unit flashes or stays on. The Memory numbers (1-16) near the top of the computer screen will be black rather than gray. The Active indicator at the bottom left of the computer screen will be green.
Important Note: The RPM 26 contains many insightful, preprogrammed DSP Programs. Each “fixed” DSP Program can be thought of as a unique “system setup,” i.e., 2-way crossover system, 3-way system, 2 x 6 splitter, etc. Each of the 16
Memories can contain a different DSP Program. Before connecting the RPM 26 to the other audio components in your system, it is wise to choose and store the appropriate DSP Program for your system in all 16 Memories. This avoids the problem of accidentally recalling a Memory that restores an undesired DSP Program, such as the case where you recall from a 3-way DSP Program to a splitter: this sends full-range audio to all Outputs!
Once the proper DSP Program is stored in the RPM’s memories, audio connections can be made. Turn the amplifier(s) off until all connections are complete. Connect balanced audio INPUTS and OUTPUTS to the Euroblocks on the rear.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
RaneWare works under Microsoft Windows 3.1 or Windows 95®, on a PC or laptop with an unused serial port. Recommended optimum system: 486 or higher with at least 16 colors. Monochrome displays work, though adjustment of the gray scaling is necessary for optimum viewing.
RW 232, RaneWare’s protocol, uses a DB-9 cable less than 50 feet long, connecting from the serial port of a com­puter to the RPM 26 communications Input port. No interface boxes are required; just a cable and your computer.
RaneWare can be fully demonstrated and used without an actual RPM 26 attached. Simply select the OFFLINE
RPM 26 or any other OFFLINE unit under Select in the Device menu.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. RaneWare is a registered trademark of Rane Corporation.
A RaneWare 3½" floppy comes with each unit. Installa­tion is simple, using the instructions below. The latest version is downloadable 24 hours a day from Rane’s Internet site:
http://www.rane.com.
Note: If you have previously
installed an older version of RaneWare and you just received a new RPM 26 unit, you must reinstall the new version of RaneWare that was shipped with your unit. Use of an old version will not work and could be a leading cause of halitosis.
Manual-1
FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION
1. Signal/Overload. These multi-color LEDs indicate the presence of a significant audio Signal (green) or Overload conditions
(red). Both Input and Output indicators are provided for signal flow verification without a computer. The Inputs’ Signal LEDs are driven from an analog comparator circuit prior to the input level control. All other LEDs are controlled from the microprocessor.
The Output LEDs cycle yellow from left to right during power up and when the unit is loading a new DSP Program. All
outputs are muted during DSP Program changes.
If Output 1 or 2 is flashing, something has gone wrong. See TROUBLESHOOTING on page Manual-21.
2. COM (yellow, communications) flashes when a message for the unit is successfully received. This LED flashes often when
communicating with the computer, since metering messages are continually requested by the computer. The COM LED may flash so often it may appear to be constantly on. There is also a brief flash whenever the Remote Switch Interface is used.
3. POWER indicates that the unit is connected to a powered RS 3 remote supply.
RPM 26 CONNECTION
When connecting the RPM 26 in your system, leave its
power supply and the amplifiers for last. This gives you a
chance to correct mistakes before damage is done to your amps, speakers, ears, etc. Also, be sure to read the Important Note in the QUICK START section on page Manual-1.
The RPM 26 has balanced Inputs and Outputs, with shields connected to the chassis through three #4 serrated screws on the rear. Keep these screws tight for the best possible shield-to-chassis connections. The RS-232 cable shields connect to the chassis through the four nuts and star washers that the cable screws into. Be sure to screw down RS­232 cables to guarantee good shield connections. The chassis
and the audio signal ground are connected together inter­nally at the audio Input screw terminal. The RPM 26 chassis
connects through the RS 3 power supply cables to the earth ground (3rd pin) of the 100 and 120 VAC line cords. A 6-32 screw and star washer are also provided on the unit’s rear if a technical ground connection is needed. This chassis connec­tion is also recommended for 230V operation. Connect the non-inverting (positive) audio lines to the ‘+’ terminals, and the inverting (negative) lines to the ‘–’ terminals. Connect the cable shields to the center terminal on the Euroblock. For those installations where the RPM’s internal shield-to-chassis connection causes interference, connect the shields directly to the chassis PEM nuts directly above each shield terminal. Be sure to bite through the paint with the star washer and keep the shields wrapped around the audio conductors as much as possible. For the “theoretical” best ElectroMagnetic Interfer­ence (EMI) immunity, connect the shields at both ends of the cables. (For more information on System Connections, see RaneNote 110, “Sound System Interconnection” later in this manual or on Rane’s Internet Web site at www.rane.com.)
For those systems where Murphy and his EMI pests have
arisen or for those who wish not to tempt fate, the RPM 26 accepts optional line level input isolation transformers (Rane part number 150-010). Call your nearest Rane dealer for more information on the optional transformers.
To control the unit from a computer, use 9-pin RS-232
cables which are 50 feet or shorter. The cable and adapter must not be a null-modem type. A short cable is supplied for connecting adjacent units. Daisy-chain up to 250 units by connecting the computer COM port to the RW 232 INPUT connector on the first unit. Then connect the unit’s RW 232 OUTPUT connector to the next unit’s RW 232 INPUT.
The DEVICE ADDRESS switch identifies each unit with an ‘address’, and must be set uniquely for each unit. The switches form a binary code from 0 through 255. Only the numbers 1 through 250 may be used. The place values of each switch are marked on the rear panel. The switch itself may have numbers printed on it; these should be ignored. To set a specific address, refer to the SETTING THE DEVICE ADDRESS section on page Manual-22 or run the Address Calculator software included with RaneWare.
The REMOTE SWITCH INTERFACE (RSI) provides contact closure control for up to eight preset memories. No computer is required after the initial setup. There are nine screw terminals; one is the common chassis ground (COM), and the other eight are for Memories 1 through 8. Connection of one of these to the COM terminal causes the unit to recall a preset Memory. Multiple units may be controlled by connect­ing these terminals in parallel. Either momentary or latching switches may be used. A latching switch should only close one contact at a time. If an RSI switch configuration changes while the power is off, Memory recall results upon power-up — since the RPM checks for changes to the RSI port each time power is restored.
Manual-2
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
1. Chassis Ground Point This 6-32 screw and star washer have three purposes:
A. Chassis ground when needed. The RPM 26 chassis connects through
the RS 3 power supply cables to earth ground (3rd pin) of the 100V and 120V AC line cord.
B. It can also provide a technical ground connection if needed, (highly
recommended for 230V use).
C. It is also the attachment point for the RS 3 captivation bracket. (See
#2 below.)
2. Remote POWER jack is for connection to a Rane RS 3 power supply.
A. With the AC power disconnected, insert the RS 3 DIN plug into this
jack.
B. Attach the included RS 3 captivation bracket to the Chassis Ground
Point (#1 above). Install the star washer between the bracket and the Chassis (especially if you are using this point as a technical ground). The star washer helps guarantee a reliable electrical connec­tion to the RPM 26’s chassis metal by biting through the non-conductive paint.
C. Now the unit is ready for AC power. To power the RPM 26 up and down, it is wiser to cycle the AC power cord, rather
than to unplug and plug the DIN jack.
3. DEFAULT switch recalls Memory 1. This may be useful in case of computer failure and duplicates the function of the number ‘1’ Remote Memory Switch—without the need for an external switch (See Signal/Overload on page Manual-2).
4. REMOTE SWITCH INTERFACE (RSI) provides the ability to recall one of 8 Memories using contact closures. The front panel COM LED flashes briefly whenever the RSI switch configuration changes. Since each memory can contain a different DSP Program (i.e., a 2-way crossover in one memory, 3-way in another), in a fixed installation, be sure that all memories contain the appropriate DSP Programs for your system. This avoids the problem of accidentally recalling a memory which could be detrimental to the system. On the other hand, this feature is useful in rental systems, for example, where fixed DSP Programs can be stored in various memories requiring only an RSI wiring alteration to change the signal processing from a 2-way to a 3-way system.
5. RW 232 OUTPUT connects to the RW 232 INPUT on other Rane RW 232 units.
6. RW 232 INPUT connects to the computer’s COM port, or to the RW 232 OUTPUT of the previous Rane RW 232 unit.
7. RW 232 DEVICE ADDRESS identifies each unit uniquely by assigning it a number from 1 to 250. Refer to the Device
Address Table on page Manual-22 or the RaneWare Address Calculator software for binary switch positions.
8. Balanced Outputs. No surprises here. Connect balanced audio connections as in RPM 26 CONNECTION on the previous page.
9. Balanced Inputs. Connect balanced audio connections per the RPM 26 CONNECTION section on the previous page.
FCC NOTICE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B 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 communications. Operation of the equipment in a residen­tial area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at their own expense. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Rane Corporation could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
CANADIAN EMC NOTICE
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of
the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet Appariel numerique de la classe B respecte toutes les
exigences du Reglement sur le material broilleur du Canada.
Manual-3
STEP BY STEP RANEWARE INSTALLATION
1. If you have the RaneWare 3.5" floppy disk, insert it in your drive.
2. In Windows 3.1 Program Manager, under File, select Run.... On the Command Line:, type A:\install. (Use the drive
letter that matches your 3.5" drive, some systems use B: instead.) Click OK. Installation begins.
3. In Windows 95, from the Start menu, select Run.... Under Open:, type A:\install. Click OK. This starts installation.
4. If you downloaded RaneWare from the web, decompress the RaneWare .zip file first. Locate the now uncompressed install.exe file and run it. Installation proceeds.
SOFTWARE OPERATION
STARTING RANEWARE
If RaneWare has not yet been installed on your computer, refer to STEP BY STEP RANEWARE INSTALLATION above. Once the software is installed, a RaneWare Program Group is created with four icons. One icon each for the RaneWare application, Help, Address Calculator, and Manual. The RaneWare umbrella icon launches device control, Help provides extensive on-line assistance, the Address Calculator software makes selecting RW 232 device addresses easy and the Manual icon contains the manual for the RPM 26 and the other RW232 products.
When the Device Control software is first run, RaneWare’s Help screen displays Rane’s Software License Agreement. The License Agreement is contained in the Help file, so you can continue to browse for helpful details before continuing. Once you’ve read the License Agreement, close the Help file. After you’ve selected a Com port, subsequent activations do not bring up the Help screen unless you ask for it. Now let’s get on with the program. Double-click the RaneWare umbrella icon.
Welcome to RaneWare! A splash screen displays for a few seconds, then the Device Select window or an RW 232 Device Edit screen appears. To try the software without a unit hooked up, select the OFFLINE RPM 26 and click OK or to control a real RPM, click Poll, and polling for units begins. This process checks if any units are connected to the serial port. If a Device is found, you are in control! If you
have a device hooked up and it is not found, read the TROUBLESHOOTING section on page Manual-21 or see the Help file.
There are multiple RaneWare products available from the RaneWare software screen. They include the RPM 26, the RPE 228, a 2-channel, one-third octave equalizer, and the ECS line of Engineered Conference Systems products for teleconferencing and distance learning applications.
RW 232 BASICS OVERVIEW
All RW 232 devices, including the RPM 26, contain a “current” or working memory (memory zero) and 16 addi­tional memories where the current settings may be stored and recalled. All of these memories exist inside the device, not inside the computer controlling the device. Thus, if the computer crashes, the unit continues to operate and keeps its current settings. If the unit loses power, all current settings are saved and automatically recalled upon power up — unless
an RSI contact switch has changed positions while the power was off, then it recalls the selected RSI memory.
The Windows screens perform the traditional function of a front panel, displaying and editing the device’s settings. For example, the Store button tells the unit to copy its current settings (Memory zero) into a specific memory number (let’s say, Memory 4).
Use the RaneWare Button Bar to store and recall memo­ries. (See THE RANEWARE BUTTON BAR section on page Manual-10 for more details.)
Devices can also be given custom names, tailored to your installation. Simply choose Name Device from the Device menu (see page Manual-9).
If your installation changes by adding more units, choose Device|Select, and the POLL button to make the computer recognize new units in the system.
When multiple units are connected, assign each unit a unique Device Address number. Rane provides a special calculator to assist in setting the DIP switches on the back of each unit. In the RaneWare Program Group, launch the RaneWare Address Calculator. This binary calculator converts decimal numbers into corresponding DIP switch settings and vice-versa.
SECURITY
The RPM can be operated on a daily basis either through a computer or through the contact closures. To preserve preset security during computer operation, each device can be locked (under Device|Lock Device), and a password can be assigned (under System|Change Password). The default password is please. Passwords are case insensitive, therefore, PlEASe, pLEasE, PLEASE and please are all equivalent.
With a device locked, no settings can be changed; only preset memories can be recalled. Presets can be customized with names (through System, Site Control Panel Setup). Each memory can have a logical name. The Site Control Panel is all an operator needs to see to recall memories. If
Manual-4
only a few presets are required, deleting the name entry in the Site Control Panel Setup removes the button from the Site Control Panel, reducing the number of buttons. A password is not required to operate the RPM from the Site Control Panel.
If more than 16 memories are needed, they can be saved to disk and recalled later. For mobile sound trucks, presets for a particular venue can be saved to disk and loaded when returning to that venue. Printouts of device data and graphs are available for those who still like to file paper. These can be kept in the project documentation. (Use Print Device Report found in the Device menu.)
SELECTING A DEVICE
The quickest way to get to the RPM 26 Device Edit screen, if it is not already displayed, is to click the Device button on the far right side of the Button Bar. When you press it, a menu pops up that shows a list of the first fifteen con­nected devices from the most recent Poll and an offline version of each RW 232 device. Click one of the RPM 26 devices—either the OFFLINE RPM 26 or an actual device— and the RPM’s Device Edit screen appears.
Alternatively, after Polling for units, the same device list appears in the Device Select window. Select the OFFLINE RPM 26 device or, if a connected unit was found, select it from the list and click OK. Each unit’s Device Address will be displayed within brackets [1] to the left of the device name. Double-clicking on the device name is equivalent to selecting the device and clicking OK.
THE RANEWARE SCREEN
The RaneWare computer screen for the RPM 26 provides an overall “system” picture of the available signal processing functions. This screen (shown below) is called the Device Edit screen. The RaneWare screen also contains a Button Bar and typical Windows pull-down Menus. The RaneWare screen gives you complete control of all signal processing functions as well as access to all system-level controls such as COM port selection and the Site Control Panel that recalls memories stored in multiple RW 232 devices.
The “system” picture in each Device Edit screen contains groups of independent signal processing “blocks” called DSP Programs. The number of the loaded DSP Program appears in the upper left corner, in this case, DSP Program: 3.
Each of these DSP Programs contains many processing blocks. For example, each has at least one Input Trim block, an A/D block with a dual-color Signal present and overload indicator, Delay blocks, and so on. The RPM 26 contains many variations of these user-selectable DSP Programs— which are covered in more detail later in this manual.
RaneWare computer screens always display at a specific size on the screen, optimized for typical laptop computer screen resolutions. This makes it possible to view and control multiple screens when your graphics resolution allows.
Manual-5
RANEWARE MENUS
There are three RaneWare pull-down Menus. The System menu for “system-level” controls that apply to the computer or all connected RW 232 devices. The Device menu for device-specific control and the Help menu for on­line help.
SYSTEM MENU
These menu commands apply to all connected RW 232 devices and contain the following menu items:
System|Change Password displays this screen:
System|System Setup displays this screen:
The Serial Port radio buttons on the left tell the computer which Com port is being used to “speak” to the connected RW 232 unit(s). The Offline radio button permits use of the software without connecting a unit. To operate an RW 232 unit, you must select the Com (serial) port that is physically connected to the unit. This screen is also displayed the first time you start RaneWare or after erasing the RW232.INI file from your Windows directory.
Most laptop computers have a built in mouse. If you use an external mouse with your laptop, you may need to use the built in mouse if your laptop does not have two serial ports— one for the mouse and a second for the RW 232 unit.
Check the Show Memory Names check box to display the Memory names in the RaneWare Button Bar whenever the mouse is on top of a Memory recall button. Memory names are edited in the Site Control Panel Setup window. (See Site Control Panel Setup below.)
The Remote to RPD 1 check box is only used with Rane’s RPD 1 product. Check this box only if you are using
an RPD 1 to remotely communicate with an RW 232 system. When this box is checked, no communication with local RW 232 devices is possible. See Dial and Hang up below for more
RPD 1 details.
This window allows you to change the password. The default password set by the factory at the time the software ships is please. Passwords are case insensitive, therefore, PlEASe, pLEasE, PLEASE and please are all equivalent. Type the old password in the Old Password edit box, then type the new one in the New Password box. Click OK. Then be sure to note the new password somewhere, preventing future embar­rassment.
Certain commands such as Lock Device (see page Manual-9) or exiting from the Site Control Panel require the correct password before they will execute.
Important Note: The computer stores the password, not the units. Therefore, it is wise to think of the RW 232 pass­word as the computer’s password, not as each individual system’s password. This makes it easier to remember the password since it will be the same for every installation where you remove the computer once the system is set up. This also provides the flexibility to have unique passwords for those installations where a dedicated computer is left on site to operate the system. If you return to an installation with locked devices, and do not have the same computer used to initially lock the devices, you will only need to know the computer’s password, not the original password used to lock the devices.
System|Edit Installation Info
This selection allows you to enter the Project name, installation Site and System Engineer for a given project. All of these are printed on the Device Report printouts. Click in the edit box or hold the Alt key and press the underlined character to type new names.
System|Dial and System|Hang up
These selections are only used with Rane’s RPD 1 product. The RPD 1 is a telephone interface which, when used with an external modem, allows remote diagnostics of RW 232, AMX or Crestron systems. Thus, from the office, a system designer can call a properly equipped remote system to view and control that system’s RW 232 settings.
Manual-6
Similar to the password, the Site Installation Info is stored in the computer, not in each unit. The Site Installation Info is also stored with backup memories when you save a unit’s memories to a file.
System|Site Control Panel Setup
RaneWare’s Site Control Panel (shown at right) is a sound system re-configuration screen. It works by telling all connected Rane RW 232 devices to switch immediately to a designated memory that you have programmed in each unit. Use the Site Control Panel Setup window (above) to customize the Site Control Panel’s Title and Memory names.
There are 16 buttons available to use and each can be renamed according to their assigned configuration. Initially, the buttons are named Memory 1, Memory 2, etc., through Memory 16. On the example screen above, you see that Memory 1 is renamed Full House, Memory 2 to Half House, Memory 3 to Empty House and so on.
A corresponding button will not appear on the Site Control Panel if its name has been deleted. Thus panels can be created with as few as 2 or as many as 16 buttons.
RaneWare also allows you to assign a unique title to the Site Control Panel window. Thus, instead of the default title, it could be Hotel Meeting Room Configurations or Sunday
Services. In this example, we’ve used Indigo Montolla Fencing Club.
Note: You may also press the Tab key to move the focus (i.e., the dotted line around the button) to the configuration button you want, press the Enter key, then type the new name.
If you check the System Exclusive box, a user will not be able to task-switch (Alt-Tab) away from the Site Control Panel to other Windows applications.
If you check the Auto Start box, the Site Control Panel will automatically appear each time you start the RaneWare program. Otherwise, the panel appears in the last mode you were in. If you were in the Device Edit screen when you exited the program, Device Edit mode appears the next time you run RaneWare. Likewise, if you exit from the Site Control Panel, it appears next time you start the program. Microsoft Windows can also be set up to start RaneWare automatically by dragging the RaneWare program icon from the RaneWare Group to the Windows Startup Group. Refer to your Microsoft Windows manual for detailed instructions.
Important Note: The names you assign become the memory names associated with each RW 232 device on line, regardless of the type of device (RPM 26, RPE 228, ECS Teleconferencing system, etc.). If you set up the button
corresponding to memory number 1 to represent a particular sound system configuration, make sure memory number 1 in each device in the system is pre-programmed appropriately for this particular sound system configuration.
System|Site Control Panel
The Site Control Panel is RaneWare’s sound system re­configuration screen. Depending upon how you set up the control panel (using Site Control Panel Setup), up to 16 buttons can be displayed and each can have a unique name representing a particular sound system configuration.
To operate the Site Control Panel, click on the desired configuration button with the mouse. Notice that its adjacent indicator illuminates red so you always know the current sound system configuration.
For Windows 3.1 users:
To exit the Site Control Panel and the RaneWare program click on the box in the upper left corner of the window. This displays Windows’ system menu from which you can choose Exit (Alt-F4). If you select Exit, you terminate the program upon entering the correct password. Double-clicking the box also exits RaneWare after entering the password.
To return to Device Edit mode, click on the box in the upper left corner of the window. This displays Windows’ system menu; choose Device Edit. Upon entering the correct password you return to the Device Edit screen .
Important Note For Windows 95 users:
While operating the Site Control Panel there is no button­box in the upper left corner for the system menu allowing you to either exit or return to the Device Edit screen. There is, however, a Close-Window button-box in the upper right corner. As expected, the Close-Window button-box exits the Site Control Panel, but unfortunately, it also quits the entire RaneWare program. To get back to the Device Edit screen,
right-click the mouse on the Site Control Panel title bar. This opens a menu (see picture above) allowing you to return to Device Edit mode or exit RaneWare altogether. As usual, a password is required for either option.
Manual-7
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