Renkus-Heinz RHAON User Manual

Download

Page 1

USERS MANUAL

Installation & Operating Instructions

RHAON Version 1.6

For All Renkus-Heinz RHAON-Empowered Loudspeaker Systems

Users of Renkus-Heinz Iconyx IC-R or IC Live digitally steered line arrays should refer to the

Owners Manual supplied with these arrays for detailed instructions on their setup and use.

Page 2

CAUTION

To reiterate the above warnings: servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the Operation Instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Eindrigliche Warnung: Wartungsvorschriften dienen nur der Benutzung durch qualifizieres Personal. Zur Vermeidung eines elektrischen Schlages keine anderen als die in den Betriebsvorschriften beschriebenen Wartungsarbeiten ausführen, es sei denn Sie sind dafür qualifiziert. Wartungsarbeiten auszuführen.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the use to the presence of uninsulated "Dangerous Voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to humans.

The exclamanation point, within an equilateral presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

VORSICHT

RISK OF ELECTRONIC SHOCK:

OPEN ONLY IF QUALIFIED AS

SERVICE PERSONNEL

GEFAHR EINES ELEKTRISCHEN SCHLAGES:

NUR VON QUALIFIZIEREM WARTUNGSPERSONAL

ZU ÖFFNEN

Der Blitz mit nach untenzielendem Pfeil in einem gleichseitigen Dreieck weist den Benutzer auf das Vorhandensein einer unisolierten, "gefährlichen Spannung" im Gehäuse hin, die stark genug sein kann, einer Person einen gefährlichen elektrischen Schlag zu versetzen.

Das Ausrufezeichen in einem gleichseitigen Dreieck weist den Benutzer auf wichtige Betriebs- und Wartungsvorschriften in den beiliegenden Unterlagen des Gerätes hin.

Erklärung der graphischen SymboleExplanation of Graphical Symbols

IMPORTANT

Your Iconyx Steerable Column Loudspeaker contains no user-serviceable parts and all service should be referred to

qualified service personnel.

Users Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

12. The AC Power Cord is the AC Mains disconnect.

13. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

14. Disconnect this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

15. 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.

“WARNING - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE”

“CAUTION: THESE SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR USE BY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING OTHER THAN THAT CONTAINED IN THE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO DO SO”.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions

5. Do not use this apparatus near water. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on it.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat 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. The wide blade or the 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 from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Make sure the power cord remains readily accessible at all times.

Page 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Shipping Inspection 4

Technical Support 4

Introduction To RHAON 5

RHAON Organization 6

Preparation 8

Computer Requirements 8 Software Installation 8 Customizing Your RHAON Workspace 10 Assigning a Static IP Address 11 Saving a Project 13

Connect Mode 14

Linking Software With Networked Loudspeakers 14 Assigning Digital & Analog Inputs 16 CobraNet Signal Routing 18

Control Mode 21

User Configurable DSP Functions 21 Saving Changes 23 All Loudspeakers Control 24 Group Control 25 Copy & Paste Shortcut 26

Supervise Mode 27

Event Logging & Notification 29 General Preferences 30 Password Protection 31

Appendix I

Audio Evacuation & Life Safety Functions 33

Appendix II:

RHAON Hardware Inputs, Outputs & Indicators 34

Appendix III

RHAON System Block Diagrams 36

Appendix IV:

Keeping Your RHAON Program Up-To-Date 39

Software Updates 39 Updating Microcontroller Firmware 41 Updating DSP Firmware 43

Servicing & Troubleshooting 45

Networking and RHAON Systems 46 Network Manager 48

Index 53

333

Users Manual

Page 4

SHIPPING INSPECTION

Congratulations on your purchase of a Renkus-Heinz RHAON Empowered loudspeaker system. We hope you enjoy it.

Your RHAON empowered loudspeaker was carefully tested and inspected before leaving our factory and should have arrived in perfect condition.

Please carefully inspect the shipping carton(s) and loudspeaker(s) for any noticeable damage, and if any damage is found, immediately notify the shipping company. Only you, the consignee, may institute a claim with the carrier for any damage incurred during shipping.

Be sure to save the carton(s) and all packing material for the carrier’s inspection. It is also a good idea to save the carton and packing material even though the loudspeaker arrived in good condition. If you should ever need to ship the loudspeaker, it should be shipped in its original factory packaging.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you have any questions about RHAON-Empowered Loudspeakers or encounter a problem designing, installing, setting up or operating a RHAON system, please call our technical support staff at 949-588-9997 and ask the operator for technical support on RHAON. Call Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

The latest information on RHAON Technical Support is always available online at http://www.renkus-heinz.com/support/software-support/rhaon/e-mail.html. You will also find a support request form at http://www.renkus-heinz.com/support/request-info/techinfo/index.html.

IMPORTANT

This manual was written for use with all Renkus-Heinz 2-way and 3-way self-powered loudspeakers and self-powered subwoofers. If you are working with a Renkus-Heinz ICONYX or IC Live digitally steered line array ,please refer to the Users Manual supplied with these arrays for detailed instructions on their setup and use.

If you will be controlling/supervising your RHAON empowered system with a laptop, do not close the laptop’s lid or allow

your laptop to go to sleep (hibernate) during operation. Some CobraNet components may not wake up from hibernation when your computer awakens. Your system will continue to operate normally until you attempt to change any of the settings. For example, until you attempt to change your Presets (they won’t load) or change your EQ settings and you can’t save them to the loudspeaker(s). Communications between your computer and the loudspeakers on the network have been disrupted by the malfunctioning CobraNet components. To prevent this set your laptop’s Hibernation / Sleep settings to “Never”.

Note that this does not affect normal operation. Your system will continue to operate normally until you try to change some of the settings. If this occurs or some other Windows

event causes the CobraNet components to malfunction, you will need to either Restart your computer or use the Windows Task Manager to return to normal operation. To use the Task Manager, close RHAON (and, if running, CobraNet Discovery) and use “Ctrl-Alt-Delete” to open the Task Manager. Select the “Processes” tab and look for ‘PACNDISCO.EXE’ and ‘PASSBRIDGE.EXE’ (Windows may shorten the names and add ‘~1’). Select them and click “End Process”. Then re-open RHAON.

344

Users Manual

Page 5

INTRODUCTION TO RHAON

Your digitally controlled RHAON empowered loudspeaker system.

RHAON

RHAON (“rayon”), the Renkus-Heinz Audio Operations Network, is the first practical system to combine digital audio distribution with precise control and supervision of self-powered loudspeakers. RHAON uses standard Ethernet hardware, advanced CobraNet technology and on-board DSP (digital signal processing) to turn self-powered Renkus-Heinz loudspeakers from “black boxes” into “smart boxes” that can respond to user input in real time.

Multi-dimensional RHAON technology lets you:

• Connect multiple loudspeakers with multiple channels of high quality digital audio via CobraNet; identify CobraNet devices and link them using an intuitive point-and-click interface.

• Control every RHAON-Empowered loudspeaker on the network, including Iconyx and IC Live steerable arrays and their beams. A computer running Windows-based RHAON software gives you password-protected access to the powerful DSP inside each RHAON hardware module.

• Supervise the entire system’s operation and performance over the network using RHAON software. Supervise mode includes logging and operator alert functions.

You can use all three RHAON modes, or any combination of them. For instance, each RHAON hardware module has dual analog inputs and a serial digital audio input (often called an AES/EBU input) along with redundant Ethernet connections.

Important Information

Your RHAON-Empowered Loudspeaker’s amplifier stores all onboard DSP settings, including the input source selection, in non-volatile memory. Analog Input 1 has been pre-selected at the factory so you can use the loudspeaker as an ordinary self-powered loudspeaker. Just connect a line level audio signal to the Analog Input 1, connect the AC power and turn the loudspeaker on. This input is always available for testing the loudspeaker and amplifier, regardless of the programmed input settings.

You will need a computer with a NIC (Network Interface Card) and Windows-based RHAON software to change the input selection or any of the other DSP settings. Once your DSP settings are stored in the loudspeaker’s non-volatile memory, the computer can be disconnected from the network. A computer is needed only when you want to change the settings or when you want to use the supervise feature.

Renkus-Heinz engineering has programmed the onboard DSP to optimize the loudspeaker’s performance and to ensure its safe operation. If you ever need to replace the loudspeaker amplifier, replace it only with another unit that has been factory programmed for the same loudspeaker. Contact our Technical Support Department for details and assistance.

Access Control Note

RHAON systems feature several levels of password-protected access control to prevent inadvertent or unauthorized changes of the control settings. Even when you connect a computer running RHAON software, you may be denied access to some or all of the Connect and Control mode functions, depending on how the access control system is configured. For further information on password protection refer to page 40 of this manual or contact the person responsible for the setup and tuning or commissioning of your system.

355

Users Manual

Page 6

RHAON ORGANIZATION: Three Fundamental Audio Operations

Before we go on, let’s take a look at the structure of RHAON. Audio operations comprise three fundamental areas that are necessary for the success of any sound system:

CONNECT

In a RHAON system there are both physical connections and network (software) connections. The physical connections are made using UTP cable meeting at least CAT5e standards and/or analog cables as well as AC power cords. Network connections are established in the software. You don’t have to make the two types in a particular order. RHAON software allows you to set up a “virtual system” and pre-configure and store the DSP settings for individual loudspeakers before the physical connections are made.

CONTROL

You can control many DSP parameters in real time, and/or pre-configure them in software prior to installation and make final adjustments during commissioning or setup.

SUPERVISE

RHAON allows both real-time supervision while the system is in use, and remote supervision with fault logging and operator alerts via e-mail, text messaging, etc.

At any time you can switch into any of the three RHAON modes using the Connect | Control | Supervise tool bar directly above the work space. You can also switch between the three modes using tabs inside the Loudspeaker Properties windows.

Users Manual

Page 7

TYPICAL PROJECT WORKFLOW

P R E P A R AT I O N

C O N N E C T

C O N T R O L

S U P E R V I S E

INSTALL RHAON

software under

Windows 2000,

Windows XP

CHOOSE BACKGROUND IMAGE

This can make it easier to see

where Groups and Loudspeakers

are in the venue

ADD VIRTUAL SPEAKERS

or scan network for actual

loudspeakers

GROUP VIRTUAL SPEAKERS

or group actual loudspeakers

found on your network

SET COMPUTERS

Static IP Address

SCAN THE NETWORK

RHAON assigns

IP Addresses as needed

ASSOCIATE VIRTUAL &

ACTUAL LOUDSPEAKERS

Drag from left panel,

drop on icon in right panel

SELECT DIGITAL and/or

ANALOG INPUTS

ROUTE COBRANET

CobraNet Source

Drag-and-Drop Tx/Rx links

EQUALIZATION

8-band parametric EQ,

hi-and lo-shelving

hi-pass and lo-pass

COMPRESSION

Threshold / Ratio

Attack / Release

Soft Knee / Trigger Point

DELAY 0 to 340 milliseconds @ 48 kHz 0 to 170 milliseconds @ 96 kHz

PRIORITY OVERRIDE

Attack / Release Threshold / Hold

Engage / Disengage

OPERATOR ALERTS

RHAON indicates problems

such as over temperature,

clipping or driver failure at

System, Group and Loudspeaker levels

DETAILED INFORMATION Just click through to the

loudspeaker’s Supervise screen

to identify the nature of the problem and take corrective

action

FAULT LOGGING

RHAON logs the fault

conditions you specify to a

ﬁle on your hard drive

OPERATOR NOTIFICATION

via e-mail or text message

(if your computer has a second

NIC with an Internet

connection)

MULTI-LEVEL PASSWORD

PROTECTION

restrict access to Connect and

Control functions

CONTROL PANEL

Conﬁgure Loudspeaker

Array

CABLING Ethernet

Serial Digital

Analog

AC Power

Users Manual

OPEN NETWORK MANAGER

To verify integrity of the

Ethernet network

Page 8

P R E P A R AT I O N

Software Installation

You need a Windows PC running RHAON software in order to maximize the performance of RHAON-Empowered loudspeakers and your RHAON system. You can use RHAON software during the design stage, for system setup, tuning and commissioning, and for remote control and supervision. You can disconnect the computer from the network after commissioning the system, if you or your client are not using RHAON’s system supervision capabilities.

RHAON software will run on any PC computer that meets or exceeds the following requirements.

Processor / Speed: Pentium / 800 MHz minimum (faster recommended, especially for large systems)

RAM: 256 MB minimum (more recommended, especially for large systems)

Interface: At least one Network Interface Card (NIC) with a 100 BaseT (100 MB/second) or faster

Ethernet Port; two NICs are needed if the computer will also be used to e-mail alerts

Operating System: Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 with either 32-bit or 64-bit processors

Associated Software: .NET Framework 3.5 or higher (supplied with RHAON installation CD)

Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher

To install the software insert the RHAON installation disk into the computer’s CD drive. The installation program should start automatically. During the installation you will need to select either the 32-bit or the 64-bit install RHAON 1.4 is downwards compatible

with earlier versions of RHAON Microcontroller and DSP firmware so you do not need to uninstall a previous version of RHAON before installing program version 1.4.. However, new program features may not function in loudspeakers running earlier versions of firmware.

If the installation program doesn’t, start automatically, go to your Start menu. Then select Settings/Control Panel & Add/Remove Programs. Click on Install to start the installation manually.

The RHAON Setup window shown below will open.

Click on Next to proceed to the next step. Then follow the screen prompts until the installation is complete.

During the installation you will be asked if you want to install the CobraNet Components. Answer “Yes”, even if you will not be using CobraNet digital audio distribution. These CobraNet files are needed by RHAON for control and supervision

The installation program will install RHAON in a Renkus-Heinz/Rhaon folder on your hard drive. It will not uninstall earlier versions of RHAON. Use Settings/Control Panel and Add/Remove to uninstall an earlier version, if you want to delete it. The RHAON Installer will put a RHAON Icon on your desktop. Double click on it to open RHAON. You should see the opening screen shown at the top of the next page.

Users Manual

Page 9

P R E P A R AT I O N

Be aware that the photo or drawing you import needs to be of approximately the proper size and shape before importing. If it is slightly to large, scroll bars that allow you to shift the picture up and down and to the right or left will appear. It it’s too small, blank space will surround it.

Users Manual

RHAON will warn you if your display settings may cause viewing problems. If you are using “Large Fonts,” we recommend you change to the default 96 DPI setting to avoid possible viewing problems.

The grey background with RHAON watermark can easily be changed to something more useful, such as a block diagram of your system or a photo of the venue. To change the background, go to the Options pull-down menu and select Background Image/Load Image. Then browse to the drawing or photo you want to use.

Customizing Your RHAON Workspace

Page 10

P R E P A R AT I O N

RHAON software can save you time at the job site by enabling you to set up a complete virtual loudspeaker system before you go to the site. When you get to the site, you connect your computer to the network, link the virtual loudspeakers with their real counterparts, and upload the settings to each individual loudspeaker.

Your loudspeaker system can include individual loudspeakers, groups of multiple loudspeakers, or a combination of both. Groups as well as individual loudspeakers can be controlled (turned On or Off, Muted, have their levels adjusted, and more) using your mouse. We recommend you consider using “Groups” in your designs. You can always control each individual loudspeaker, but quite often it’s more efficient to have them grouped together..

You begin designing a virtual system in the main RHAON window, which is divided into two sections. The left vertical panel lists all the available devices in a directory tree format. The larger section on the right displays loudspeaker icons and other specialized work areas: the All Loudspeakers icon represents your loudspeaker system. It functions as a “group: control for all the loudspeakers. If you need more space on the right, minimize the left hand section by clicking on the Close icon on its right edge.

Lets say we want to add nine ST4/64R loudspeakers to our system. Clicking on Add Virtual Device(s) in the top left toolbar opens an Add New Speakers window. Browse to find the loudspeaker model you want to add (ST4/64R in the example) and select it. Type a quantity (9 in our screen shot) into the Amount To Add field and click the Add button.

In the screen shot to the right, icons representing the nine ST4/64R loudspeakers have been added to the workspace and moved to their approximate location by grabbing them with the Mouse Cursor and moving them.

Our sample system also has six CF61R downfill loudspeakers, so add them to the virtual system using the same technique.

Now you can define initial DSP settings for your virtual loudspeakers. The DSP settings can then be uploaded to the actual loudspeakers once your computer has been connected to the loudspeaker network at the site.

Virtual System Design

Users Manual

Page 11

P R E P A R AT I O N

You can begin your preparation offline in a virtual environment, but to make a RHAON system operational you have to connect your computer to the RHAON Ethernet network and the RHAON empowered loudspeakers.

You need to associate the virtual loudspeakers you have created in RHAON with the actual loudspeakers installed in the system. The first step is to make sure your computer’s Network Interface Card (NIC) is setup properly.

Your computer must have a static IP address assigned to enable your computer to communicate with all the loudspeakers on the network.

Each device on the RHAON/CobraNet network must have a unique IP address in order to communicate. RHAON software can assign the IP addresses to your networked loudspeakers automatically.

In Windows XP, go to My Computer/Control Panel/Network Connections (note that the directyory name may vary with other operating systems); see page 68 for more details.

Find the connection you wish to use. It will likely be called “Local Area Connection”, unless you have renamed it. Also, note the model number of the NIC, as the RHAON software will require it later. Right click the icon and click “Properties” to open its Properties window.

Then, double click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to open its Properties window. You will probably see that your computer is configured to Obtain an IP Address Automatically. Change this to Use the Following IP Address and enter an IP address of, for example

192.168.1.1. Next, insert 255.255.255.0 into the Subnet Mask field. Click OK and you are ready to connect to the RHAON/CobraNet network.

Note: IP addresses are in the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx where “xxx” is any digit from 0 - 255. Local IP addresses that appear only to other devices on a LAN (Local Area Network) are defined as ranges 192.168.xxx.xxx,

172.16.xxx.xxx to 172.31.xxx.xxx and 10.xxx.xxx .xxx.

192-168.xxx.xxx is the range most commonly used and we suggest you use it unless you have a good reason to use another range.

Assigning a Static IP Address to the RHAON Host Computer

Users Manual

Page 12

Users Manual

C O N N E C T M O D E

Prior to plugging a RJ-45 connector into your computer’s Ethernet port, you need to make sure that RHAON has the correct network settings. In the RHAON software, go to the Options menu and select “Preferences”. On the General tab, make sure the correct NIC is selected in the Adapter field. The available selections are based on the listing of your network connection you noted earlier. Refer to page 13.

Each device on the RHAON / CobraNet network must have a unique IP address in order to communicate over the Ethernet network. The RHAON software can assign IP addresses to all the RHAON-Empowered loudspeakers connected to your network.

Before RHAON can scan your network and assign IP addresses to the devices it finds, you need to specify a range of IP addresses to use. The static address assigned to the computer in Windows sets the “subnet” you will be using. A subnet is the first three parts (“octets”) of the IP address. In the example, the subnet is 192.168.1. Therefore, all the IP addresses on the network will be in the form

192.168.1.xxx.

Type two valid IP addresses into the two fields: one for the lower limit of the range and the other for the upper limit. Since 192.168.1.1 is already in use by the RHAON host computer, the lower limit must be at least 192.168.1.2. The upper limit can be set as high as

192.168.1.255, but needs to be only high enough to accommodate all the devices on the network. Remember each device must have its own IP number.

Click OK and connect the computer to the RHAON/CobraNet Ethernet network, i.e., plug in the CAT5e cable.

Note that you do not have to create virtual loudspeakers before connecting your computer to the network. RHAON software can scan the local Ethernet network, identify all connected loudspeakers, assign IP addresses to them, and list them in the workspace directory tree. Creating a virtual system before connecting to the network is an option that can in many cases save you time at the job site.

Saving Your Project

It’s always a good idea to save your work regularly when using any computer software. If you have not done so, RHAON will remind you with a prompt if you attempt to close the program without saving.

When you are ready to save your work, selecting Save from the File pull down menu will open the familiar Windows File Save screen. Name your project, browse to the desired file location and Save the file.

Note that you are saving the project file to your computer and not saving (loading) it into the loudspeakers.

Page 13

Users Manual

C O N N E C T M O D E

Saving Changes

Inside each loudspeaker’s Connect, Control and Supervise Properties window is a blank black bar in the lower left corner. Whenever you make a change in the loudspeaker settings, the word Save will appear in this space. This is a reminder that a change has been made and needs to be saved if you want to keep it. Pressing the Save button will save the change(s) to the project file and to the loudspeaker’s flash memory.. Note that although the changes are being sent to the project file, the project file itself is not being saved.

The Network Manager

Most Iconyx IC-R and ICL-R / ICL-FR setup and installation problems are “network problems” and not Iconyx or RHAON problems. Your Iconyx array was factory tested before it left our factory and barring shipping damage should be in perfect operating condition. The RHAON Network Manager allows you to check the integrity of the Ethernet network before you actually link to the loudspeakers. It is accessed from the File pull down menu.and identifies network problems for you before you waste a lot of time checking out the loudspeaker.

In the example shown here the ICL-FR Left obviously has a network communications problem while the CF61 DBL and the VoiceBox are suspect.

For more details on the Network Manager refer to page 65.

Page 14

Linking Software Icons with Networked Loudspeakers

Users Manual

C O N N E C T M O D E

To connect a RHAON network, you first make all the hardware connections, and then (if you are using CobraNet for digital audio distribution) assign signal routing using RHAON software. Since all Ethernet connections are made using RJ-45 connectors and CAT5e cable, the network infrastructure is cost-effective and easy to install. You can also connect Serial Digital (AES3id aka AES/EBU) and analog audio to a RHAON-Empowered loudspeaker, as well as Fault Detect and Fault Relay lines. A typical amplifier input panel is shown on page 52 in Appendix 1.

Let’s say you’ve connected all your Ethernet inputs and outputs. Every venue is different: so is every network. For examples of RHAON / CobraNet networks, see Appendix 1.

Remember: before connecting your computer running RHAON software to the network, you should have assigned it a static IP address. If you’ve done that, connect the computer to your RHAON network and click on the Scan Network icon. RHAON software will find all networked loudspeakers and any other CobraNet devices on the network and automatically assign them IP addresses if they don’t already have one.

RHAON will then list them under Network in the directory tree. Note that you did not have to first create virtual loudspeakers. RHAON found the actual loudspeakers.

If RHAON can’t find any CobraNet devices on the network, the prompt shown to the right will appear to let you know that something is wrong and to offer trouble shooting hints. For more detailed trouble shooting instructions please refer to page 66.

The next step is to drag each loudspeaker’s directory listing into the work space. This will create an icon for it. If you created virtual loudspeakers before scanning the network, drag each individual listing from the Network folder into the main work space and drop it on the appropriate icon.

When you link a networked loudspeaker with a software icon, RHAON interrogates the loudspeaker to make sure the DSP settings stored on your computer are synchronized with those in the loudspeaker’s onboard memory. If they are not, RHAON displays a prompt that allows you to choose which settings to use. To upload settings from your computer to the loudspeaker, click on Overwrite Settings on DSP. To download settings from the loudspeaker and copy them into computer memory, click on Read Settings from the DSP.

If you were linking an existing project on your computer into an existing network, the dialog box shown to the right will appear and you will need to decide which settings you want to use, the ones stored in your project file or the ones present in the loudspeakers..

Page 15

Continue until all networked loudspeakers are linked to icons in the main workspace. When an icon is linked to a networked loudspeaker, the status indicator under its name changes from Unassigned (Red) to OK (Green).

To confirm that the setup is complete, place the cursor over the loudspeaker listings in the directory tree. As you can see from the pop up screens, RHAON has assigned IP numbers to each of the loudspeakers.

Let’s take a closer look at the Connect Mode loudspeaker icon

Clockwise from the top, the first item is the icon’s name. By default this is the model number of the actual loudspeaker. It can be changed to something more descriptive (“balcony center,” for example) in the Connect Properties window. The loudspeaker symbol on the right is a Mute control: click on it to mute or un-mute the loudspeaker.

The green triangles on the far right represent CobraNet Transmitters (Tx). Each CobraNet Transmitter can transmit one channel of information from the DSP out to the CobraNet network. The Status bar at the bottom of the icon indicates that the icon is Unassigned by turning red: it will be green and read OK when this icon has been linked to a networked loudspeaker.

To its left is a “W” button. Click on it to Wink the light on the front of the networked loudspeaker that is linked to the icon. This makes it easy to identify the loudspeaker and confirm its location. On the outside left edge of the icon are two red arrows representing CobraNet Receivers (Rx): each can receive one signal out of a bundle of up to 8 audio channels from the network.

Double clicking on a Connect Icon will open the Connect Properties screen associated with the linked loudspeaker. More details on Properties Screens are on the next page.

Turns Loudspeaker Mute ON & OFFTurn Loudspeaker “Wink” Light ON & OFF

Name

Status Indicator

CobraNet TransmittersCobraNet Receivers

Users Manual

C O N N E C T M O D E

Page 16

C O N N E C T M O D E

The three operational modes of RHAON, Connect, Control and Supervise all have their own unique Properties window (see below). Notice that the vertical pane on the left side of each window is identical except for the number of output bar graphs. Single amplifier loudspeakers, such as the CF61-2R, will have a single meter, bi-amped loudspeakers will have 2 output meters and 3-way loudspeakers will have 3 output meters. The Connect, Control and Supervise tabs at the top of the window allow you to switch between the three operating modes without returning to the main window.

The Connect Properties window gives you the ability to:

1. Select and connect the multiple inputs of Rhaon empowered loudspeakers to the amplifier(s)

2. Select and send input and output signals to the CobraNet network

3. Select one of the CobraNet digital audio channels, if CobraNet’s multi channel digital audio capability is being used.

The Control Properties window provides setup and control facilities for the loudspeaker’s onboard DSP. It includes controls for the:

1. Compressor

2. 8-band parametric equalizer, hi & lo band roll off and shelving filters

3. Signal delay

4. Priority override controls.

The Supervise Properties window allows you to:

1. Monitor and test the status of each transducer’s driver

2. Control the volume of the monitor loudspeaker, if one is provided

3. Check the status of the voltage detect circuit, the fault relay and the Ethernet network.

Users Manual

Page 17

C O N N E C T M O D E

Text fields for entering a name for the loudspeaker and listing its location.

Press Wink with Light button to turn the loudspeaker’s wink light on and off to aid in identifying the loudspeaker and its location.

Output status indicators for each amplifier. See Status Indicators below for details.

Output bar graphs for each amplifier. “0” represents the maximum uncompressed output level; positive values indicate how far the signal is overshooting into limiting; negative values indicate the amount of headroom left before the onset of limiting.

Output meter(s) Voltage/Watts control buttons. See Output Meters below for details.

Individual mute buttons for each amplifier and a Mute All control which mutes the entire loudspeaker.

Press to restart the loudspeakers DSP in the event of a malfunction.

Power button switches the amplifier(s)

between On and Standby. (turning AC

power on and off is an entirely manual

operation.

Input signal level bar graph; “0” indicates

the onset of input clipping. Analog inputs

clip at +12 dBu without the 10 dBa input

pad, +24 dBu with the pad.

Listing of the loudspeakers model number

and the sample rate (either 48 kHz or 96

kHz) of its DSP. See Appendix lll for more

details.

Inv. button inverts the input signal polarity;

glows green when signal is inverted. Use

with caution.

Amplifier temperature reading and

bar graph.

Indicates Save whenever a change is

made as a reminder to save the change.

Volume control slider; adjust by grabbing

slider with mouse or by using up/down

arrows.Settings adjustable from “0” to -50

in 1 dBa steps, then to -100 dBa in one

step; settings below -8 dBa prevent the

loudspeaker from reaching full output.

The vertical pane in each properties window provides for loudspeaker identification and selected control features. See below for details.

Status Indicators: The Thermal, Peak and Fail indicators above the output meter(s) provide critical information on the amplifiers status. The Peak indicator will flash yellow or red whenever the amplifier’s peak limiter is triggered. It’s normal for the indicator to flash occasionally if the loudspeaker is being used close to its rated output. Flashing frequently is a sign that the system volume needs to be turned down. The Thermal indicator will start to flash yellow as the amplifier's temperature approaches a preset level and will turn red if the temperature continues to increase as a warning the amplifier is about to be shut down. The Fail indicator glows red when the amplifier has been shut down by the protective circuitry. Heat related shutdowns will reset automatically after the amplifier cools down to a safe temperature.

As a further protective measure, the amplifier’s gain will gradually be reduced in response to overheating and/or to high an input level. However, it’s best to manually reduce the input signal level (overall system volume) in response to distress signals.

Output Meters: The V and W buttons below the output meters allow you to switch them from Volts (the more conventional default method) to RHAON’s unique Watts meters. Watts are calculated by multiplying the actual output voltage across the driver by the actual current through it. This is more accurate than calculations using an impedance figure. Watts metering is used to quickly identify open-circuit (failed) drivers. Since open drivers draw no current, the output meter will remain at zero regardless of the input level.

Press Wink with Audio to send a Tone signal or Pink Noise to the loudspeaker.

Users Manual

Page 18

The larger right portion of the Properties windows varies with the operating mode. The Connect window is divided into an upper light grey Internal DSP Connections section and and a darker grey lower CobraNet Routing Assignments section.

The Assign Amplifier Inputs portion of the upper section is where you select which one of the Array’s multiple inputs will be routed to the Main input and which one will be used for the Priority override circuit. RHAON Empowered loudspeakers have provisions for two CobraNet digital audio inputs, two analog audio inputs and a serial audio (AES3id format) digital input. Selecting the input is as simple as clicking on one of the radio buttons.

Notice that the Analog 1 input includes a 10 dBa pad. In the On position it inserts a 10 dBa pad into the Analog 1 input, allowing input signals as high as +24 dBu. Without the pad, the analog inputs clip at +12 dBu.

The square Signal Present indicators turn green whenever a signal is present.. You can activate any of the analog and CobraNet digital inputs in the upper group. If you select either of the AES/EBU inputs in the lower group, all Analog and CobraNet inputs are disabled.

The right hand portion of the upper section (CobraNet) lets you use any of the audio inputs or amplifier outputs as an output to the CobraNet network, except for the AES/EBU inputs. AES/EBU signals are clocked separately from CobraNet and cannot be output to CobraNet from RHAON.

You can also send composite amplifier output signals to a monitor loudspeaker located elsewhere.

The lower section is where you select the CobraNet input channel you want to use and set up the output transmitter.

You can use RHAON without digital audio distribution via CobraNet to Control and Supervise your system, or you can combine digital and analog signal distribution for redundant signal paths and/or life safety applications. However, if you use AES/EBU serial digital inputs, all other audio inputs are automatically disabled.

If you are not using CobraNet for digital audio distribution in your RHAON system, you can skip the next few pages and move on to Control mode (page 20).

C O N N E C T M O D E

Assigning Digital and Analog Inputs

Users Manual

Page 19

C O N N E C T M O D E

CobraNet devices transmit and receive digital audio (48 or 96 kHz, 16, 20 or 24 bit) in bundles of up to 8 channels. The number of channels per bundle can vary, depending on settings for latency and resolution. The number of bundles available depends on network bandwidth.

Each CobraNet bundle has a number from the following ranges:

0: Disables the receiver or transmitter. 1 thru 255: Multicast mode (many receivers can access the same bundle). 256 thru 65,279: Unicast mode (allows only one receiver to receive the bundle).

In order for CobraNet devices to communicate, their Tx (Transmit) and Rx (Receive) bundle numbers must match. RHAON devices are equipped with two receivers and two transmitters, their bundle numbers must be assigned correctly so they can send and receive audio via the network. RHAON software makes this easy.

In some cases the settings of a CobraNet source will have already been established with the source’s own proprietary software and can be changed only with the manufacturer’s software.. However, if allowed by the manufacturer, you can set or reset both receiver and transmitter bundle settings of any device found on the CobraNet network using RHAON software.

The first step in setting up CobraNet routing is to drag the CobraNet Source that was detected by Scan Network into the system.

The CobraNet Source and the devices connected to it must have the same Sample Rate and Latency settings. Right clicking on the CobraNet Source Icon will open a pop up screen showing the Sample Rate and Latency settings. We suggest you accept the Source’s default settings unless you have a specific reason to change them.

You will then want to check the device settings to make sure they are the same as the Source’s settings. The settings must be the same for the source and for all devices connected to it.

While latency may be changed here via pointand-click, sample rate is pre-programmed in the DSP firmware running in the loudspeaker. You can switch sample rate by uploading the appropriate firmware to your device. Please refer to “APPENDIX III: Updating DSP Firmware” for information on how to upload new firmware to your device.

Next, check the bundle settings of the CobraNet Source device. The Source in our example has 4 Receivers and 4 Transmitters. The red triangles on the left of its icon represent Rx bundles and the green triangles represent Tx bundles. Right clicking on one of the triangles will open a pop up window that shows the bundle number.

CobraNet Signal Routing

Users Manual

Page 20

Users Manual

The next step is to connect CobraNet Source Transmitters to the CobraNet Receivers in the RHAON loudspeakers. Click on one of the Source’s green Tx arrows and then on one of the loudspeaker’s red Rx arrows to connect the two. The loudspeaker’s Receiver automatically inherits the bundle settings of the Source Transmitter. Keep repeating these steps until all the loudspeakers are connected.

To correct a mistake or change an assignment, click on the Receiver whose assignment you want to change to select it or right-click on the Receiver Icon and select Disable Receiver from the menu that pops up. Either method will break the connection and allow you to make a new one.

Since each CobraNet bundle can carry 8 channels of digital audio, you must make channel selections individually.

Once your Tx and Rx bundle assignments have been made, open each loudspeaker’s Properties window by double-clicking its icon. If the window does not open in Connect mode, click on the Connect tab at the top to display the window shown at the right.

In the lower-right section of this window, you make channel assignments by clicking on one of the white bundle tabs and then on one of the DSP input tabs to connect audio channels from the CobraNet source to the RHAON loudspeaker’s CobraNet Receivers.

You can also assign Outputs 1 and 2 (selected under Assign CobraNet Outputs) to the RHAON loudspeaker’’s CobraNet Transmitters.

C O N N E C T M O D E

Page 21

Control Mode provides access to the Loudspeaker Amplifier’s internal DSP and allows you to control its settings. You can enter Control Mode by clicking on the CONTROL button at the top of the main workspace, or from within any loudspeaker’s Properties window. Any or all of the Control functions can be restricted to authorized operators who have password access; more information on password authorization can be found in the Supervise Mode section of this manual.

When you enter Control mode in the main workspace, the directory tree on the left remains the same.

However, notice that the icons themselves have changed. The CobraNet Rx and Tx arrows are gone. On the left, an On/Off button allows you to switch the amplifier(s) On or select Standby (Off) mode. The Wink button is below this switch. On the right, a Mute button is labeled with a driver symbol. Below it is a Signal Present indicator.

Double-click a loudspeaker icon to open its Properties window in Control mode. Notice that the left hand section of the Control mode Properties window is the same as in Connect mode.

On/Off (Standby) button

Wink light button

Signal Present indicator

Mute button

Status Indicator

Name

Users Manual

CONTROL MODE

C O N T R O L M O D E

Page 22

Users Manual

On the right side of the Control Properties window, in the upper dark grey section, you will see a frequency response graph. Underneath it are controls for 12 filters. To select a filter, click the button above its white data fields; then either type in your values, use the up-down arrows or scroll with your mouse to adjust the parameters. At the far left is a high pass filter; its low pass counterpart is at the far right. These filters have three controls: Cutoff Frequency, Type (Bessel, Butterworth, etc.), and Slope. The pair of filters to the inside are shelving filters, with controls for corner frequency and boost/cut.

The center section gives you control of 8 fully parametric filters, with controls for center frequency, boost/cut and bandwidth in octaves. When you activate a filter, its button turns green and it appears on the graph – each filter appears in a different color. A solid line shows the overall EQ curve. The Bypass All button at the bottom of this section lets you compare filtered and unfiltered signals quickly.

All filter parameters can be controlled with the scroll wheel on your mouse. Click inside the control field and scroll to set: Gain, Bandwidth, Frequency, etc.

Below the EQ section in the light grey area, you’ll find a Compressor on the left. The controls – Threshold, Ratio, Attack Time, Release Time and Soft Knee – are similar to the EQ controls. You can type in values, use the Up/Down buttons, or scroll with your mouse to find the values you want. Under Signal you will find buttons that set the compressor’s trigger point Above, At or Below the Knee. When the compressor is operating, the Bypass button is red and the Gain Reduction meter on the right side of this section lights up. To turn the compressor off or compare the uncompressed output, click the Bypass button.

To the right of the compression Reduction Meter is the Make-Up Gain control. This control can be used to restore RMS levels of the compressed signal to those expected of the signal pre-compression. It has a range of 0 to +12 dBa.

The RHAON input module's DSP has 340 milliseconds of signal delay available if you are using the 48 kHz sample rate; 170 milliseconds if you are using 96 kHz. Use either the up-down arrows or the slider control to adjust the delay time.

Priority Override is one of the unique features of RHAON. It allows you to assign signalactivated priority override capabilities to any one of the array’s multiple inputs. The Priority Override controls in the lower right section of the properties window allow you to set the Attach Time, the Hold Time, the Release Time and the Threshold level.

C O N T R O L M O D E

Page 23

Saving Your Project

When you are ready to save your work, select Save from the File pull down menu to open the familiar Windows File Save screen shown below. Name your project, browse to the desired file location and Save the file.

Note that you are saving the project file to your computer and not saving (loading) it into the loudspeaker.

Saving Changes

Note that although the changes are being sent to the project file, the project file itself is not being saved.

C O N T R O L M O D E

Users Manual

Page 24

Users Manual

All Loudspeakers Control Window

So far we have paid little attention to the All Loudspeakers icon in the upper left of the work space. It represents all the loudspeakers in the system and allows you to Mute all the loudspeakers simultaneously or to turn them all On or Off with the push of a single button.

The All Loudspeakers Control feature also lets you assign Input connections, EQ, Delay and Compression settings for all the loudspeakers in the system at one time or adjust their sound level with just one control. It’s a great time saver.

This includes control over any loudspeaker groups.

Group Control functions in the same manner, only it exerts control over only the loudspeakers included in the Group.

Double clicking on the All Loudspeakers Icon will open the Connect properties folder. Notice that the All Loudspeakers Connect window shown here is very similar to the one for individual loudspeakers except for the lack of level meters and CobraNet channel selection facilities.

It also has a row of Group Assign boxes under the EQ filters.

When the Group Assign boxes are checked, the Group Settings override individual loudspeaker settings - that is, the settings defined in this window will be uploaded to all loudspeakers in the system and override the settings in the individual loudspeakers.

Any items that are not assigned to the Group Settings will remain under the control of each loudspeaker; for example, if the High and Low Frequency roll off controls are not checked then each loudspeaker’s high and low frequency roll off can be adjusted in the individual loudspeaker’s Control window.

C O N T R O L M O D E

All Loudspeakers icon

Group Assign Boxes

Page 25

Group Control

RHAON allows you to create Groups of individual loudspeakers and also set up Groups of loudspeakers within a single master Group. Clicking Add Groups in the toolbar adds a Group folder to the System listing tree and put a Group icon into the workspace. Our example Left-Center-Right array system is a natural for 3 Groups.

You add Loudspeakers to the Group by dragging and dropping their listing in the Systems tree into the Group Folder. When they are added to the Group,the loudspeaker icons will disappear into the Group icon. To view all the loudspeakers in the Group, click on the Expand/Collapse toggle at the lower right of the Group Icon.

Note that loudspeakers within a group are linked to the Group Icon and cannot be individually moved around the work space.

Double-clicking on the Group Icon will bring up the Connect Properties window for the Group. It and the Control Properties window for Groups are the same as the All Loudspeakers Properties windows and function in the same manner.

The only difference is that they exert control over only the loudspeakers within the group, while All Loudspeakers has control over all the loudspeakers in the system.

Whenever you assign an EQ filter or the Compressor to Group-level control, RHAON pops up a Warning prompt to remind you that you will be overwriting individual loudspeaker settings.

Toggles Group between Power On and Standby

Turns Loudspeaker Group “Wink” lights On & Off

Expands/Collapses Loudspeaker Icons

Turns “Group Mute” On & Off

Group Name

C O N T R O L M O D E

Users Manual

Page 26

C O N T R O L M O D E

Users Manual

Copy/Paste Settings

Copy Settings / Paste Setting is a useful RHAON feature that can save you a significant amount of time on many projects.

Right clicking on any one of the loudspeaker Icons while in either the Connect or Control mode introduces a pop up menu that includes a Copy Settings command line. See graphic to the right.

Selecting Copy Settings copies all that loudspeaker’s DSP settings and allows you to copy these settings to another array by selecting its Icon and using Paste Settings.

Right clicking on another loudspeaker’s icon brings up the pop up menu shown to the night. Notice that it is the same as the previous pop up menu, except that the Paste Settings command line is now available.

Pressing Paste Settings introduces the window shown to the right which allows you to select what Settings you want to Paste (transfer) into that array.

Page 27

S U P E R V I S E M O D E

RHAON constantly checks (supervises) each loudspeaker in the system and provides system operators with a comprehensive set of monitoring and loudspeaker/amplifier management tools. It alerts the operator to a problem anywhere in the system and assists in identifying the problem take corrective action.

The Status field at the bottom of each loudspeaker’s icon allows the operator to monitor all Loudspeakers or Groups at a glance. The icon’s status bar continuously displays a text message that indicates the status of the loudspeaker. If RHAON detects a problem, the status changes color and the text message defines the nature of the problem

If there is a problem with a loudspeaker in a Group, the Group icon will change color and display a text alert. If a Group icon displays an alert (yellow or red bar with text), double-click it to Expand it and show all of its Loudspeaker icons. One of more of these icons will display the same alert: double-clicking on it will open the loudspeaker’s Properties window in Supervise mode and provide additional information on the nature of the problem.

A summary of the color/warning messages follows.

STATUS BAR

COLOR MESSAGE STATUS

GREEN Online The loudspeaker is (or all loudspeakers in this Group are) connected and operating

YELLOW Overload Amplifier is being over drive

RED Unassigned Virtual loudspeaker has not been assigned to a physical loudspeaker

RED Offline Loudspeaker has lost power or been disconnected from the network

RED Driver Open One of the loudspeaker’s drivers has failed

RED Hot An amplifier’s over temperature circuitry is engaged

RED Limiting An amplifier is malfunctioning

RED Amp Fail An amplifier has failed

SUPERVISION

Users Manual

Page 28

The vertical dark grey section on the left provides vital statistics on the loudspeaker and its amplifier(s), including its operating temperature. For further details on the controls and status indicators please refer. to page 17.

The graphic show is for a two-way loudspeaker with a single amplifier. If it was for a bi-amped 3-way loudspeaker, there would be 3 transducers and two amplifier bar graphs.

The transducer icons on the right each have a “traffic light” status indicators. Green is for all OK and red is for driver failure. Yellow indicates the driver has been repeatedly driven far enough into limiting that its normal life span may be reduced

Driver conditions are dynamically supervised with program material during operation, but a manual test button is also provided to confirm coil status. The 0 are used when the program material either lacks specific frequencies or is too weak.

The loudspeaker’s RHAON Microcontroller and DSP Firmware version and MAC (Machine Access Control) address are shown in a darker grey panel at the bottom right of this window.

The panel at the bottom shows alerts for Voltage Detect, Fault Relay, Ethernet and Priority Override status.

The Priority Override indicator will change from showing “Inactive” to “Active” when the override circuit is in use (has been activated).

The Fault Relay status line will change from “Off” to “On” when an amplifier fault has been detected or the Ethernet carrier signal is lost.

The Voltage Detect will read “High” when it senses a voltage on the Sense input line and “Unknown” when no volt age is present.

The Ethernet Status will show “Primary” when an Ethernet Carrier signal is detected at the Primary Ethernet input and “Off Line” if the carrier signal is lost, except in “Redundant” systems having a secondary Ethernet source. In these systems, the amplifier will be switched over to the secondary input as soon as the primary signal is lost; the status line will then change to Secondary”.

S U P E R V I S E M O D E

Users Manual

Page 29

RHAON’s Event Logging function can record events of the types you select in a .log file. This allows the system’s operating status to be reviewed at any time. Audio evacuation and life safety systems are often required to provide this type of logging.

To activate this feature, go to Options in RHAON’s main tool bar and select Preferences; then open the Event Logging folder. Select the event types you want to log using the check boxes next to each type of event.

Click on OK to activate Event Logging. The log file will be written to the computer’s hard drive in a RHAON.log file in the Program Files/Renkus-Heinz directory.

RHAON can also automatically e-mail events to another computer or cellular phone. You configure this function in the Event Notification folder next to Event Logging. As with logging, you can choose the types of events for which you want RHAON to send email notifications.

Because RHAON connects to a NIC (Network Interface Card) with a local IP address, you will need a second NIC in your computer to connect to the Internet. You will also have to specify the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) host and a valid e-mail account in order for RHAON to send e-mail. An IT professional may be able to assist you with these tasks if you need help.

Event Logging & Notification

S U P E R V I S E M O D E

Users Manual

Page 30

S U P E R V I S E M O D E

Users Manual

While you are setting up RHAON’s Preferences, you can click on the General tab to review the program’s default settings and change them if necessary. We already discussed the selection of a Networking Adapter (aka NIC) in the Connect section of this manual. Unless you are a networking expert you should leave the default settings under SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Variable Retrieval alone: SNMP is not as simple as its name implies. IP Addressing is also covered in the Connect section of this manual. After your network is set up and operating there should be no reason to change these settings.

Change the units of temperature (Fahrenheit or Centigrade) to ones that are most useful to you and your fellow operators.

Under Group Settings, you can set up a Power On Sequencing Delay for all grouped loudspeakers. This will help avoid a voltage surge that can trip building circuit breakers. Depending on the delay interval you select, there will be a .5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 millisecond turn-on delay between each amplifier in the Group.

General Preferences

Page 31

RHAON software includes three levels of password protection. This features is designed to prevent inadvertent changes of Connect and Control Mode settings by anyone who is unauthorized or unfamiliar with the system.

To open the Password Protection setup window shown below, hit Control-Alt-p.

You can set up three levels of control access. They are called Designer, Operator and Supervisor. Each access level should have its own password.

The Designer has the highest level of access. This person should set up the access control system and passwords before turning a RHAON system over to its owners and operators.

The Operator has the next highest level of access. We suggest giving an Operator access to all Control Mode functions that would normally be used while running a show or operating the system. In a fixed installation, Operator level personnel would probably not be granted access to the Compressor, EQ, Delay, Shelving and roll off controls, but they would be able to adjust the volume if necessary to respond to clipping and/or over temperature alerts.

The Supervisor access level is intended for those who are only monitoring (supervising) the system for faults and failures. Supervisors would normally be given access to few, if any, of the functions in Control Mode.

RHAON passwords are case sensitive. Once the password access system has been set up it will be impossible to operate RHAON without entering a password. The Password Prompt shown below will appear each time the program is opened and a proper password must be entered before proceeding.

Password Protection

Users Manual

S U P E R V I S E M O D E

Page 32

Users Manual

Clicking on the Access Detail tab opens the window shown below. Its settings determine what control features will be available to “Operators” and “Supervisors”. These settings are themselves password protected and can only be changed by a Designer.

The Password restrictions are stored on the computer used to setup the password protection (ususlly the“House” computer ) and don’t prevent you or someone else from connecting to the network with a RHAON equipped PC and changing the settings.

The Speaker Protection window provides an additional level of protection, as it allows locking the settings for individual loudspeakers to positively prevent their being changed by anyone who doesn’t know the password. It locks the settings in the array to prevent anyone who doesn’t know the passwords from changing the settings

S U P E R V I S E M O D E

Page 33

Although not certified as a “Life Safety” system, RHAON has been designed to meet the stringent requirements of most Audio Evacuation / Life Safety system specifications.

Since “Life Safety” requirements vary widely from country to country and from one locality to another, we strongly recommend you contact your local authorities for an opinion before proposing a RHAON system for any Life Safety application. They know best what’s required in your area to meet code requirements.

A summary of RHAON’s life safety features follows.

Redundant CobraNet Inputs

All RHAON Empowered amplifiers have a secondary Ethernet input that can be used to provide a “redundant” control and distribution system. Such systems, of course, also require a redundant Ethernet system. Changeover to the secondary or redundant system is automatic in the event the primary system fails.

Continuous Performance Monitoring

The performance of all RHAON Empowered Amplifiers and Loudspeakers is constantly monitored for faults and abnormalities.

Event Logging and Notification

Pre-selected events are recorded in a Log file for later review and analysis; may be automatically forwarded via e-mail to another location.

Fault Monitoring

An opto-isolated input monitors the integrity of an external wiring loop by detecting the presence of a “sense” voltage and reporting its absence via the Ethernet network.

Fault Relay

An isolated relay uses external wiring to report any amplifier fault, including the loss of the Ethernet carrier, to associated equipment. Normally Open & Normally Closed contacts handle up to .5 Amp @ 28 Volts AC or DC.

APPENDIX I: Audio Evacuation & Life Safety Functions

Users Manual

Page 34

To connect a RHAON network, you first make hardware connections, and then (if you are using CobraNet for digital audio distribution) assign signal routing using RHAON software. Since all Ethernet connections are made using RJ45 connectors and standard Ethernet hardware, the network infrastructure is cost-effective and easy to install. You can also connect Serial Digital (AES3id aka AES/EBU) and analog audio to a RHAON-Empowered loudspeaker, as well as Fault Detect and Fault Relay lines. A typical RHAON Input Panel is shown below.

Appendix II: RHAON Hardware Inputs, Outputs & Indicators

The RHAON input panel shown above is a PF2-500R. Other input panels include the same connections and controls in different layouts.

Primary & Secondary

Ethernet (CobraNet) Inputs

RJ-45 female

When both are connected, changeover to

Secondary is automatic if Primary fails.

Yellow LED flashes when the connector

is active, glow steadily when data is

streaming. Green LEDs glow when connected

but inactive, turn Orange to indicate a faulty

connection.

Primary Analog Input

XLR female

pin 1 chassis, pin 2 +, pin 3 -

Looping Analog Output

XLR male

pin 1 chassis, pin 2 +, pin 3 -

AC Power ON/Off

NOT under computer control by RHAON.

RHAON software can put the amplifier in Standby, but a remote computer cannot disconnect the AC power. To toggle between On and Standby manually, hold both the Up & Down Volume push buttons down for approximately 3 seconds.

Secondary Analog Input

Phoenix connector pin 1 +, pin 2 -, pin 3 chassis can be configured as a “priority override” input

Serial Digital Audio Input

Phoenix connector pin 3 chassis, pin 4 + AES3id format; automatically disables all other inputs when in use

Looping Secondary Analog Output.

Phoenix connector pin 1 +, pin 2 -. pin 3 chassis

Fault Detect

Phoenix connector pin 5 +, pin 6 Opto-isolated input used to monitor the presence of an external wiring loop; absence of a voltage is reported to the DSP and transmitted to the monitoring computer over the Ethernet. Operates on up to 24 V DC

Fault Relay

Phoenix connector pin 4 normally open pin 5 swing blade pin 6 normally closed) NO / NC relay contacts used to report a failure to an external monitoring system; used mainly to trigger a failure indication on a hard-wired monitoring device; handles up to

0.5 Amps at 24 V , AC or DC.

Signal LED

Flickers when an audio signal of at least -30

dBu is present at the primary analog audio

input.

Power LED

Glows when the amplifier is On and not in Standby

Overdrive LED

Flashes red when the Primary Analog Input

preamplifier is being over drive

(input clipping)

Thermal LED

Lights to indicate that an over-temperature sensor has shut down the amplifier.

Input Pad & LED Indicator

On / Off 10 dBa pad for Primary Analog Input;

allows input signals of up to +24 dBu when

inserted manually or via computer control.

Note: this pad does not affect the +12 dBu

maximum input level of the Secondary Analog

Input.

Push Button Volume Controls

Also function as a manual Standby/ON con-

trol; see Power ON/Off Switch

Note: output level is also computer controlled

Mute Buttons

Turn Loudspeaker muting on and off; muting

is also computer controlled

AC Line Fuse

IEC Power Connector

Voltage Selector

Not on all Models

NOTE: To prevent inadvertent operation the Mute, Volume Up & Volume Down, and Input Pad push buttons need to be pressed and held down for several seconds before they activate.

Users Manual

Page 35

A PM-3R RHAON module has the same controls and indicators as the PF2-500R module on the previous page, but the layout is different.

Appendix II (continued): RHAON Hardware Inputs, Outputs & Indicators

Primary & Secondary Ethernet (CobraNet) Inputs

RJ-45 female When both inputs are connected, changeover to Secondary is automatic if Primary fails.

Primary Analog Input

XLR female pin 1 chassis, pin 2 +, pin 3 -

Secondary Analog Input

Phoenix connector pin 1 +, pin 2 -, pin 3 chassis can be configured as a “priority override” input

Serial Digital Audio Input

Phoenix connector pin 3 chassis, pin 4 + AES3id format; automatically disables all other inputs when selected

Looping Secondary Analog Output

Phoenix connector pin 1 +, pin 2 -. pin 3 chassis

Fault Detect

Fault Relay

Phoenix connector pin 4 normally open pin 5 wiper pin 6 normally closed NO / NC relay contacts used to report a failure to an external monitoring system; used mainly to trigger a failure indication on a hard-wired monitoring device; handles up to 0.5 Amps at 24 V AC or DC.

Signal LED

Flickers when an audio signal of at least -30 dBu is present at the primary analog audio input.

Power LED

Glows when the amplifier is On and not in Standby

Overdrive LED

Flashes red when the Primary Analog Input preamplifier is being over drive (input clipping)

Thermal LED

Lights to indicate that an over-temperature sensor has shut the amplifier down

Input Pad & LED Indicator

On / Off 10 dBa pad for Primary Analog Input; allows input signals of up to +24 dBu when inserted manually or via computer control. Note: this pad does not affect the +12 dBu maximum input level of the Secondary Analog Input.

Push Button Volume Controls

Also functions as a manual Standby/ON control; see Power ON/Off Switch Note: output level is also computer controlled.

Mute Buttons

Note: Muting is also computer controlled.

Protect LED

Lights to indicate that protection limiting is engaged.

Yellow LEDs flash when the connector is active, glow steadily when data is streaming. Green LEDs glow when connected but inactive, turn Orange to indicate a faulty connection.

Looping Analog Output

XLR male pin 1 chassis, pin 2 +, pin 3 -

NOTE: To prevent inadvertent operation the Mute, Volume Up & Volume Down, and Input Pad push buttons need to be pressed and held down for several seconds before they activate.

Users Manual

Page 36

CobraNet

The drawing below shows the signal paths for a RHAON system using CobraNet digital audio distribution.

Except for the analog audio input line to the CobraNet Converter, all cable runs are standard UTP cable meeting at least CAT5e standards. The network is a standard Ethernet star topology. CobraNet does not permit looping or “daisy chaining” from amplifier to amplifier. The maximum CAT5e cable length between devices is 100 Meters (approximately 325 feet) using CAT5e cable and 1000 meters with fiber optic cable.

Notes

1. Satisfactory Ethernet switches of many sizes (output ports) are widely available from many sources. Managed switches are recommended over unmanaged switches; 100 BaseT minimum, Gigabit (1000 BaseT) recommended.

2. The number of loudspeakers is determined by the number of output ports provided by the switches. The computer(s) can be connected to any Port on the Ethernet network.

3. Systems with CobraNet digital audio distribution require either a suitable Analog to CobraNet converter or a mixing console with a CobraNet output. Suitable analog to CobraNet converters are available from a number of sources, such as Bi-Amp, Peavey and others.

4. The RHAON network can easily be made redundant by connecting a duplicate of this network to the Secondary Ethernet Inputs on each loudspeaker. Additional switches, analog-to-CobraNet converters, etc. would be required.

Analog Audio

Analog to CobraNet

Converter

Ethernet

Switch

Ethernet

Switch

FOH Stage Left

FOH Stage Right

Under

Balcony

Loudspeakers

Upper

Balcony

Delay

Digital Console with

CobraNet output

APPENDIX III: RHAON Block Diagrams

Wiring diagram for a system using CobraNet for multi-channel digital audio distribution, loudspeaker control and monitoring.

Users Manual

Page 37

Analog Audio

CAT5e Crossover Cable

Analog Audio Cable

CobraNet With Analog Backup

The block diagram below shows a combination system combining CobraNet with analog audio distribution and RHAON loudspeaker control and monitoring. Notice that the analog audio wiring loops (is daisy chained) from loudspeaker to loudspeaker.

Notes

1. Combination systems such as the one shown above often use the multi-channel audio distribution capabilities of CobraNet for normal program distribution and the analog audio circuit for other functions. The analog audio circuit need not connect all the loudspeakers together. It could, for example, be broken into several separate analog circuits for zone paging applications, for monitors, fills, etc.

2. The analog to CobraNet converter would not be needed for a system using only analog audio along with RHAON Control and Supervision. The Analog to CobraNet converter is needed only if CobraNet digital audio distribution will be used.

3. The Ethernet network is required for control and supervision even if only analog is being used.

Basic Analog System

1. Simple single loudspeaker systems using analog audio do not require an Ethernet switch. All that is needed is a CAT5e Crossover Cable.

APPENDIX III: RHAON Block Diagrams

Ethernet

Switch

Ethernet

Switch

Audio Input

Analog to CobraNet Converter

Analog Audio Distribution Line

Audio Input

Typical wiring diagram for a system having both analog and CobraNet audio distribution plus loudspeaker control and monitoring.

Users Manual

Page 38

Serial Digital (AES3) aka AES/EBU

The block diagram below shows a RHAON system using digital audio distribution in the AES3 format along with RHAON loudspeaker control and monitoring. Notice that the wiring daisy chains from loudspeaker to loudspeaker. The digital audio distribution line is conventional twisted pair shielded digital audio cable, Beldon 1800B or 1800F or equivalent.

Notes

1. In this system, RHAON and the Ethernet network are being used only for loudspeaker control and monitoring.

2. Neither CobraNet digital audio distribution nor analog audio distribution are available when AES3 format digital audio distribution is being used; the AES3 format audio channels occupy the amplifier’s analog input channels.

3. The AES3 inputs on RHAON empowered PN1, PF1 and PF2 loudspeaker amplifiers are high impedance to allow daisy chain connection. The last unit in the loudspeaker chain should be terminated with a 110 Ohm resistor. Systems having Iconyx, IC Live and PM series amplifiers do not need the termination resistor.

4. The distribution line shield in systems having PN1, PF1 and PF2 amplifiers should be connected only to the AES3 source device. It should not be connected to the amplifiers, but instead should be telescoped around the amplifier.

5. In RHAON ccontrolled systems having PN1, PF1 and PF2 amplifiers the AES33 clock and the CobraNet/RHAON clock need to be synchronized. Most AES32 sources allow for synchronous operation with CobraNet. For best results, connect the RHAON network first, then connect the CobraNet synchonized AES3 source and then individually switch the loudspeakers to AES/EBU mode.

Ethernet

Switch

Ethernet

Switch

AES3 Digital

Audio

Source

AES3 format Digital Audio Distribution Line

APPENDIX II: RHAON Block Diagrams

Users Manual

Page 39

Software Updates

As soon as a new program version of RHAON is created, Renkus-Heinz posts it on the Renkus-Heinz website, www.renkus-heinz.com, to make it accessible to all RHAON users. Updates to the RHAON firmware are posted in the same location.

You, of course, will need to know what version of RHAON is installed on your computer to determine if a later version is available. If you don’t know what version is installed on your computer, there are two easy ways to find out. The first is to simply open RHAON and observe the opening splash screen. The program version number is displayed there as the program is opening.

The second method is to open RHAON and select the Help drop down menu and click on About RHAON. This will bring up a dialog box with the current RHAON information.

APPENDIX IV: KEEPING YOUR RHAON PROGRAM UP-TO-DATE

Users Manual

Page 40

Software Updates

To check out this site, go to www.renkus-heinz.com and click on RHAON in the left hand menu. You’ll see the link to the latest RHAON program version at the top of the RHAON page; see below.

Updating Your Current Installation of RHAON

Select(Download Latest Program Software) from the top of the RHAON page,open Official Releases and then select the appropriiate Rhaon

1.4_32-bit or _64-bit .exe file and download the RHAON Installer (higher version numbers indicate newer releases).

Click on Run or Save the file to your computer and then double click on the .exe file to begin the installation routine.

RHAON 1.6 is downwards compatible with earlier versions of RHAON Microcontroller and DSP firmware so you do not need to uninstall a previous version of RHAON before installing program version 1.6. However, new program features may not function in loudspeakers running earlier versions of firmware.

The installation program will install RHAON in a Renkus-Heinz/Rhaon folder on your hard drive. It will not uninstall earlier versions of RHAON. If you want to delete the earlier version, use Settings/Control Panel and Add/Remove to remove it..

APPENDIX IV: KEEPING YOUR RHAON PROGRAM UP-TO-DATE

Users Manual

Page 41

The latest microcontroller firmware files (.hex files) were installed in your loudspeaker before it was shipped to you. These files contain the programming that runs the DSP microcontroller in RHAON Empowered amplifiers and are updated from time to time as the firmware is improved.

If you are having problems with your system, we may ask you to update the firmware as part of troubleshooting. You’ll find the firmware files on the RHAON download page below the Program and Bin File downloads. They need to be placed in the “MicroC_Firmware” sub folder of your RHAON installation (typically “C:/Renkus-Heinz/RHAON/MicroC_Firmware”).

Important: When upgrading earlier versions of Microcontroller and DSP firmware to version 1.6, it is critical that the Microcontroller firmware be installed first.

Step 1: Open RHAON, scan the network and switch to either the Control or Supervise mode. Then right click on one of the loudspeaker

listings in the directory tree view or on the loudspeaker’s icon in the main display area to open a pop up menu.

Updating Microcontroller Firmware

The pop up menu will vary depending on which method you choose.

If you choose the loudspeaker’s listing under the Network sub directory, the menu shown in figure 1 will pop up. Note that it also includes commands for turning on the loudspeakers Wink light and for sending pink noise to the loudspeaker to help you identify which loudspeaker you have selected.

The menu in Figure 2 will appear if you opened the menu through listing in the All Loudspeakers section of the directory tree. Notice that it also allows you to set up an interface with SysTune. The interface allows SysTune users to access the loudspeaker’s Control Properties window and make final tuning adjustment while observing the results in SysTune.

The Import and Export GFB files allow you to exchange data with the EASE SpeakerLab program.

Accessing the pop up menu by right clicking on the Loudspeaker’s icon produces the window shown in Figure 3. It is similar to the previous menu, except for not allowing you to Rename the loudspeaker.

Be aware that on amplifiers having firmware versions prior to version

1.28 you will need to make sure the Loudspeaker is in the “Power On’

mode. Check the Power LED on the back of the amplifier to see if it is lit or if the center of the Power indicator in the RHAON screen is Green.

If not, either click the Power button in RHAON or use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons on the amplifier (press and hold down both buttons at the same time for 3 seconds) to turn the power On.

Figure 1

Figure 3

Figure 2

Users Manual

Page 42

Users Manual

Updating Microcontroller Firmware (Continued)

Step 2: Select Update Microcontroller Firmware and when the window shown below opens select the appropriate firmware file and

press Download. Notice that the window tells you what Microcontroller Firmware version is installed in the loudspeaker. Selecting Download will install the new firmware in the loudspeaker.

Step 3: Wait for the Firmware transfer to complete. When finished, control will be returned to the dialog window. Select “Done”.

Please be aware that the Mutes and the Analog Input Pad will be On after the update completes and may need to be reset.

Page 43

Updating DSP Firmware

The latest 48 kHz DSP firmware files (.bin files) were installed in your array before it was shipped to you. These files contain the loudspeaker specific EQ, crossover and protection settings for the loudspeaker and are updated from time to time as the firmware is improved.

If you wish to operate your system at 96 kHz, you will need to download and install the 96 kHz .bin files for your loudspeaker(s).

We may ask you to update the .bin files as part of troubleshooting, if you are having problems with your system, Be aware that .bin files names which start with RH4... are 48 kHz files; 96 kHz files start with RH9... You’ll find the .bin files on the RHAON download page below the Program download.

Important: When upgrading earlier versions of Microcontroller and DSP firmware to version 1.6, it is critical that the Microcontroller firmware be installed first.

These files need to be placed in the “DSP_Firmware” sub folder of your RHAON installation (typically “C:\Renkus-Heinz\ RHAON\DSP_Firmware”).

Step 1: In RHAON, select either the Control or Supervise mode and then right-click on one of the loudspeaker listings in the directory tree view or on the loudspeakers icon in the main display area and select “Update DSP Firmware…”. The pop up menus are the same ones we explored on page 41 under Updating Microcontroller Firmware.

Selecting Update DSP Firmware will open the window shown below. Notice that the program lets you know what firmware is installed in the loudspeaker.

Step 2: Select the appropriate firmware to download and press “Download”. If no listings appear in the white field, it’s a sign that you have not downloaded any .bin files for that loudspeaker from the web and placed them in the DSP_Firmware folder.

Users Manual

Page 44

Users Manual

Updating DSP Firmware (Continued)

Step 3: Wait for the Firmware transfer to complete. When finished, control will be returned to the dialog window. Select “Done”.

Please be aware that the Mutes and the Analog Input Pad will be On after the update completes and may need to be reset.

Page 45

Users Manual

SERVICING and TROUBLE SHOOTING

GENERAL INFORMATION

Your RHAON empowered loudspeaker contains no user-serviceable parts and all service should be referred to qualified service personnel.

TROUBLE SHOOTING HINTS

GENERAL

Most setup and installation problems are “network problems” and not loudspeaker or RHAON problems. Your RHAON empowered loudspeaker was factory tested before it left our factory and barring shipping damage should be in perfect operating condition.

Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to run a quick check on each loudspeaker before taking it out to the job site and installing it. If you should run into a problem at the site, it’s good to know the problem is in the network or the system wiring and not in the loudspeakers.

The Analog 1 input is always connected so it’s a simple matter to connect a line level analog signal to an array and check out its performance.

COMMON AUDIO PROBLEMS

Hum

The most common sources of system hum are the program source or an improper or poor ground on an audio signal line. Check the program source to make sure the hum isn’t originating there. Carefully check all the audio connections to make sure they are properly made.

Noise

Most noise problems are the result of improper grounding or of noise being induced into the audio signal line from adjacent noise sources, such as fluorescent lights, and close proximity of the audio signal lines to lines radiating noise. Carefully review all the audio connections and turn off all the lights and any other suspected noise sources.

Page 46

Users Manual

Gated or Chopped Audio

The Analog 1 input is receiving a signal, but some other input has been selected in the RHAON Connect tab. As a trouble shooting aid, the Analog 1 input will always pass audio if the signal exceeds a threshold level even if some other input is selected. The solution is to select Analog 1 as the input or disconnect the analog 1 input signal line.

Distorted CobraNet Audio

The chances are that this is an Ethernet network wiring problem. See page ___ for details

NETWORK TROUBLE SHOOTING

A basic understanding of Local Area networks (LANs), Ethernet networks, packet addressing and CobreNet will help you trouble shoot RHAON systems.

Switched Networks

The Ethernet protocol is a frame-based computer networking technology for local area networks (LANs). This means it is a system for sending uniquely addressed packets of information from a source to a destination, similar to how one sends a letter through the postal service. When you mail a letter to Aunt Gertrude across town, the letter doesn’t just go straight from your mailbox to your Aunt’s. It goes to the post office, where it is sorted and sent along with Gertie’s local mailman. The same holds true for networks, only replace “post office” with “network switch”.

Switched networks are laid out in a “star” configuration, in that the topology has the switch at the center with links fanning out to all devices and/or other stars. Typical transport media are CAT5e cable (up to 100m) or optical fiber (up to more than 2km). Communication is handled in a “Point-to-Point” fashion, in that each node communicates solely with the next node attached to it. Using our previous example, the letter starts in your mailbox and is picked up by your mailman, who then transports your letter to the post office, where it is sorted and given to Gertrude’s mailman, who then drops it off in her mailbox. How do the switches know where to send the packets? By remembering, of course! Just as the letter to Aunt Gertrude includes a “To” and “From” address, so does a packet. The switch remembers which “From” addresses come from which port in order to speed up future traffic.

Ethernet Switches

Two of the main distinguishing characteristics between switches are speed and management. The two main speed standards that comprise the majority of RHAON installations are 100Base-T (Fast Ethernet) and 1000Base-T (Gigabit Ethernet). While RHAON device connections are Fast Ethernet, either speed may be used as higher speed switches are backwards compatible with those of lower speeds. The advantage to using Gigabit switches with a RHAON network is that while the individual connections are 100Base-T, the switching times (the time it takes between packet ingress and egress) are much shorter. This becomes especially important from both a hop and total nodes standpoint as the size of a network grows. We recommend Gigabit switches for large networks.

Aside from speed, switches come in two flavors: Managed and Unmanaged. An unmanaged switch is essentially a “dumb” black box that takes packets in and sends them where they need to go. A managed switch, however, allows you much more control. With a managed switch, one can designate subsets of ports as separate networks, control which types of packets are allowed in or out of certain ports, monitor current network traffic conditions, port status, etc. For a great number of installations, an unmanaged switch will suffice. However, for larger or more complex setups, a managed switch becomes critical, though a decent level of networking expertise is required for proper setup.

SERVICING and TROUBLE SHOOTING (cont)

Page 47

Users Manual

Lesson 2: Packet Addressing

On a Local Area Network (LAN), packets are addressed by the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the network device. MAC addresses are “burnt-in” by the manufacturer of your network device (computer network card, RHAON loudspeaker, etc.) and are globally unique. This is like the VIN on your car. No matter where you register your car, the VIN stays the same and is unlike that for any other vehicle worldwide.

Not all communication happens on a LAN, however. In order to address different devices on different networks, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses were introduced. They allow for easier routing for a vast array of interconnected networks. Similar to this is the license plate on a car. Rather than attempting to search for the car by going through the VINs for every car in the world, one could narrow things down by first selecting the country in which it was registered and then by license plate number within that country. RHAON acts as the license plate authority, if a CobraNet device (RHAON speaker, mixer, etc.) doesn’t yet have a “license plate”, it asks RHAON for one and the software kindly obliges.

Packets addressed by MAC address are known as “Ethernet packets”. In addition to information about the source and destination and the payload, there is a marker for what type of Ethernet packet is being sent. IP packets (ones that can be sent within or out of the LAN) have one identifier and CobraNet packets have another. Because CobraNet packets don’t contain IP information in their payload, CobraNet is limited to being LAN-only. The structure of an IP packet is very similar, in that it contains - among other information - a source address, a destination address, and protocol type. For RHAON, the protocol types of UDP and TCP are the ones in heavy use. Building upon the UDP protocol is the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), which is what RHAON uses to monitor or manipulate exposed variables (EQ, Bundle Assignments, etc.) on a RHAON loudspeaker or other CobraNet device. At each stage in the process of handling a packet, the previous layer is left behind. Once a payload type is determined, just that payload is handed off to the appropriate handler.

To better understand what takes place when RHAON tells a loudspeaker “Set Gain to -10dB”, think of Russian nested dolls. Your computer will send out the whole doll, which contains an IP doll, which contains a UDP doll, which contains an SNMP doll, which contains the message “Set Gain to -10dB”. When a device sends out a piece of CobraNet audio, it sends out a whole doll, which contains a CobraNet doll, which contains the piece of audio.

With CobraNet, since both devices have a ‘burnt-in’ MAC address, communication can happen right away. For SNMP communication between the computer and RHAON loudspeaker to happen, both devices must have a valid IP address. In most home or office networks, there is a device called a ‘router’ that not only contains a network switch, but can also handle the assignment of IP addresses within its network through a protocol called DHCP. CobraNet (and, by extension, RHAON) uses a different protocol for requesting / assigning IP addresses, but the end result is still the same. Your router has a static IP address assigned to it, devices ask it for an IP, and the router obliges. For this same reason you must assign a static IP address to your computer.

Troubleshooting Tips

Since RHAON relies on standard networking communications and hardware along with CobraNet, general networking and CobraNet troubleshooting documents can also be of assistance in solving problems. Don’t throw away any documentation related to the network switches or CobraNet source devices.

You may also want to install and use the CobraNet Discovery program as a supplement to the RHAON Network Manager. CobraNet Discovery is a network management program similar to the RHAON Network Manager, but more extensive. Both are invaluable in identifying and solving network problems.

If you don’t have CobraNet Discovery, you can download it at no cost from our ftp site, Go to;

hftp://ftp.renkus-heinz.com/Software/CNDisco345.exe

‘

SERVICING and TROUBLE SHOOTING (cont)

Page 48

SERVICING and TROUBLE SHOOTING (cont)

Users Manual

RHAON Network Manager

To activate the RHAON Network Manager open RHAION and select Network Manager from the File pull down menue.

The Network Manager will scan the Ethernet network, list all the CobranNet devices it found on the network and identify them by name, MAC and IP numbers. It also checks for communication errors (dropped packets). Any errors detected will be counted and listed in the Error column along with a code number identifying the type of error. Notice that the error count continues to increase as the Network Manager continues to scan the network for errors. In the example shown below the ICL-FR Left array obviously has a problem while two other devices are showing an occasional glitch.

The Age column shows in milliseconds how long it has been since the device was checked by the Network Manager. It is normal for the numbers to fluctuate rapidly.

The Startup IP column will show the device’s Startup IP address, if a startup IP was assigned to it. To assign a startup ID to a single device, double right click on one of the device’s listing to open the dialog box show to the right. It allows you to assign a specific IP address (a startup IP) to that device. Startup IP addresses will not be lost in case of a power disruption to the device. You can also assign Startup IP addresses to all the devices at one time by clicking on the Command pull down menu and selecting Reset all IP Addresses as Startup.

The Error Code Reference Guide is accessed from the RHAON Help pull down menu.

Page 49

Symptom: RHAON reports “No CobraNet Devices found.”

1. Are you trying to use a Wi-Fi connection?

You can’t use a Wi Fi connection with RHAON. Wi-Fi doesn’t have sufficient bandwidth to handle Cobranet and RHAON, so you will need to switch to a wired\ Ethernet connection.

2. Has a private IP address been set up on the com puters Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC)? To check:

a. If you are running Windows 7 or Vista go

to Start\Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and Sharing Center\Local Area Connection; click on Properties, then select Internet Protocol Version 4, click on Properties, select “Use the following IP Address” and then enter 192.168.1.1 in the IP address field and 255.255.255.0 in the Subnet mask field. Leave the other fields blank and press OK.

b.If you are running Windows XP go to Start\Settings\Control Panel\Network Con nections\LocalArea Connection; click on Properties, then select Internet Protocol

(TCP/IP) and click on Properties, select Use the following IP Address” 192.168.1.1

in the IP address field and 255.255.255.0 in the Subnet mask field. Leave the other fields blank and press OK.

3. Is the correct Network Interface Card (NIC) selected in RHAON? To check:

a. In RHAON, go to the Options pull down menu, click on Preferences, select the General tab and then select the correct NIC

(Note, if the computer has more than one NIC, make sure you select the same one you

configured in step two above.

b. Before leaving the General tab, check to make sure RHAON is set to manage the correct IP Range.It should be set to 192.168.1.2 to

192.168.1.100.

(Note: Although other private IP ranges can be

used we recommend the 192 168 1 address

and suggest you use it unless you have a

specific reason not to. Refer back to page __

for details.

SERVICING and TROUBLE SHOOTING (cont)

Users Manual

Page 50

SERVICING and TROUBLE SHOOTING (cont)

If these settings are correct and you still receive the ‘No CobraNet Device Found” error message;

4. In RHAON select the File pull down menu and select the Network Manager. Wait for a minute or two,to see if a list of the RHAON/CobraNet devices on the network appears. If it doesn’t something is blocking the CobraNet packets or you have a network problem.

a. Disable any third-party software firewalls and network security software. Versions of Zone Alarm, Norton Internet Security, for example, are known to block CobraNet packets and must be disabled to use RHAON. The Windows Firewall can remain on.

If you have disabled any security software and still can’t see any CobraNet devices in the Network Manager, try bypassing the network and connecting directly to a single RHAON device using a known-good cable. Bypass all installed network infrastructure including switches. Check the communication lights on the CobraNet devices input port, rapid flashing green indicates a connection.

(Note, you may require a crossover cable for this direct connection, but probably not. Most laptops have auto-switch ing NICs and do not require a crossover cable.)

b. If you still cannot see any devices in the Network Manager and you’ve double-checked all of the above, you may need to update the drivers for your NIC or try a different NIC.

Symptom: My RHAON device is slow to synchronize and slow to save.

1. RHAON can be somewhat sluggish as it is relegated to second-class status by CobraNet, but if synchronizing and saving take more than 20-30 seconds, you may have a network problem.

a. Start the RHAON Network Manager and look at the error count for all devices. Any device that shows errors has a suspect network connection. Refer to the next Symptom for troubleshooting hints

Symptom: I see errors reported in the RHAON Network Manager for a device or devices.

1. Try a different port on the switch to see if this eliminates the errors.

2. Qualify the cable. The cable must be able to qualify at 100 mbps.

Users Manual

Page 51

3. Check for split pairs. A split pair cable will drop packets even if the cable is only 2 meters long. The incorrect wiring example shown below represents a split pair.

4. Re-make the RJ45 connector. A marginal or corroded crimp will cause dropped packets.

5. Check the cable length. The Ethernet standard for unshielded twisted pair copper cables is a maximum 100 meters (330

feet). Copper cables longer than this will not support CobraNet streaming audio.

Symptom: I can cmmunicate with my Iconyx array, but I get errors when writing beams.

1. This is a classic symptom of network problems. Go to the Network Manager or start CobraNet Discovery and look at the error count for all devices. Any device that shows errors has a suspect network connection. Review the previous page for troubleshooting tips..

Symptom: Analog audio sounds like its gating.

1. You are sending a signal to Analog 1, but some other input is selected on the Connect tab. As an aid to troubleshooting the Analog 1input will always pass audio, but if some other input is selected, Analog 2 for example, the signal to Analog 1 must exceed a threshold, this is why you hear it gating. Select Analog 1 as the input and the gating will stop.

Symptom: My Iconyx is slowly flashing the blue wink light.

1. You have the Ethernet cable plugged into a slave unit. Either move the cable to the master unit or set the unit with the cable to be the master.

Symptom: My IC16R, IC24R, LC32R or IC-Live Dual shows up as only a single IC8 or IC-Live module.

1. Is the wink light flashing slowly? If so, you have the Ethernet cable plugged into a slave module. Either move the cable to the

master module or reset the DIP switches.

2. Check the DIP switches, there must be only one master and the slaves must be individually identified as slave modules.

3. Did you connect the interconnect cables between the modules and screw down the connectors? If not, you must do this.

4. Has the interconnect ribbon cable been accidently pinched between the cabinets? If so, it may be damaged and needs

replacement.

Symptom: Both the green and amber LEDs on the Ethernet port are flashing.

1.. This indicates that this RHAON device is the CobraNet Conductor and it is passing signal. This is a normal condition

CORRECT WIRING

Pins 1 & 2 = 1 pair Pins 3 & 6 = 1 pair Pins 4 & 5 = 1 pair Pins 7 & 8 = 1 pair.

INCORRECT WIRING (Split Pair)

Pins 1 & 2 = 1 pair Pins 3 & 4 = 1 pair Pins 5 & 6 = 1 pair

Pins 7 & 8 = 1 pair.

SERVICING and TROUBLE SHOOTING (cont)

Users Manual

Page 52

Users Manual

Symptom: Some of my RHAON features are not working even though they worked previously. For example, when I try to change Presets the new Preset won’t load and I can change my EQ settings but can’t save them to the loudspeaker(s).

1. This indicates your CobraNet components are not functioning properly and communications between your computer and the loudspeakers on the network have been disrupted, a problem caused by your computer having gone into Sleep mode o by some other Windows event. To correct, close RHAON (and, if running, CobraNet Discovery) and bring up the Windows \

Task Manager (Ctrl-Alt-Delete). Under the “Processes” tab , look for ‘PACNDISCO.EXE’ and ‘PASSBRIDGE.EXE’ (Windows

may alter the names and add ‘~1’). Select them and click “End Process”. Proceed to re-open RHAON and/or CobraNet

Discovery.

An alternate method of correcting the problem is to Restart the computer. To prevent this from reoccurring set your laptop’s Hibernation / Sleep settings to “Never”.

Note that this CobraNet malfunction does not affect normal operation and your system will continue to operate normally until you try to change some of the settings.

SWITCH RELATED ISSUES

Symptom: I placed my RHAON devices on the same network as other devices (venue PCs, lighting, etc.) and now neither RHAON nor the other devices are acting abnormally.

1. We recommend that your RHAON network be placed on a network separate to that of anything else. If it is absolutely

necessary to have them running through the same switch, it is recommended to use a managed switch and set up separate Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), grouping the ports you wish to use for RHAON in one VLAN and the ports for other devices in another.

Symptom: I have set up my VLANs but now I cannot connect to / scan for the RHAON loudspeakers on my network.

1. Verify that the physical ports both your RHAON loudspeakers and your computer are connected to are all on the same

VLAN.

2. Verify that SNMP traffic (UDP ports 161 and 162) and CobraNet traffic (Ethernet protocol identifier 0x8819) are allowed on

your VLAN. Consult your switch documentation for how to configure VLANs.

Symptom: I have to wait 10-20s for my device to be “connected” and traffic to begin when connecting my loudspeaker to the switch.

1. Your switch may have Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) turned on. STP prevents accidental looping in your network topology,

but unfortunately needs to run an analysis on any new connection before it is deemed OK to be “on”. If you want to avoid the delay and don’t need any services STP provides, turn off STP on your switch. Consult your switch documentation for instructions.

NOTIFICATION E-MAIL RELATED ISSUES.

1. Be aware that a second network interface connected to a separate network is required for Email notifications or using

Remote Desktop-type software to control the RHAON computer..

You will need to contact the network administrator at the installation for details on connecting to their Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) server, also known simply as ‘the outgoing email server’.

Symptom: While attempting to send emails I receive the following Error Message “The specified string is not in the form required for an e-mail address.”

1. Be aware that what you enter in the “Name of Installation:” field is used as part of a spoofed “From:” field in the notification

email. Use of non US-ASCII characters in an email address is invalid. For example, use of Greek letters, symbols not on a US keyboard, or the ‘@’ symbol are not allowed. For more information, please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki /e-mail_address.

SERVICING and TROUBLE SHOOTING (cont)

Page 53

Users Manual

Access Control - 5, 31, 32

AC power - 17, 30

Adding Virtual Devices - 10

Assigning Inputs - 18, 19

Assigning Outputs - 20

Audio Evacuation - 33

All Loudspeakers - 24

Background Image - 9

Block Diagrams - 36, 37, 38

Centigrade - 30

CobraNet - 19

Bundles - 19, 20

Disable Receiver - 20

Latency - 19

Multicast - 19

Receivers (Rx) - 19, 20

Sample rate - 19

Transmitters (Tx) - 19, 20

Unicast - 19

Compression - 22

Connect Mode - 7, 12 to 20, 24, 25

Connect Loudspeaker Icon - 15

Connect Properties Window - 16

Control Mode - 6, 21 to 26

Control Mode Icon - 21

Control Properties Window - 21, 22

Copy Settings - 26

Delay - 22

Designer - 31, 32

Digital Audio - 5

AES/EBU - 18

AES3id - 18

Firmware - 41, 42, 43, 44

Signal Routing - 19,20

Group Assign - 25, 26

Equalization - 22

Filters - 22

Parametric -22

Ethernet - 12, 46, 47

Fault Monitoring - 33, 34

Fault Relay - 33, 34

FAQ - 45 to 52

Group - 25

Group Assign - 25, 26

Group Control - 25, 26

Icons -

All loudspeakers - 24

Group Control - 25

Loudspeaker (Connect Mode) - 14, 15

Loudspeaker (Control Mode) - 25, 26

Inputs - 34, 35

Internet - 11, 12, 29

Invert - 17

IP Addresses - 11, 12

Assigning - 11

Local IP addresses - 11

Static - 11, 12

Page 54

Latency - 19

Life Safety - 33

Linking Software Icons & Loudspeakers - 14

Mute - 17

Microcontroller Firmware - 41, 42

Network - 11, 12, 46, 47

FAQ - 45 to 52

Network Interface Card - 5, 11

NIC - 5

Packet Addressing - 46, 47

Switched Networks - 46, 47

Troubleshooting - 45 to 52

Network Manager - 13, 48

Operator - 31

Operator Alerts (Notification) - 29

E-mail - 29

Packet Addressing - 46, 47

Pad - 34

Password Protection - 5, 31, 32

Paste Settings - 26

Power On Sequencing - 30

Preferences - 12, 30

Priority Override - 22

Project Workflow - 7

Preparations - 8 to 11

RHAON - 5

Block Diagrams - 36, 37, 39

Firmware - 41, 42, 43, 44

General Preferences - 30

Organization - 6, 7

Software Installation - 8, 40

Safety Instructions - 2

Sample Rate - 19

Saving Changes - 13, 23

Saving Your Project - 12

Shipping - 3

Signal Present - 34, 35

SNMP - 46, 47

Software Installation - 8

Software Updates - 39 , 40

Speaker Protection (Compression) - 22

Standby Mode - 17

Static IP Addresses - 11, 14

Status Indicators - 27, 28, 34, 35

Supervise Mode - 27

Driver conditions - 27, 28

Event Logging - 29

Event Notification - 29

Supervisor - 31

Table of Contents - 3

Technical Support - 4

Trouble Shooting - 45 to 52

Virtual Systems - 10

Wink Light - 17

Wink with Audio - 17

Users Manual

Page 55

RH 611 Rev N February 2011

19201 Cook Street, Foothill Ranch, CA USA

Phone: +1 949 588 9997 • Fax: +1 949 588 9514 • sales@renkus-heinz.com

www.renkus-heinz.com

Renkus-Heinz RHAON User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual