Crown CTS4200 Operation Manual page 19

CTs Multi-Channel Power Amplifi ers
3 Operation
(continued)
CobraNet Audio: Assign this in the CobraNet Input section of
the software. See Section 3.3.2 for more details. Choices for the
CobraNet Input are from any of four bundles, and any of the eight
channels available.
CobraNet with Analog Backup: In this mode, if CobraNet
audio is lost, the module automatically switches to the chosen
Balanced Audio Input until CobraNet audio returns.
CobraNet with Analog Override: In this mode, if a signal
appears on the Analog Input, the module's input signal switches
from CobraNet to the Analog Input. Then the CobraNet audio will
be routed to the channel after 10 seconds.
3.3 CobraNet
CobraNet is a licensed technology developed by Peak Audio, Inc.
consisting of proprietary communications protocol, fi rmware and
hardware. It allows reliable, deterministic transmission of digital
audio over a 100Base-T Fast Ethernet network. The amplifi er
operates as a networked device on a CobraNet network, and
interfaces digital audio from the network to the amplifi er. For a
more thorough discussion about CobraNet technology, refer to
Section 8.2 and visit Peak Audio's CobraNet website at www.
cobranet.info.
This section describes the amplifi er's CobraNet control and
mon itoring features. These features are accessed via the control
soft ware. Please refer to the software documentation if you are
unfamiliar with the software.
3.3.1 CobraNet Module Parameters
The internal CobraNet Network Interface Module contains several
parameters for control and monitor of status of the CobraNet
net work, and do not directly affect the control network. These
vari ables can also be controlled and monitored through the
CobraNet network using CobraCAD™ or other industry-standard
SNMP-enabled network management software. CobraCAD is
software that provides a GUI to design CobraNet networks. It can
be downloaded from www.peakaudio.com.
Operation Manual
Conductor
The Conductor is the device in a CobraNet network that acts as
the master clock. Other devices are called "Performers." Any
CobraNet device can be confi gured to operate either as Network
Conductor or a Performer.
• Active Indicator: This indicator, viewable in System Archi tect
software, reports the present Conductor status of the device. If the
indicator is ON, the unit is operating as the network Con ductor.
When OFF, the unit is operating as a Performer.
• Priority: This parameter adjusts the priority level for
becom ing the Conductor. When set to zero, the amplifi er will
never function as the Conductor, and when set to 255 it will
always function as the Conductor. The higher the priority number,
the more likely unit will act as the Conductor. The Priority object
is stored in presets.
System Name
This parameter can be set to any alpha-numeric string of 30
characters or less. It communicates a unique name for the
partic ular device to a network. The System Name object is stored
in presets.
System Description
This parameter is confi gured at the factory and is read-only. The
intended use is to communicate a unique device description to a
network.
System Location
This parameter is user-settable to any alpha-numeric string of 30
characters or less. The intended use is to communicate a unique
description of the device location to a network. This object is
stored in presets.
System Contact
This parameter is user-settable to any alpha-numeric string of 30
characters or less. The intended use is to communicate the
des ignated contact person (in case of service or other network
issue) to the network. This object is stored in presets.
Firmware Version
This parameter is confi gured at the factory and is read-only. The intended
use is to communicate the presently loaded CobraNet module fi rmware
version to a network.
MAC Address
This parameter is confi gured at the factory and is read-only. The setting
defi nes a unique IEEE802-recognized address for use with any Ethernet
based network.
IP Address
This IP address is for the CobraNet control ONLY. It is used by SNMP
agents such as CobraNet Disco to control CobraNet specifi c functions.
This IP address should not be confused with the control system's IP
address that is used to control and monitor the CobraNet module.
3.3.2 CobraNet Input Routing
CobraNet input routing includes the following controls:
CobraNet Receive Bundles
The amplifi er can receive four unique CobraNet Bundles (RxA, RxB, RxC,
RxD). Each Bundle includes an "Active" indicator to indicate whether the
particular Bundle is being actively transmitted onto the network.
CobraNet Receive Channels
Each CobraNet Bundle contains up to eight digital audio channels. Each
channel is selected at its respective transmitter to contain none, 16-, 20-
or 24-bit audio sample data. A total of four or eight audio channels can be
processed by the USP/CN at any one time. Any of the eight channels on a
bundle can be can be routed to either of the four or eight processing
channel inputs on the USP/CN.
• Channel Label: Each received digital audio channel can be assigned
a user-specifi ed label to indicate intended use, source or other
informa tion. The label is stored in presets along with the bundle number
and receive channel information.
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