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Related Manuals for Alcorn Mcbride AM4-BH
Summary of Contents for Alcorn Mcbride AM4-BH
- Page 1 AM-4 Digital Audio Machine Hardware and Software Reference Manual...
- Page 2 PLACE HOLDER FOR THE BACK OF THE FRONT COVER DO NOT PRINT!!! Welcome!
- Page 3 Digital Audio Machine User’s Guide Alcorn McBride Inc. Welcome!
- Page 4 Customers using or selling Alcorn McBride products for use in such applications do so at their own risk, and agree to fully indemnify Alcorn McBride for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale.
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Page 5: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Fields in Detail ..........30 Welcome! ............1 Restrictions............33 Comments & Whitespace ........33 Features............2 Order of Operations ...........33 Technical Support ......... 2 Double Occupancy ..........34 Quick Start Guide ..........3 Schedule Builder ..........36 Uploading New Schedules to the AM-4 ....40 Playing the Demo Material...... -
Page 7: Welcome
Welcome! Thank you for purchasing The Alcorn McBride AM-4 Digital Audio Machine™. The AM-4 Digital Audio Machine replaces tape machines, CDs and solid state audio players in permanent audio playback installations, providing hours of high-quality, maintenance-free digital audio. A Compact Flash card... -
Page 8: Features
• Optional S/PDIF Digital Audio output. • GPS positional triggering capability. Technical Support You can obtain information about specifying, installing, configuring, updating and programming your Alcorn McBride AM-4 Digital Audio Machine from several sources: Contact… When?… For… Telephone Support (407) 296-5800 M-F 9am–6pm (EST) -
Page 9: Quick Start Guide
Quick Start Guide Throughout this manual you will find detailed discussions on all the features of the product. But below are a few points to get you going with the AM-4 Digital Audio Machine right out of the box! Playing the Demo Material Your AM-4 Digital Audio Machine comes complete with a Compact Flash Card already loaded with demo material. - Page 10 Quick Start Guide...
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Page 11: Controls And Indicators
Controls and Indicators The AM-4 Digital Audio Machine provides controls that can accommodate a wide variety of installations. The front panel incorporates a test button, status indicator, Compact Flash Card slot. The rear panel provides the line-level audio outputs and control connectors. Depending on which option cards are installed, the rear panel can also contain speaker-level outputs or balanced and S/PDIF digital audio outputs, or an Ethernet jack. -
Page 12: Test Button
Test Button Be sure that the Write A recessed push-button is located on the front of the unit. This button is used to Protect DIP switch is “test” play the unit and will play the first file found on the media. It could be a OFF before trying to either a sound file or a playlist. -
Page 13: Configuration Dip Switch
Configuration DIP Switch Voltage / Contact Closure Select Switch A 4 key DIP switch (red with white keys) is located on the rear of the unit below the DB-37 Control Connector. Its first key selects between voltage inputs or contact closures for the discrete controls. -
Page 14: Serial Port Mode
Serial Port Mode Refer to the GPS section For normal serial port control, turn off the fourth key on the 4 key DIP switch. To in this manual for enable GPS mouse operation, turn this switch ON. details. Controls and Indicators... -
Page 15: Volume Control And Audio Outputs
Volume Control and Audio Outputs To increase volume The volume control is the gray colored post protruding from the rear of the unit next rotate the post to the RCA jacks. It controls volume for the RCA line level outputs, as well as for clockwise. -
Page 16: Ethernet Interface (Optional)
Ethernet Interface (optional) The AM-4 Digital Audio Machine can be ordered with an optional Ethernet Module which adds control and file transfer capabilities to the AM-4 over a standard Ethernet connection. The Ethernet interface is provided on a standard RJ-45 jack. Two LED indicate Ethernet status as shown below. -
Page 17: Parallel Port: Db-37 Connector
Parallel Port: DB-37 Connector Be sure to configure the This connector provides all of the signals needed to interface to the AM-4 Digital AM-4 Digital Audio Audio Machine. Files numbered 1 through 15 of the AM-4 Digital Audio Machine Machine for contact may be played, paused or stopped using eight parallel inputs located on the rear closures or voltage connector. -
Page 18: Controlling The Am-4
Controlling the AM-4 Parallel Control Parallel Inputs Be sure to configure the The AM-4 Digital Audio Machine can be controlled using either contact closures or DIP switch before voltage inputs on the female DB-37 Control Connector. DIP switch number 1 selects connecting any wires. - Page 19 The table below shows the binary combinations possible, and what file they select: File None For example, connecting pins 8 and 27 together with the slide switch set in the contact closure position will cause file 8 to play. The loop input is read The file will be looped if the loop command is asserted when the file is played.
- Page 20 Playlist Increment/Decrement & Volume Control Mode If the Loop input is activated on power-up, the File Select inputs operate as Playlist and Volume Increment/Decrement as shown here: File Select 1 = Increment Playlist Number File Select 2 = Decrement Playlist Number File Select 4 = Increase Volume File Select 8 = Decrease Volume This allows the use of just two toggle switches for playlist selection and volume...
- Page 21 Use logic to verify your setup is correct. If you Clip 14 find errors with this diagram, please notify Alcorn McBride. You can help us help other Clip 15 customers with the same question.
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Page 22: Parallel Outputs
Voltage inputs, such as from a PLC, could be wired this way: I/O CONNECTOR Contacts Voltage Switch set to voltage 24 Volt Output 1 24 Volt Output 2 24 Volt Output 4 24 Volt Output 8 Ground Reference CONNECTOR DB37 Diodes are not needed, since the PLC can actuate any combination of lines desired. -
Page 23: Simple Serial Control
Ethernet interface. AMI Terminal is a Windows application that can be used to control the AM-4 (as well as other Alcorn McBride equipment). It is available on the Alcorn McBride Website at http://www.alcorn.com/support/software.html/amiterm.zip. -
Page 24: Select File
Select File Description: This command causes the AM-4 Digital Audio Machine to select the specified audio track or Play List on the currently selected media. Once this command is sent, the next Play command causes the specified file to play from the beginning. The unit defaults to file #1 at power-up, unless an autoexec file exists. -
Page 25: Loop File
Loop File Description: This command is the same as the Play File command, except the sound is looped back to the beginning at the end. Command bytes: nLP<CR> Where n is the file number or name (surrounded in quotes). Example: 3LP<CR> loops file number 3. Example: “rain.mp3”PL<CR>... -
Page 26: Advanced Serial Protocol
Advanced Serial Protocol Many of these commands The table below shows the complete AM-4 Digital Audio Machine serial and error codes are listed protocol, including the Pioneer LDP compatible commands and our extensions. in the AM4’s onboard Using these commands, an external controller or PC can accomplish extremely menu. - Page 27 Media Commands Description Command Bytes Response Comments Drive Directory Request ?D<CR> ASCII table Format Drive FO<CR> R<CR> upon receipt Write protect DIP switch R<CR> upon completion must be in the OFF position Total Storage Request ?R<CR> nnnnnnn<CR> number of bytes (hex) Scheduler &...
- Page 28 Ethernet Commands Description Command Bytes Response Comments Set IP Address xxx.xxx.xxx.xxxIP<CR> R<CR> Set Subnet Mask xxx.xxx.xxx.xxxSM<CR> R<CR> Set Gateway xxx.xxx.xxx.xxxGW<CR> R<CR> Get IP Address IP<CR> IP String<CR> Get Gateway Address GW<CR> DefaultGateway<CR> Get Subnet Mask SM<CR> Subnet Mask <CR> Set FTP User Name nUS<CR>...
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Page 29: Acknowledge Codes
used in a schedule. Soft reboot the MP3 AM Same as power-on reset. Notes: When using the SendString command, ASCII Strings are surrounded by quotes, HEX bytes begin with H. Example h22This is an ASCII Stringh22SS or “This is an ASCII String”SS in a play list text file. Once a Manual Output Relay command is received, the Play and Fault outputs will no longer operate as their default “Play”... -
Page 30: Control Message Format
The user data sent in the UDP packet follows our AMINet Ethernet protocol. AMINet was originally developed for use with our Ethernet Machine, which provides an Ethernet backbone for communication between Alcorn McBride Show Controllers. Now the same, easy to use protocol can be used to control the AM4. -
Page 31: Udp Message Layer
UDP Message Layer The control source sends UDP Packets to the AM4. A UDP Packet contains information about the packet source (IP Address, Port number) as well as definable user data. The user data contains the entire AM4 Control Message including all AMINet specific bytes. - Page 32 Controlling the AM-4...
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Page 33: Scheduler
Scheduler Note: You can The AM-4 Digital Audio Machine has a down-to-the-minute scheduler download the based upon its internal real time clock. At any time of day and date of Schedule year, the AM-4 Digital Audio Machine can start or stop playback of Builder program any file or play list, or do whatever it is supposed to at 3pm on January from... - Page 34 Command Event Example 1: T:13:46 D:01/1/2010 E:Command 1:"1PL" Each event exists on one line and is made up of several fields. Example 1 shows the minimum number of fields you need to define an event, which are an Event, a Start Time, possibly a required data field, and a Start Date.
- Page 35 Example 2: T:14:46 D:01/1/2010 E:Command 1:"RJ" Two things have changed in this example. Start Time: 2:46pm in the afternoon (14:46 military) Start Date: January 1 2010. (same as Example 1) Event: Command event (same as Example 1) Field 1, the string, defined as “RJ”, will cause the AM4 to stop playback. So using the two examples together in a schedule file will cause file number one to begin playback at 1:46PM on January 1 , 2010 and stop playback at 2:46PM the...
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Page 36: Fields In Detail
Fields in Detail There is a summary table in the File Format/Tutorial section that lists all the fields for your reference. Since the Event, and event Parameter fields have been Command discussed, we’ll discuss the rest of the fields here. T: Start Time The Start Time is the hour and minute your event becomes active. - Page 37 D:01.01.2001 D:01/01/2001 D:01-1-2001 R: Repeat Number The Repeat Number acts in one of two ways: • With no Repeat Set field present. • With a Repeat Set field present: 1. With no Repeat Set field present: This is the most common usage of the Repeat Number. It acts as a multiplier of the Repeat Period.
- Page 38 Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Minute Hour Year Boot Notes: Month is not a valid period. If you want to make a monthly schedule, use a combination of repeat number, period and set to do so. See the example in the Repeat Number section for details.
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Page 39: Restrictions
Restrictions Since the Scheduler is very flexible, it is easier to explain what you cannot do, than to explain what you can. When using BOOT as the Repeat Period, the Repeat Number can only be one. The unit does not keep track of the number of times hit has rebooted. You can put in other numbers, but it will ignore them. -
Page 40: Double Occupancy
Double Occupancy Double Occupancy is when two events occupy the same time slot. If you plan on having a fairly complicated schedule, you may want to be sure you don’t have events competing with each other for execution when their time and date come around. - Page 41 Scheduler Rules Precedence: If two events occupy the same slot, this is the precedence: StartTime Bootups take ultimate precedence during the bootup minute, and are treated as normal events afterwards ( if they repeat). Repeating Bootups take second precedence during the bootup minute. One-shots take precedence over Loops.
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Page 42: Schedule Builder
Schedule Builder Alcorn McBride provides Schedule Builder, a friendly GUI you can use to create your Schedules. Go to http://www.alcorn.com/support/software.html to download a copy today! You also should have read the previous section for a tutorial on how the engine works. Here’s how to operate the interface:... - Page 43 In the new event dialog box, set a start date and time by clicking the down arrows on those controls: If you have an end date and time, do the same for those fields. Choose the Event (the command) from the drop down menu. Here we have selected Play.
- Page 44 The next thing you can do is specify a Repeat frequency. Here, we have selected Every Day. Add a comment, if you like, telling us what this does: Press OK, and here is the resulting event: You can also select Edit:Edit Event to edit this entry with the dialog box or manually edit the events yourself .
- Page 45 You can then save the schedule and test it with the built in tester. Select File:Test Schedule. Press the Options button to set your simulation time. With this dialog box, you can set simulation time, start date and time, what to do on errors, etc…. Then press OK and press Run. Scheduler...
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Page 46: Uploading New Schedules To The Am-4
Uploading New Schedules to the AM-4 FTP schedule.new to You can FTP shedule.scl to the AM-4, replacing your current version. (Delete immediately update the schedule.scl on the unit before FTP’ing this one.) The AM-4 has the current your schedule. FTP schedule in memory. -
Page 47: File Types And Storage
File Types and Storage The AM-4 Digital Audio Machine plays both MP3 encoded audio files and uncompressed WAV files. MP3 filenames have a “.MP3” extension and WAV files have a “.WAV” extension. Please refer to the Required File Name Formats section of this manual for details on file naming conventions. -
Page 48: Making Mp3 Files
Making MP3 Files Encoding Making MP3 files involves using an encoder, and you can find them readily available from the web. A couple that we have seen work well are Audio Catalyst, which is available from Xing Technology Corporation (www.xintech.com), and Music Match JukeBox available from MusicMatch (www.musicmatch.com). -
Page 49: Formatting The Compact Flash
The AM-4 Digital Audio Machine can use most any ATA compatible Compact Flash for firmware updates to media. There are some manufactures of ATA Compact Flash that Alcorn McBride allow your AM-4 to use has identified to be more compatible than others. For a complete list of preferred... -
Page 50: Getting Files Into The Am-4
Getting Files Into The AM-4 You can either copy the files to the Compact Flash card externally, using a USB or other type of adaptor for your desktop or laptop computer, or if you have the Ethernet option installed you can FTP the files directly to your AM-4. Copying Files Directly Using a PC Here is a step-by-step procedure for copying files from you PC to the Compact Flash card using a Compact Flash adaptor on you PC:... -
Page 51: Copying Files Using An Ftp Connection
Copying Files Using an FTP Connection Note: This procedure applies only if your AM-4 is equipped with the optional Ethernet Module. Use a straight-thru • Connect the AM-4 to an Ethernet network, or directly to a PC with an Ethernet cable to Ethernet jack and power-up the AM-4. -
Page 52: Required File Name Formats
Required File Name Formats IMPORTANT: The File names are represented in simple DOS 8.3 format. – in other words, an eight AM-4 file system does character name, a period, and then a three character extension. There are two not support long file ways to name your sound files. -
Page 53: Play List Files
File Name Description SND00000.MP3 Track number 0 MP3 Audio file SND00004.WAV Track number 4 WAV Audio file PLY00002.LST Play List Number 2 BARKING.MP3 Track Name “BARKING” Audio file SHOW1.LST Play List Name “SHOW1” SCHEDULE.SCL The file used for real-time clock scheduled play. PLY00000.GPS GPS Playlist Number 0. -
Page 54: Special Play List Command Summary
Special Play List Command Summary Special command characters further modify the behavior of the AM-4 Digital Audio Machine. These characters are: Char Meaning Uninterruptible. Causes the AM-4 Digital Audio Machine to ignore the Resume input and serial Play command while playing. It still processes them when waiting or paused. -
Page 55: Random Playlists
Random Playlists PLY00002.RND is an The entries contained in a playlist file that has the extension .RND will be executed example of a Random randomly. The playlist will never stop until a Stop command is issued to the unit. Playlist filename. The AM-4 keeps track of which files have played in the random cycle, and will not As an alternative, you repeat any files until all the files have played, at which time the randomness begins... -
Page 56: Example Play List With Bgm Mode
Example Play List with BGM Mode Note: BGM operation is By using the BGM Playlist Mode you can cause the AM4 to pick up sound from where it left only available when off between playing other sounds. This is useful if you want to step through a playlist using using MP3 audio files. -
Page 57: Power Up Operation
Power Up Operation When power is first applied to the AM-4 Digital Audio Machine, it briefly blinks the Status LED green. It then checks to see if a new firmware file exists, or if a track or Play List should be played, according to the following priority: Note: The Fault relay •... -
Page 58: Gps Operation
GPS Operation GPS Operation... -
Page 59: Gps Builder
It all depends on how you make the playlist. For the latest version of The playlist used for GPS operation is easily created by a Windows application GPS Builder go to called “GPS Builder” supplied by Alcorn McBride. http://www.alcorn.com/ support/software.html. GPS Builder GPS Builder provides you with a simple method of creating playlists for use in the AM-4 while operating in GPS Mode. -
Page 60: Program Description
Program Description The program is set up much like a spreadsheet, with horizontal rows that represent specific tasks for the AM-4 to execute, and vertical columns that contain the various parameters associated with the particular task. Clicking the small buttons to the right of each cell will provide further help with that cell’s contents. - Page 61 Play This is command normally associated with a specific geographical location and is executed when the Longitude and Latitude locations specified in the corresponding columns are matched. The Play command uses one Data column described here. Data1: The sound number of sound file name to be played. Data2: (Optional) The amount of time (in seconds) that the track will fade-in Data1 and Data2 The Data1 and Data2 columns are used to supply additional parameters to commands.
- Page 62 Tolerance can be changed at any time in the playlist. For example, you might want to tighten tolerance for a trigger that occurs while the vehicle is moving slower (or stopped), and need to open it up for when the vehicle is traveling faster. Map Display If an Internet connection is present, you can view the location of your GPS point on a map.
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Page 63: Connection Diagram
Connection Diagram In order for GPS Builder to detect latitude and longitude, a GPS sensor must be connected to a serial port. Below is a connection diagram for the GPS Kit that can be purchased from Alcorn McBride Inc. Program Operation The following is a step-by-step guide on how to use GPS Builder to make a playlist for the AM-4 operating in GPS Mode. - Page 64 Step 6: Note: The satellite GPS Connect the GPS sensor (sometimes called a GPS Mouse) to your laptop. The signal will only work program will begin detecting the GPS input stream and will display “GPS OK!” once outdoors and not inside detection has occurred.
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Page 65: Operating The Am-4 With Gps
4 GPS, and connect the other end of the harness to the corresponding input jacks on the AM-4. The AM-4 is compatible The diagram below shows the proper connection using the Alcorn McBride GPS Kit. with any serial GPS receiver which outputs a... -
Page 66: Connecting An Led Or Lcd Sign
If you’re having trouble getting your sign to work with the AM4, please do not hesitate to contact Alcorn McBride and we’ll be happy to provide some assistance. -
Page 67: Troubleshooting Guide / Faq
Troubleshooting Guide / FAQ If you don’t find an answer to your question here, have a look at our Knowledge Base at http://www.alcorn.com/kb/index.html. We’re always updating it with new answers and useful information! Q: I’ve copied several files from my PC onto a Compact Flash card, but I can’t get a directory listing, either via the serial command or FTP. - Page 68 Q: Do you have a basic checklist I can go by in order to figure out what’s wrong? A: Here’s a checklist we have compiled of typical things you can check to make sure all the bases are covered: • Is the unit plugged in? (bear with us) •...
- Page 69 • Are you going in the correct direction for trigger(s)? The trigger will only occur when traveling in the programmed direction (unless the trigger contains no direction information, in which case it is omni-directional and will trigger in any direction.) •...
- Page 70 Troubleshooting Guide / FAQ...
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Page 71: Mechanical Information
Mechanical Information Mechanical Dimensions Surface Mounting Mechanical Information... - Page 72 Surface Mount Kit, Part Number 230-100979 Part Number Description 306-100711 Mounting Flange 500-000566 Screw, 6-32 x 3/8, Pan Head, Black Ox, SS Mechanical Information...
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Page 73: Rack Mounting
Rack Mounting You can mount one or two AM-4 Digital Audio Machines in a 1U rack mount space. Rack Mount Kit, 1 Unit, Part Number 302-100703 Mechanical Information... - Page 74 Rack Mount Kit, 2 Unit, Part Number 302-100704 Mechanical Information...
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Page 75: Specifications
Specifications Audio DAC Resolution: 16 bits Deviation from Linear phase: +/-0.5dB Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.003% Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 94dB Inter-channel Isolation: 90dB Inter-channel Gain Mismatch: 0.1dB Frequency Response: 10 to 20 Khz +/- 0.1 dB Maximum Phase Non-Linearity: 5 degrees Line Out Level: Unbalanced, 2V P-P max into 20K Balanced Output (optional) -
Page 76: Index
Index AMI Terminal, 18 FAQ, 62 AMINet, 24 Fault, 7, 12, 17 Amplifier, 10 File Audio Control, 21 .MP3, 48 autoexec, 15, 19, 47 .LST, 48 #00000, 47 8.3 Format, 47 File Select, 12 background, 51, 54, 55, 58, 61 File Types, 42 background music, 61 Firmware, iv, 3, 23, 52... - Page 77 schedule.txt, 28, 34, 41 scheduler, 22, 28, 29, 30, 34 noise, 8 Scheduler, 21, 22, 28, 34, 35, 36 Non-Linearity, 70 Builder, 37 Search, 19 serial cable, 11 Serial Control, 18 Output Relay, 23, 51 Serial Port, 9, 11 Serial Port Mode, 9 Serial Protocol, 21 Parallel Control, 12 SND, 47...
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