ClearOne AP800 Installation And Operation Manual
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ClearOne AP800 Installation And Operation Manual

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AP800 Audio Conferencing System
Installation & Operation Manual

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  • Page 1 AP800 Audio Conferencing System Installation & Operation Manual...
  • Page 2 States of America. ClearOne Communications, Inc. reserves specific privileges. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. AP800 Installation and Operation Manual ClearOne Part No. 800-150-001 July 2002 (Rev. 3.0) Technical Services Group ~ 1-800-283-5936 (USA) ~ 1-801-974-3760...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    AP800 Installation and Operation Manual Table of Contents CHAPTER 1: Introduction Product Overview Features Professional Services Group Technical Support Sales and Customer Service ClearOne Communications EuMEA GmbH Product registration Product returns Unpacking Controls and Connections Front panel Rear panel G-Link Network...
  • Page 4 Routing Parameters Meter Parameters CHAPTER 3: AP-Ware Software Description Installing AP-Ware To install AP-Ware CHAPTER 4: Operation Control Remote Control Volume Control Muting APPENDICES Appendix A: Specifications Appendix B: Warranty Appendix C: Compliance Appendix D: Connector Pinouts Appendix E: Accessories Appendix F: Serial Commands Appendix G: Worksheets Glossary...

  • Page 5: Chapter 1: Introduction

    The result is quicker setup, with fewer hassles and more control. In its most simple form, the AP800 is a mic mixing matrix. As such, all mic mixing parameters can be customized and any input or combination of inputs can be routed to any output or combination of outputs.

  • Page 6: Features

    Features • Gentner ® Distributed Echo Cancellation its own echo canceller for a total of eight echo cancellers per unit • Easy-to-use AP-Ware software for quick configuration of all functions • 100 percent digital signal processing (DSP) • Simultaneous direct connection to several video codecs and telephone lines (using AP10 Telephone Interfaces) •...

  • Page 7: Professional Services Group

    E-mail: global@clearone.com Product registration Please register your AP800 online by visiting ClearOne Technical Support at www.clearone.com. When your product is properly registered, ClearOne Communications is better able to serve you should you require technical assistance. Registration information is also used to notify you of upgrades and new product information.

  • Page 8: Unpacking

    C. LED Meter. The LED bar meter is displays the audio level of any selected input or output on the AP800, as well as display echo return loss (ERL) and echo return loss enhancement (ERLE) for mic channels 1–8.

  • Page 9: Rear Panel

    Appendix F, page 39. G. Control/Status A and B. These two DB-25 connectors are used to interface parallel control to the AP800. Most of the pins on these connectors can be programmed to perform any function via a closure to ground. For pinouts, including a description of the default settings, see Appendix D on page 36.

  • Page 10: G-Link Network

    G-Link bus This digital mix-minus bus appears on every Audio Perfect product. It allows audio to be routed to any destination on the G-Link network. The AP800 has four digital buses: X-bus, Y-bus, Z-bus, and G-Link EC Reference bus. X-bus. This mix-minus bus is defined as the master microphone mix, and it •...

  • Page 11: Chapter 2: Installation

    Equipment placement The AP800 is designed for mounting in a 19" equipment rack. Do not block any of the unit’s ventilation holes. With a desktop kit, the unit can be adapted for tabletop placement.

  • Page 12: Hardware Setup

    Figure 2.2. Rear Panel Connectors Hardware Setup The AP800 is designed for easy installation and setup. All connections are made through rear-panel connectors. This chapter provides instructions on installing the units and making initial connections, creating a G-Link network, assigning device ID numbers, selecting the mixer mode, and using the LCD menu.

  • Page 13: Networking Units

    Plug in the AP800 to complete the installation. The power output [A] will operate at any level between 100–240VAC and 50–60Hz. If you are installing only one AP800 and are not connecting it to any other AP units, you have completed the hardware installation.

  • Page 14: Device Ids

    Once your physical G-Link network is established (and if you have more than one AP unit at a site), you need to specify unique device ID numbers for each AP800 on the network. As shipped from the factory, all AP800 units default as device ID “0”. Set device ID numbers for each unit at your site by manipulating the front-panel LCD.

  • Page 15: Mixer Mode

    • Dual mixer is used when a single AP800 is used as two distinct mic mixers. A system is defined as one or more units that communicate to perform mixing functions. A system can consist of one unit in master-single or dual mixer mode, or several units that work together with one master-linked unit and multiple slave units.
  • Page 16 Repeat this process for all AP units in the G-Link network. EC reference Multiple units to one speaker output note: When multiple AP800 units are linked together and are using only one output channel to drive the speaker system, this output must be defined for the entire system as the sample reference for echo cancellation.

  • Page 17: Lcd Programming

    Installation ~ LCD Programming LCD Programming The AP800’s front panel is simple and intuitive to operate, thanks to its front-panel user interface: a 2x16 character LCD, previously described menu buttons, level LED bar meter and gate LED bar meter. When power is applied to the AP800, the LCD panel will first read INITIALIZING.
  • Page 18 Power-Up Screen ClearOne AP800 Version X.X System Inputs Select Preset Inputs 1-8 Output 1-8 Lock Panel Inputs A,B,C,D Output A,B,C,D Set Passcode Subbus 1, 2 Device ID Unit ID # Mixer Mode Gate Parameters RS- 232 Figure 2.6. LCD menu tree Adjusting a value To adjust a parameter, first verify that it is flashing.

  • Page 19: System Parameters

    (page 59). Bolded items are the factory defaults. Select Preset The Select Preset menu item allows one of six presets to be selected for AP800 use. These preset configurations can be easily loaded via the LCD display or by serial commands to the RS-232 port.
  • Page 20 The passcode must be five characters long. Device ID The AP800’s device ID is set in the Device ID menu selection. There are eight G-Link network positions (0–7). See Device IDs, page 10. Unit ID The Unit ID menu selection allows for accessing the read-only address set at the factory.
  • Page 21 Mic 1 allows the AP800 to revert back to a mic 1 input when all microphones gate off. The default setting for last mic mode is off. Select the setting you want to use and press Enter.
  • Page 22 Installation ~ LCD Programming Figure 2.9. Off Attenuation Hold Time This feature determines the length of time that a microphone remains On after the microphone audio level drops below the gate ratio (Figure 2.10 below). Values range from 0.1–8.0 seconds in one-tenth second increments. Default setting is 0.3. Setting this value too low might cause the microphones to gate on and off too frequently during brief pauses of speech.
  • Page 23 Baud Rate This parameter allows for the AP800’s RS-232 port communication rate to be controlled. There are three settings: 9,600 (default), 19,200, and 38,400 baud (bps). To set the baud rate, scroll through the three settings to select the desired baud rate, then press Enter.
  • Page 24 RS-232 port. Upon activating modem mode or when power is turned on while modem mode is active, the AP800 sends an init string to the modem to initialize it. (The init string can only be set through the RS-232 port. See Appendix F, page 49 for information on the the MINIT serial command.) The default setting is...

  • Page 25: Input Parameters

    (manual gate on, manual gate off, gate override on, gate override off). Auto-gate is Figure 2.13. Mic Inputs 1-8 submenu where a microphone does not gate on until audio is present at the mic. The AP800 decides to gate the microphone on or off based on parameters set elsewhere in this submenu (i.e., gate ratio, etc.).
  • Page 26 However, if the ambient noise in the room is constantly changing and the AP800 is unable to track properly (see Figure 2.14), turn this mode off and set the ambient level manually (see Manual Ambient, page 19). Fixed values range from 0dB to -70dB, in increments of 1dB.
  • Page 27 (default) references Output D (typically used for connection to a power amp and speaker). EC Ref 2 is not factory set. EC Ref 2 is typically used in sound- reinforcement applications. This allows for the AP800 to provide two zones of sound reinforcement per AP800 unit.

  • Page 28: Output Parameters

    Number of open mics (NOM) corrects for increased output level when more than one microphone is gated on. As microphones gate on, the AP800 reduces the level according to the number of active microphones. This mode can be turned on (default for outputs A-D) or off (default for outputs 1-8).
  • Page 29 EC reference for all eight microphones (as shown in Figure 2.19). However, in the case of splitting a single AP800 unit into two zones or two mic mixers, it will be able to support two EC references – one for each zone or mixer.
  • Page 30 EC Reference bus This bus provides a system-wide echo canceller reference signal. When multiple AP800 units are linked together and will be using only one output channel to drive the loudspeaker system, that output must be defined as the sample reference which will be used by all of the linked AP800s for echo cancellation.

  • Page 31: Meter Parameters

    The default meter parameter determines what is being displayed on the LED meter Figure 2.22. Meter submenu when a parameter is not using the LED bar graph, and the AP800 times out (see Timeout, page 20). Technical Services Group ~ 1-800-283-5936 (USA) ~ 1-801-974-3760...
  • Page 32 Technical Services Group ~ 1-800-283-5936 (USA) ~ 1-801-974-3760...

  • Page 33: Chapter 3: Ap-Ware Software

    AP Tools software in ClearOne’s software line. AP-Ware provides increased configuration and system monitoring capabilities, and is straightforward to use. Virtually all AP800 functions can be configured with AP-Ware. AP-Ware must operate on computer equipment that meets the following...

  • Page 34: Installing Ap-Ware

    To select an alternate destination directory, click Browse and use the Choose Directory window to find the desired location. Click OK to return to the previous window. AP-Ware Software Installing AP-Ware To install AP-Ware Boot the PC to the Windows operating system. Ensure that all other programs or applications are closed.

  • Page 35: Chapter 4: Operation

    CHAPTER 4: Operation Control When operating the AP800, there should be very little to do with the AP800 unit itself. You can make changes quickly with AP-Ware software, if necessary. If correctly installed and programmed, the AP800 system should not require any further interface other than perhaps controlling volume of a particular output, or muting an input or output.

  • Page 36: Muting

    Muting To mute an input Determine which input needs to be muted, then press the Inputs button. Scroll through to the desired input channel, and press Enter. Scroll through the input parameters until Mute is visible, then press Enter. Use the s/t buttons to select On, then press Enter. The input is now muted.

  • Page 37: Appendices

    Appendices Appendix A: Specifications Dimensions (LxDxH) 17.25" x 10.25" x 1.75" 43.8 x 26 x 4.5 cm Weight 7 lb/4.5 kg dry 12 lb/5.9 kg shipping Operating Temperature 32–100° F/0–38° C Humidity 15% to 80%, non-condensing Power Input Range Auto-adjusting 100–240VAC;...

  • Page 38: Appendix B: Warranty

    Appendices ~ Appendix B: Warranty Appendix B: Warranty ClearOne Communications, Inc. (Manufacturer) warrants that this product is free of defects in both materials and workmanship. Should any part of this equipment be defective, the Manufacturer agrees, at its option, to: A.

  • Page 39: Appendix C: Compliance

    Appendices ~ Appendix C: Compliance warranty service performed on any product shall extend the applicable warranty period. In case of unsatisfactory operation, the purchaser shall promptly notify the Manufacturer at the address set forth below in writing, giving full particulars as to the defects or unsatisfactory operation.

  • Page 40: Appendix D: Connector Pinouts

    Figure D.1. Control/Status (DB-25) connector Appendices Safety Information CAUTION: Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate electrical inspection authority, or electrician, as appropriate. Appendix D: Connector Pinouts Control/Status A pinout Pin Number Definable* Status Outputs: DB-25 female;...
  • Page 41 Appendices ~ Appendix D: Connector Pinouts Control/Status B pinout Pin Number User Definable* Status Default Description No connection No connection Status Outputs: DB-25 female; open collector, 40V max, 300mA each (2) +5VDC, 300mA each 40V Control Inputs: Input activation selectable; momentary or latching ground *Control/Status Pinout Note: The first 16 pins on each Control/Status Port are programmable with AP-Ware and/or serial port commands.

  • Page 42: Appendix E: Accessories

    Figure D.2. RS-232 pinout Appendices RS-232 COM DCE Port Pinout Pin Number Control Pin Number Ground Appendix E: Accessories Accessory AP10 Telephone Interface Tabletop Omni Microphone Tabletop Uni Microphone Tabletop Omni Microphone Tabletop Uni Microphone Delta Microphone Desktop Kit Wall Mount Speaker Technical Services Group ~ 1-800-283-5936 (USA) ~ 1-801-974-3760 ~ Appendix E: Accessories Control...

  • Page 43: Appendix F: Serial Commands

    For example, a command to disable Automatic Gain Control for Mic 2 on AP800 device “0” would have the command line: #10 AGC 2 0. In this command line, 1=AP800, 0=unit 0, AGC=command, 2=mic channel, 0=off state). If a command calls for a “null”...
  • Page 44 AP800 Serial Commands Command Function AAMB Enable/disable adaptive ambient* MDMODE Enable/disable modem mode Enable/disable AGC* Set/report three-band equalization* AMBLVL Set/report ambient level Enable/disable high-pass filter* BAUD Set/report RS-232 port baud rate MINIT Set/report modem initialization string CHAIRO Enable/disable chairman override*...
  • Page 45 AGC in the same format as the command. AMBLVL This command changes or reports back the setting of the fixed ambient level for each AP800. This value is only used if adaptive ambient is not enabled. [DEVICE] AMBLVL <X>...
  • Page 46 X=Null Parameter to return the current decay rate Return Values The command will return the updated decay rate for the selected AP800 in the same format as the command. DFLTM This command changes and reports back the status of the default meter.
  • Page 47 Appendices ~ Appendix F: Serial Commands This command changes or reports back the state of the echo canceller for a microphone. [DEVICE] EC <CH> <X> Explanation <CH> CH= 1-8 Parameter to apply to the specified mic channel CH= * Parameter to apply command to all mic channels <X>...
  • Page 48 FLOW This command selects or reports whether hardware flow control is enabled or disabled for the AP800. Hardware flow control is implemented using RTS and CTS. [DEVICE] FLOW <X> Explanation <X> X=0 Sets flow control to OFF X=1 Sets flow control to ON...
  • Page 49 GAIN 2 I -3 GAIN 2 I -12 Technical Services Group ~ 1-800-283-5936 (USA) ~ 1-801-974-3760 GATE This command reports back the microphone gating status of an AP800. This command is read only. [DEVICE] GATE Return Values The command will return the current status of microphone gating for a given unit with a hex value.
  • Page 50 GMODE This command changes or reports back the gating mode for a microphone. [DEVICE] GMODE <CH> <X> Explanation <CH> CH= 1-8 Parameter to apply to the specified microphone channel CH= * Parameter to apply command to all microphone channels <X> X=1 Parameter to set the state to AUTO X=2 Parameter to set the state to MANUAL ON X=3 Parameter to set the state to MANUAL OFF...
  • Page 51 X=2 Parameter to set the mode to Last Microphone On X=Null Parameter to return the current mode Return Values The command will return the updated mode for the selected AP800 in the same format as the command. This command reports back the level for a given channel.
  • Page 52 MDMODE This command enables or disables the modem mode for the AP800. When the modem mode is enabled, the modem initialization string is sent out the serial port and the serial port now requires a password before a command is processed.
  • Page 53 X=1-8 Parameter to set the maximum number of microphones allowed on X=Null Parameter to return the maximum number of microphones allowed on Return Values The command will return the updated maximum number of microphones allowed on for the selected AP800 in the same format as the command.
  • Page 54 MPASS This command sets the current password for modem mode. Note: The default password is a carriage return (enter). If the password is forgotten, it can be cleared back to a carriage return via the front panel. [DEVICE] MPASS <STRING> Explanation STRING can be any valid character combination up to eight characters.
  • Page 55 Appendices ~ Appendix F: Serial Commands <OUTPUTMIX> OUTPUTMIX=hex word. The selected input will be routed to the outputs indicated. OUTPUTMIX=null. Mix Command to return the current setting for the input. <OUTPUTMIX> Note: When entering the hex value of the <OUTPUTMIX>, it is not necessary to add the leading zeros, only zeros that follow the value, as in examples 1 &...
  • Page 56 MUTE This command changes or reports the state of mute for a given channel. [DEVICE] MUTE <CH> <W> <X> Explanation <CH> CH= 1-8 Parameter to apply to the specified microphone channel CH= A-D Parameter to apply to select the line channel CH= 1-2 Parameter to apply to select the subbus channel CH= * Parameter to apply to all microphone channels <W>...
  • Page 57 Appendices ~ Appendix F: Serial Commands This command changes or reports back state of NOM attenuation for each channel. [DEVICE] NOM <CH> <X> Explanation <CH> CH= 1-8 Parameter to apply to the specified direct output channel CH= A-D Parameter to apply to the specified line output <X>...
  • Page 58 Example The PCMD command line contains both the PCMD command and the command being programmed. To program AP800 unit 0 control A pin 1 to toggle mute on mic 1, the command would appear as follows: #10 PCMD 1 MUTE 1 I 2 (toggles...
  • Page 59 Appendices ~ Appendix F: Serial Commands PEVNT This command programs or returns the program of the GPIO status pins from the serial port. The command line follows the same format as shown in the PCMD example above. [DEVICE] PEVNT <LOCATION> <EVENT> Explanation <LOCATION>...
  • Page 60 The command will return the updated condition (On=1, Off=0) of the phantom power in the same format as the command. PRESET This command selects or reports the current preset configuration used by the AP800. [DEVICE] PRESET <X> Explanation <X> X=1-6 Sets the preset to the number specified...
  • Page 61 ~ Appendix F: Serial Commands This command returns the unique ID number, the device type and the device number of the AP800. This command is read only. The unique ID number is preprogrammed at the factory and is unique to the unit, while the device number is set by the user at the time of installation.

  • Page 62: Appendix G: Worksheets

    Appendices ~ Appendix G: SWorksheets Appendix G: Worksheets Figure G.1. Routing Matrix Worksheet Technical Services Group ~ 1-800-283-5936 (USA) ~ 1-801-974-3760...
  • Page 63 Appendices ~ Appendix G: Worksheets Figure G.2. Programming Worksheet Technical Services Group ~ 1-800-283-5936 (USA) ~ 1-801-974-3760...
  • Page 64 Appendices ~ Appendix G: Worksheets Figure G.3. AP800 Block Diagram Technical Services Group ~ 1-800-283-5936 (USA) ~ 1-801-974-3760...

  • Page 65: Glossary

    Glossary ~ A–D Glossary Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) A process in which acoustical echo is removed from a signal. AEC can be used to remove unwanted signals from mic audio if the unwanted acoustic signal is available separately as an electronic signal. Adaptive Ambient Mode An automixing function that dynamically changes the ambient noise reference level based on a moving average of the actual noise floor of the room as picked up by the microphones.
  • Page 66 Four Wire Typically refers to audio in and out of a video codec. G-Link A high speed digital network bus used to link AP800, AP400, and AP10 units.
  • Page 67 Glossary ~ T–Z Telephone Hybrid A term used to refer to a telephone interface that separates send and receive audio. Same as a digital hybrid. Two Wire Typically refers to a telephone line. Uni-directional Microphone A microphone that picks up audio in a directional (usually 180 degrees or less) pattern.

  • Page 68: Index

    adaptive ambient 19, 22 ambient level 1, 41 AP-Ware 29 automatic gain control 1, 21, 23, 39 baud rate 42 chairman override 42 clear password 20 command line 39 connector pinouts 36 Control/Status B 37 default meter 20, 42 delay 20 device ID 15, 39 device type 57 DSP 2, 57...

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