Whirlwind PXP-CE Overview

INTRODUCTION
The Whirlwind PXP products are unique devices for converting digital audio data from one format to
another. Each device can interpret the digital audio received on its input and transmit the data on another
digital protocol with no loss of audio quality because no D/A or A/D conversions are required.
Each PXP can perform a conversion of sixteen channels of digital audio. There are currently three models
available:
Model PXP-CA: CobraNet to Aviom A-Net Pro-16
Model PXP-CE: Cobranet to EtherSound (16 channels bi-directional)
Model PXP-EA: EtherSound to Aviom A-Net Pro-16
Setup and operation are simple and easy. Just connect a CAT5e cable from the respective network to the
proper RJ45 jack of the PXP and use the manufacturer's software to manipulate the routing of the digital
audio channels. The PXP-CA also has bundle select wheels to assign the desired receive bundle
numbers without the use of a computer.
FEATURES
Communicate directly from one digital protocol to another.
All digital signal exchange prevents any degradation of signal quality.
Using the PXP saves valuable accessory card slots in digital consoles.
Connections made with CAT5e cables.
Efficient single rack space design.
Integrated universal power supply for 100-250VAC, 50/60Hz operation.
MODEL PXP-CA
from CobraNet network
The PXP-CA is configured with CobraNet as the input. The CobraNet digital audio signal is converted to
Aviom's A-Net Pro-16, which is output to interface with A-Net enabled equipment. Sixteen channels of
digital audio can be converted through each PXP-CA device. Connections to each network are made
through CAT5e cable.
On the CobraNet side, Bundle Select encoders are used to select the bundle numbers to be received by
the PXP-CA. Two bundles of 8 channels each can be received. The encoders set the number for the first
bundle, the second bundle is then set to that bundle plus 1. So, setting the encoders to 00300 will result in
the first bundle being 300, and the second bundle being 301. All 65,279 CobraNet bundles are directly
accessible from the encoders. Bundles 1-255 are Multicast bundles and 256-65,279 are Unicast. Bitwidth
and latency settings are auto detected from the transmitting device and do not need to be set on the PXP.
The leftmost encoder also has 3 special functions. With the encoder in the 7xxxx position, the three front
panel LEDs will flash a code for the software version in the PXP. The LEDs will blink the number of the
software version with a long pause between the series of blinks; e.g., four flashes followed by a long
pause equals version four. Should the PXP ever need to be rebooted, the 8xxxx position of the encoder
will cycle a reset of the unit every two seconds. Unplugging and reconnecting the power cord will also
reset the PXP. The 9xxxx position of the encoder is a self test for all the LEDs except the power LED.
Setting all encoders to 0 allows remote setting of bundle parameters through the network with CobraNet
Discovery software, v3.4.4. The application is on the included disc and is also available at:
http://www.cirrus.com/cobranetsoftware
There is a nine position dip switch associated with the A-Net output. Positions 1-8 link adjacent channels
into stereo pairs (i.e. Switch 1 links Ch. 1 and 2, etc.) Position 9 sends a test tone to all sixteen A-Net
channels.
to A-Net Pro-16 network