1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. AiRocks Pro Manuals
  4. Repeater
  5. ARX-900
  6. User manual

AiRocks Pro ARX-900 User Manual

Digital wireless audio repeater
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0
AiRocks Pro
ARX-900
Digital Wireless Audio Repeater
User Guide
V1.0
March 28, 2015
1

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the ARX-900 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for AiRocks Pro ARX-900

  • Page 1 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 AiRocks Pro ARX-900 Digital Wireless Audio Repeater User Guide V1.0 March 28, 2015...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Audio Input Configurations (Master unit) ................18 3.2.3 Audio Output Connector Configurations (Relay units) ............19 Equipment Installation and Operation ....................22 Installing the ARX-900 Master and Relay Units ................22 4.1.1 Installing the Master Unit ....................22 4.1.2 Installing Relay Units ......................24 4.1.3...
  • Page 3 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 5.3.1 Open Networks ........................28 5.3.2 Secure Networks ......................... 28 Master Mode Operation ......................29 5.4.1 Master Mode Screen ......................29 5.4.2 Relay Monitor Window ....................... 34 Spectrum Analyzer Mode Screen ....................39 Relay Mode Screen ........................40 System Setup Screen ........................

  • Page 4: Airocks Pro Overview

    AiRocks Pro is typically used in large indoor or outdoor venues to distribute audio from a main mixer board to multiple powered speakers distributed over a wide area. Based on a novel “repeater”...

  • Page 5: Traditional Wireless Audio

    2.3 T OCKS ETWORK An AiRocks Pro network consists of a single Master and one or more Relay units. A network can be as simple as a single Master and one Relay:...
  • Page 6 AiRocks Pro unit creates its own point-to-multipoint sub-network. The input to each sub-network is the signal received by the single uplink AiRocks Pro unit. Therefore, an AiRocks Pro network is a group of one or more sub networks all of which emanate from a single network Master. Networks can be as simple as one Master unit and one Relay unit in a point-to-point configuration, or as complex as hundreds of units with multiple “branches”...

  • Page 7: Network Overview

    USB port, the operating system installs a HID driver for that port. This OS installation process can take up to 30 seconds. Be patient while this process takes place. It will only occur when the ARX-900 is first connected to the USB port.

  • Page 8: Equipment Overview And Features

    The AiRocks Pro system consists of the ARX-900 Wireless Audio Repeater and an optional ARX-900-BOB “breakout box”. The BOB is essentially an extender for the IO ports on the ARX-900 as well as a remote AC or DC power injector. Below is a diagram of the typical Master configuration using a Breakout Box.

  • Page 9: Airocks Pro Arx-900 Wireless Audio Repeater

    AiRocks Pro ARX-900 Wireless Audio Repeater The ARX-900 is enclosed in a weather resistant outdoor enclosure and includes a sealed pushbutton front panel interface with an LCD display. The user can configure the unit from either the front panel, via the USB port of the BOB, or over the air by using the Network Management System.

  • Page 10: Key Features Of The Airocks Pro System

    The AiRocks system includes a powerful Network Management System (NMS) which gives the user a broad array of tools for monitoring and controlling the network. NMS is built into every ARX-900 unit and provides a two-way control channel the gives the user a window into the detailed performance of any remote unit from one central location.
  • Page 11 Remote Spectrum Analyzer (RSA) The AiRocks Pro system includes a Remote Spectrum Analyzer function that allows the user the scan the local RF environment of any remote unit and plot results of the scan on a Spectrum Analyzer graph in the NMS Relay Monitor Window.

  • Page 12: Airocks Pro Arx-900-Bob Breakout Box

    AC power may not yet be available. The BOB allows the ARX-900 to be place up to 100 feet away (i.e. on a pole to raise it above any obstructions in a venue to provide better line-of-site to other nodes).

  • Page 13: Airocks Arx-900 Configuration And Operation

    ANEL ONFIGURATION AND ISPLAY The ARX-900 can be configured from the front panel by using the 5-key navigation switch. The resulting modes and settings are displayed on the LCD. Below is a summary of the front panel menu functions. 3.1.1...

  • Page 14: Master Mode Configuration Functions

    Physical ID Allows the user to assign a “physical ID” (PID) to an ARX-900 unit. The PID will show up on a spectrum analyzer graph so that one can uniquely identify the transmission of the specific PID when the NMS is not used in the network.

  • Page 15: Relay Mode Configuration Functions

    Displays and controls the current setting for the TX Enable function. This function can be used to disable the “transceiver” functionality of the ARX-900 so that the unit is “receive only”. Keep this function in mind when troubleshooting what appears to be a non-functioning unit. The unit will not “relay” a signal to downstream units if TX is disabled.
  • Page 16 Relay Audio Delay The ARX-900 can add delay into the audio path to help compensate for speaker placement in a large venue. Up to 500mSec of delay per hop (Relay location) can be added. The delay can be applied either in a “cumulative”...

  • Page 17: Audio Input And Output Configurations

    NMS. The NMS gives the user the ability to switch configurations remotely over the air. Since the ARX-900 can only operate in one mode at a time (Master or Relay), the Audio Input connector and Audio Output connector share the same audio path (Audio+ and Audio-) and are therefore connected in parallel.

  • Page 18: Audio Input Configurations (Master Unit)

    Unbalanced Stereo Audio Input Connector Configuration The ARX-900 transmits two independent audio channels over the air. This allow the Master to send unbalanced stereo channels on XLR Pins 2 & 3 (Pin 1 is a common ground for both channels). The Relay unit can select either the Left or Right channel and output this signal as a balanced audio output signal (Left or Right balanced output).

  • Page 19: Audio Output Connector Configurations (Relay Units)

    AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 3.2.3 Audio Output Connector Configurations (Relay units) 3.2.3.1 Balanced Mono Audio Output Connector Configuration (factory default) When the Relay audio output configuration is set to L&R, the audio output on Pin 2 is the signal applied to the Master XLR Pin 2 (Audio +, Tip, Hot), and the output on Pin 3 is the signal applied to the Master XLR Pin 3 (Audio-, Ring, Cold).
  • Page 20 Balanced Stereo Output (Left Channel Only) When using AiRocks Pro for stereo delay stacks it is desirable to feed a balanced Left channel signal to one stack, and a balanced Right channel signal to the other stack. When the Relay audio output configuration is set to “Left”, the Left channel audio signal is output as a balanced single channel on Pins...
  • Page 21 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 Figure 10 Balanced Stereo Output (Right)

  • Page 22: Equipment Installation And Operation

    The recommended mounting location of the ARX-900 is on a pole, such as a speaker stand, that allows it to be mounted 10 feet or more off the ground. Obstructions, such as people, trees, building, or other solid structures, can affect the quality of the radio transmission, and hence the achievable range of the unit for reliable, error-free operation.
  • Page 23 The USB port on the BOB is powered by the attached USB port on the PC. Therefore, it is not mandatory to apply AC or DC power to the BOB if AC power is applied directly to the ARX-900. Note: The ARX-900 USB interface uses a standard HID driver which is built into the PC’s operating system.

  • Page 24: Installing Relay Units

    AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 4.1.2 Installing Relay Units Install Relay units as high as possible, and with best effort line-of-sight to either the Master unit, or to the closest uplink Relay unit. The included mounting bracket provides several mounting options.

  • Page 25: Environmental Considerations

    60° from the vertical shall have no harmful effect”). If additional weather protection is desired, an ARX-900-BOB Breakout Box can be used with Relay units to route audio and power connections to a remote, weather-protected location. An optional Ethernet cable is available which includes the Neutrik NE8MC connector carrier that can provide additional protection to moisture and physical abuse.

  • Page 26: Network Management System

    AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 ETWORK ANAGEMENT YSTEM 5.1 NMS O VERVIEW The AiRocks Network Management System (NMS) is a PC-based application that give the user a broad array of tools for configuring, operating, and diagnosing the AiRocks network. The NMS connects via USB to the Master unit and communicates over the air with all Relay units in the network.
  • Page 27 (optionally) provide network security by allowing only registered units to participate in the network. Note: The ARX-900 USB interface uses a standard HID driver which is built into the PC’s operating system. Therefore, no custom USB drivers need to be installed. The initial driver installation process can take up to 30 seconds.

  • Page 28: Network Security

    AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 Figure 15 NMS Database 5.3 N ETWORK ECURITY AiRocks networks can operate as either Open networks or Secure networks. 5.3.1 Open Networks Open networks are networks in which any AiRocks unit can “participate” in the network, regardless of whether or not it has been registered in the NMS database.

  • Page 29: Master Mode Operation

    AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 5.4 M ASTER PERATION An AiRocks network has only one Master unit. The Master is located near the main audio source and transmits its signal to all Relay units within its transmission range. The NMS is connected to the Master via a USB connection from the PC or laptop on which the NMS resides.
  • Page 30 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 5.4.1.1 Network Map The center of the Master screen shows a network map of all active nodes. The Master node will always appear at the bottom of the screen unless the user drags the node to a different location. If Auto Layout is ON, the nodes will automatically be realigned.
  • Page 31 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 5.4.1.3 Missed Polls Plot This plot will show the percentage of polls that have not been answered by the selected node. Poll responses are measured over a six second interval. After 100% missed polls over the six...
  • Page 32 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0  Audio Mute – The Audio Mute function will mute the audio sent from the Master so that the entire network will be silent.  Compressor On/Off – The Master audio input passes through an audio compressor which can be used if the input audio is highly variable (i.e.
  • Page 33 The larger the network, the more impact the additional poll traffic will have.  Radio Temperature – Displays the internal temperature of the ARX-900. The ARX-900 can withstand internal temperatures from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Page 34: Relay Monitor Window

    Register Node – Allows the operator the register the node “over the air” after the node has been deployed.  GUID – Globally Unique ID embedded into the hardware of the ARX-900.  Radio Temperature – Internal temperature of the Relay unit.
  • Page 35 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 5.4.2.2 TX/RX Channel Select Mode This control allows the operator to remotely select between Auto and Manual channel selection for the Relay node. Care must be taken when using Manual channel selection mode since the Relay unit will not automatically scan for a signal if its source signal channel is changed.
  • Page 36  Ant1, Ant2 LEDs – Indicate which antenna is currently being used by the receive section of the ARX-900. (During transmission, Ant1 and Ant2 are used on each alternate packet transmitted for special diversity).  RSSI – Receive Signal Strength Indicator – Shows the real-time receive signal level for each antenna.
  • Page 37 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 5.4.2.6 PER/RSA Plots The PER plot (left-hand tab of this window) shows a real-time view of the Packet Error Rate of the selected Relay unit. The red line indicates the PER while the yellow line indicates the PER threshold used by the ALO function.
  • Page 38 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 5.4.2.8 Audio Section The Audio Section of the Relay Monitor window includes the following functions:  Output Gain – Gain setting for the audio output of the XLR output connector of the selected Relay node.

  • Page 39: Spectrum Analyzer Mode Screen

    Interference is shown is red. The spectrum is divided into 10 discrete channels which are used by the ARX-900. The blue horizontal indicator lines show peak signal levels in the channel, while the white indicators show a 10 second average of the signal power in the channel. These indicators can be reset by pressing the “Reset Peaks”...

  • Page 40: Relay Mode Screen

    AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 5.6 R ELAY CREEN This screen is used when the operator wishes to directly attach to a Relay unit within the network. The screen gives the same information and controls of the Relay Monitor window discussed above.
  • Page 41 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0...

  • Page 42: Installing The Network Management System Application

    AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 5.8 I NSTALLING THE ETWORK ANAGEMENT YSTEM PPLICATION To install the AiRocks NMS click on the AiRocksNMS.msi icon. A welcome screen will appear. Click Next. The following screen gives you the opportunity to change the installation location folder. Leave this at...
  • Page 43 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 Click Next to confirm installation. After installation, click Close. To begin using the NMS, click the AiRocks NMS icon on your desktop.

  • Page 44: Deploying And Managing A Network

    AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 5.9 D EPLOYING AND ANAGING A ETWORK Deploying an AiRocks network is similar to deploying any other RF network. It takes careful planning and close attention to interference sources, path distances, and link-of-sight positioning. The AiRocks Network Management System gives the operator a variety of tools to accomplish the planning and successful deployment of a well performing network.

  • Page 45: Alo And Rsa

    AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 It is helpful to set up and turn on the Master unit before beginning the deployment of Relay units. This will allow you to check signal and interference levels as you deploy Relay points. It is also helpful to deploy Relay units starting closest to the Master and working your way “downstream”, while checking...

  • Page 46: System Specifications

    AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 YSTEM PECIFICATIONS ARX-900 System Specifications Audio Number of Audio Channels Stereo or Mono Frequency Response 20Hz to 15.6KHz +1db/-3db Max Input Level (Master mode) +14.1dbu Balanced Mono +8.1dbu Unbalanced Stereo +8.1dbu Unbalanced Mono Max Output Level (Relay mode) +8.1dbu...
  • Page 47 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 Male on antenna, Female Antenna Connectors N-type on ARX-900 Regulatory Approvals FCC Part 15.247 FCC ID: 2AB8BARX900 Industry Canada RSS-210 IC: 11944A-ARX900 AC Power Input Voltage Range 80-305VAC or 110-430VDC Input Frequency 47-440Hz Max Input Current 70mA / 45mA typ.

  • Page 48: Fcc Statements

    AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 8 FCC S TATEMENTS Warning: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved AirNetix, LLC could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. 8.1 C LASS EVICES NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules.
  • Page 49 AIROCKS PRO ARX-900 USER GUIDE V1.0 Le présent émetteur radio 11944A-ARX900 a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal et l'impédance requise pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, ou dont le gain est supérieur au gain maxi mal indiqué, sont strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de l'émetteur.

Table of Contents