Lectrosonics SPNDNT - Manual (Page 12)

ASPEN Digital Processor
LECTROSONICS, INC. 12
Cabling Of Stacked Units
NOTE: The SPNDNT must always be the Master
at the top of the stack to synchronize the ASPEN
system and network clocks.
The ASPEN bus is bidirectional, allowing data and
audio to be propagated forward and backward through
a single cable connection. Each Slave unit in a stack
gathers data and audio signals from the unit below it,
adds its own signals and passes the total on to the
unit above it. At the top of the stack, the Master unit
gathers all signals from below, adds its own and then
sends the total back down the bus to all Slave units.
This architecture allows all Slave units to have access
to the mixing data and audio in all 48 final mixes.
Each circuit board has an upper and a lower ASPEN
bus connector. Since there are two circuit boards in a
2RU unit such as the SPN1624, the circuit boards are
connected in the same manner as if they were each in
a separate chassis.
1RU SPNDNT
configured as
Master
2RU SPN1624
configured as
intermediate
Slave
1RU SPN16i
configured
as lowermost
Slave
ASPEN PORT
The processors automatically configure themselves for
Master and Slave status as determined by the cabling.
Front Panel USB Port
This is the easiest connection point to run ASPEN
control panel software until the network is configured
and IP addresses have been established. Connect the
computer to the Master unit in the ASPEN stack and
launch the control panel software. The Master unit will
appear on the screen, and the Slave units below it will
then be accessible as well.
812
1612
DNT
8 8 8 8 8 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1612
Hardware Connections
Installing the chassis into a rack
Install the chassis so that the cooling fan vent is not
blocked. Mount with 4 rack screws using the appropri-
ate mounting holes. Use nylon washers to prevent
damage to the front panel’s finish when tightening the
mounting screws.
All ASPEN processors have internal switching power
supplies that can tolerate voltages ranging from 100
to 240 VAC. Use an approved power cord with an IEC
60320 C13 connector.
Connecting the Master for the First Time
NOTE: Install ASPEN software before
connecting the Master unit to a computer.
The computer operating system will automatically de-
tect and configure a USB port for the Master unit when
it is connected and turned on the first time. Wait for the
screen message that advises that the new device has
been configured and is ready for use.
Rear Panel
Review the rear panel connectors on page 6. Connec-
tors are used for the following purposes.
Port Purpose
RS-232 Third party control devices such
as LCD touch panels
ETHERNET ASPEN control panel software
interface for setup, monitoring and
control
ASPEN
PORTS
Interconnect multiple ASPEN
processors
DANTE Network audio I/O ports and setup
with Dante Controller software
RS-232 is a common interface with LCD touch panel
control systems such as Crestron ® and AMX ® . The
wiring diagram for DB-9 connectors is shown on the
opposite page.
The ETHERNET port is used with ASPEN control
panel software for setup, monitoring, control and
diagnostics. It does not transport audio. IP addresses
can be set up statically, or one can be assigned by
a network server if DHCP is enabled in the software
control panel.
ASPEN Ports connect multiple processors for data and
signal flow. 2RU units have two internal circuit boards
that must be connected with cables in the same man-
ner as two separate processors.
The DANTE ports connect to network switches.
Multiple SPNDNT processors can also be connected
directly to each other through these ports.