Allen&Heath iDR-4 - Manual (Page 37)

iDR-4 User Guide 37
SysNet and PL-Anet Ports
Together with RS232, the SysNet and PL-Anet serial ports are part of the communications options
available. The iDR-4 offers huge flexibility by offering these popular ports. However, they are not all
available at the same time. The iDR allocates two ports A and B. You need to select two of the three
options using the iDR System Manager software Communications Option window. Which ports are
available is displayed by ‘active’ LEDs next to the connectors. Plan your system first to decide which
ports to use.
Checking which ports are available The ‘active’ LED next to
each connector lights if the port is available. If the port you
want to use is not active then use iDR System Manager to
change the settings. Be careful not to disable any other port
being used with your system.
Selecting the Communications Options Click on the
File menu / Preferences / Communications Options item. This
opens up the Select Communications Option window. You can
select from the displayed combinations which options are
associated with serial ports A and B. Choose the combination
you require. This will require an iDR-4 reboot for the changes
to take effect. The port selection can be archived on your PC
as part of the configuration file.
RS232
A standard RS232 serial comms port is included for
communication via a modem. Although it can be used for
direct connection to a PC running iDR System Manager this is
not recommended due to the slow nature of the serial
communication. The Network port is provided for that purpose.
Details on using the RS232 port are included earlier in this
guide.
SysNet
This is an RS232 port with 9pin female D
connector. It is dedicated to communicating with third party
controllers such as the many touch screens and remote control
systems available from other manufacturers. Refer to the Allen
& Heath iDR SysNet Protocol document for details on how to
control the parameters using this RS232 interface. This can be
downloaded from our web site. Use standard RS232 cables up
to 3 metres (10 feet) in length. Note that the SysNet port is also
used for connection to a PC during code update.
PL-Anet
This is an RS485 port with RJ45 connector. It is
dedicated to communicating with the Allen & Heath PL Series
of intelligent wall plates and remote controllers over long
distances. Each PL device has two connectors, an IN and an
OUT, so that up to 15 devices can be daisy chained together
using a single cable run. CAT5 STP cable is used. An RS485
terminator is required at the last device in the chain. This is
provided with the PL device.
The optional PL-9 PL-Anet hub is available to work with more
devices over longer distances using 7 wiring branches.
Refer to the PL Combinations Calculator chart available from
Allen & Heath to work out the maximum number of devices and
distances possible. Refer to the Allen & Heath web site for the
latest details on the full PL range of controllers available.
When active, the PL-Anet port provides +20V DC
phantom power which is sent down the cable to power the
PL devices. To avoid damage make sure that only
compatible equipment is connected. If you do not need to
use the PL-Anet port make sure it is deselected from the
communications options.
Parameters controlled via SysNet.
Check the latest Protocol document
for further details and additions.
Channel levels
Group levels
Channel mutes
Crosspoint matrix levels
Patch recalls
Virtual switches
Virtual indicators
Patch recall messages
PL-ANET DR-LINK AUDIO OUT AUDIO IN
MDI/X
NETWORK
active TX LINK
TO AVOID DAMAGE ONLY CONNECT
COMPATIBLE PL-ANET EQUIPMENT
active
RS232 SYSNET (code)
PL-Anet (RS485)
Infra-red
Fader Controllers
Wall Plates
Terminate