Compex Systems AP4530 - Manual (Page 37)

iDR-8 User Guide 37
MIDI, SysNet and PL-Anet Ports
Together with RS232, the MIDI, SysNet and PL-Anet serial ports are part of the communications
options available. The iDR-8 offers huge flexibility by offering all 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
these four 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-8 reboot for the changes
to take effect. The port selection can be archived on your PC
as part of the configuration file.
MIDI
Three 5pin DIN connectors provide MIDI IN, THRU and
OUT. These work with the popular MIDI interface standard.
Check the iDR System Manager Help file for more information
on using MIDI with iDR. At the time of printing, the iDR-8 uses
MIDI channel number 1 to communicate with external MIDI
equipment. Refer to the Allen & Heath iDR MIDI Protocol
document for details on how to control the parameters using
MIDI messages. This can be downloaded from our web site.
Use MIDI cables up to 15 metre (50 feet) in length.
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.
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 multiple 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.
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.
DIGITAL EXPANDER
PL-ANET DR-LINK AUDIO OUT AUDIO IN
THRU
active
MIDI OUT
active
MIDI IN
active
SYSNET PORT
TO AVOID DAMAGE ONLY CONNECT
CAUTION 20V DC
COMPATIBLE REMOTE CONTROL
EQUIPMENT TO THE PL-ANET PORT.
Parameters controlled via MIDI or
SysNet. Check the latest Protocol
document for further details and
additions.
Channel levels
Channel mutes
Crosspoint matrix levels
Patch recalls
PL-Anet
Infra-red
Fader Controllers
Wall Plates
Terminate