The iDR-8is configured using a PC running the Allen & Heath Windows™ iDR System Manager application.
You need to connect your PC to the iDR-8. To get them to communicate you must first access the front panel Setup menus and set up a few communications settings. You also need to set up your PC to work with these settings.
The iDR-8communicates using well established computer communication methods. Full details are provided in the next section. There are two ways to connect your PC to the iDR-8 :
Network Port
This uses a TCP/IP connection over Ethernet. You can connect direct to the network port on your PC or via a network, using a standard CAT5 network cable.
Your PC must have a network port or card fitted. Check that a suitable port is available.
You need to set up a unique IP address for the iDR-8unit using the front panel Setup menus. You should check that your PC uses its own unique but related IP address. This may involve making changes to your PC LAN network settings. We advise that you contact your network administrator or IT manager if you are unsure how to do this.
The network connection is very fast and reliable and is therefore recommended for configuring the iDR system.
RS232 COM Port
You can communicate with the iDR-8via the COM1 or COM2 RS232 serial port on your PC.
To do this you need to set up a PPP ‘dial-up connection’ on your PC. This is similar to using your PC to dial into a remote Internet server provider or a modem over a telephone line.
The iDR-8has default PPP settings already set. You can use these to create the dial up connection on your PC. If you prefer or have reason to, you can change these using the front panel Setup menus.
To work with the dial-up connection you must first have a modem driver installed on your PC. If a suitable driver is not already installed you need to add one using the Windows™ Phone and Modem Options item.
Once installed, you can create and name the dial-up connection. It is held on your PC for future connection. Once the connection is made you open up the iDR System Manager and type in the Host IP Address set up on the iDR-8.
The type of RS232 cable you use depends on whether you are connecting to the iDR-8front or rear RS232 port, and whether you are connecting to your PC or direct to a modem.
By the nature of RS232 serial communication, it is much slower than the network connection. For this reason we recommend that you use it only when absolutely necessary, or when dialing up the unit using a modem via a telephone line to remotely interrogate the iDR-8.
