Compex Systems AP4530 manual Communicating Using a TCP/IP Connection

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Communicating Using A TCP/IP Connection

DIRECT

CAT5

DR-8

TCP/IP

 

NETWORK

TCP/IP

DR-8

DR-8

The iDR-8uses TCP/IP to communicate with a PC or distributed network via a CAT5 Ethernet link. It can also communicate over a dial-up connection using PPP via its RS232 port. The faster Ethernet connection is recommended for iDR configuration purposes. Note that the front panel RS232 port is intended for operating code update. The rear panel RS232 port is intended for remote interrogation of the unit via a modem.

You can connect the iDR-8directly to your PC using the Ethernet connection. Alternatively you can plug into a network so that any networked PC workstation running appropriate Allen & Heath software can control it. You can have several iDR-8units plugged into the same network. This provides the most flexible solution in today’s world of networked technology.

Each iDR-8unit must have its own unique IP address. It needs to be related to the PC and network address ranges. It must be within the range of addresses allowed on the Subnet. It must not conflict with the addresses of other units plugged into the network. It is also possible that the PC you use to configure the iDR-8is also used with a network at your place of work. If it is served by a DHCP server then it is likely that it does not have its own permanent IP address as this is leased by the server. For these reasons it is very important that you take care when choosing and setting up the IP addresses.

If you do not have administrative rights to your PC, or are not familiar with network configuration, or are unsure which addresses to use then please consult your network administrator or IT manager.

Some networking terms explained:

LAN (Local Area Network), the physical network that links many PCs and related devices in the same building.

Ethernet, the most popular worldwide network system. It is defined by the IEEE802.3 standard and implemented over twisted pair cable.

CAT5 (Category 5), the standard used for network cabling and associated connectors.

UTP, STP (Unshielded Twisted Pair or Shielded Twisted Pair), the type of cable used. The cable has four twisted pairs of wires. STP is shielded to reduce interference pickup.

TCP/IP (Transfer Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), a set of layered industry standard protocols which define network communication.

IP address, the unique ‘soft’ address which identifies each device connected to the network. It is made up of 4 numbers each from 0 to 255, for example 192.168.0.1. IP addresses are governed and issued by the InterNIC organisation.

Subnet, a subdivision of an organisations network, splitting it into smaller sections.

Subnet mask, the number which is used to identify the subnet, for example 255.255.254.0. It determines the number of addresses in the subnet.

MAC address (Media Access Control), a unique 12 digit hexadecimal number allocated by the IEEE to each network hardware device. The iDR-8has its number held in its cpu card. A look up table relates it to the active IP address.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) A DHCP server automatically allocates IP addresses to networked devices from a pool of available addresses. It makes the task of connecting devices much simpler and prevents address conflicts. Each device connected should be set to ‘DHCP ON’, or have its address manually allocated by the network administrator.

MDI/X (Medium Dependent Interface), a switch which determines the electrical connection. MDI is used when connecting to a network via a hub. MDIX (MDI crossover) is used when devices are connected directly instead of through a hub.

Host, a networked device that provides a service to a client device.

Client, a networked device that requests the services of a computer system or process.

Dial-up connection, A temporary connection between devices, for example using a modem over a standard phone line.

PPP(Point to Point Protocol), a simple protocol for data transfer using a dial up communication over a serial interface.

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IDR-8User Guide

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Contents IDR-8 Limited One Year Warranty Conditions Of WarrantyThis appliance must be earthed Important Safety Instructions Read FirstImportant Mains Plug Wiring Instructions IDR-8User GuideIntroduction Contents Welcome to the iDR-8 DR-8Daisy chain iDR-8 units Any number may be Main FeaturesIDR-8 main processing unit 2U, 8 mic/line Stereo audio monitor with front panelFront panel RS232 port This is used for Front Panel OverviewExpander status LEDs These display Rear Panel Overview Monitor in L Monitor OUT LSystem Processing Overview IDR-8User Guide Page Getting Started Check the Contents IDR System Manager Software BundleInstalling the iDR-8 IDR-8 Main UnitEarthing Starting Offline with iDR System Manager Software Parameters restored on power-up The iDR-8Turning the iDR-8 On and Off Checking the iDR-8 Operating Code Version Updating the iDR-8 Operating CodeIDR-8 Setup Menus PPP SetupRebooting the iDR-8 Accessing the iDR-8 Setup MenusChecking the Current Settings and Status Changing the Unit NameGetting Started Checking the Hardware DR-8Network Port Communicating with the iDR-8RS232 COM Port Communicating Using a TCP/IP Connection How to get the MAC address Connecting the iDR-8 Direct to the PCConnecting the iDR-8 to a Network Connect the PC to the iDR-8 Plug the PC Ethernet portChanging the iDR-8 PPP settings Go to menu *6 PPP Communicating Using a Dial Up ConnectionSetting up a Dial-up Connection Setting up the PC dial-up connection You needStarting the iDR System Manager Connecting the iDR-8 to a ModemDial up the iDR-8 using the remote PC Open up Connect the iDR-8 to the modemWorking with the iDR System Manager Setting the Time and Day ClockArchiving and Loading Configurations Start the iDR System Manager from the Start / ProgramsXLR Analogue Inputs and Outputs Input Source window From within the InputMonitor Inputs and Outputs Monitor Headphones Output This followsMonitor TRS Input and Output The monitor is Using the Monitor as Additional Channels Daisy chaining iDR-8 monitors The activeTurning the expander on or off Turn the unit on Adding the iDR-in and iDR-out Audio ExpandersCheck the connections The iDR-inAUDIO OUT Checking for expanders You can use the frontExpanded multiple iDR-8 system This diagram Linking iDR-8 Units SlaveUnit a Checking for iDR-switch expanders You can Adding the iDR-switch ExpanderConnecting to the iDR-8 The iDR-8communicates Connectors and grounding Pluggable Phoenix Using the switch closure inputs The input isUsing the logic outputs Each output is opto SysNet MIDI, SysNet and PL-Anet PortsSelecting the Communications Options Click on Configuration file settings These are IDR-8 unit settings These areIDR-8 Memory System Decide your system starting point Assign Starting with the PatchesOnly store the parameters you need For your Technical Specification DR-8Application DR-8Headphones IDR-8 Installer Front PanelIDR-switch Front Panel DescriptionPower Supply IDR-switch InputsIDR-switch Logic Outputs Network PortClock Soft SwitchesSoftware NamingLevel Control DelaySignal Generator Fader GroupsFactory default configuration settings Factory default unit settingsFactory default patch parameters Template for Allen & Heath iDR-8 Front Panel Key Label
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