Compex Systems AP4530 manual MIDI, SysNet and PL-Anet Ports

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-8offers 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-8reboot 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.
MIDI OUT	THRU	MIDI IN			Check the iDR System Manager Help file for more information
					on using MIDI with iDR. At the time of printing, the iDR-8uses
				SYSNET PORT
					MIDI channel number 1 to communicate with external MIDI
active			active active		equipment.	Refer to the Allen & Heath iDR MIDI Protocol
					document for details on how to control the parameters using
		PL-ANET	DR-LINK	AUDIO IN AUDIO OUT	MIDI messages. This can be downloaded from our web site.
					Use MIDI cables up to 15 metre (50 feet) in length.
	CAUTION 20V DC		DIGITAL EXPANDER		SysNet	This is an RS232 port	with 9pin female D
	TO AVOID DAMAGE ONLY CONNECT				connector.	It is dedicated to communicating with third party
	COMPATIBLE REMOTE CONTROL
	EQUIPMENT TO THE PL-ANET PORT.				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
	Parameters controlled via MIDI or				control the parameters using this RS232 interface. This can be
					downloaded from our web site. Use standard RS232 cables up
	SysNet.	Check the latest Protocol			to 3 metres (10 feet) in length.
	document for		further	details and

additions.

Channel levels

Channel mutes

Crosspoint matrix levels

Patch recalls

PL-Anet Wall Plates Terminate

Infra-red

Fader Controllers

PL-AnetThis 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.

iDR-8User Guide 37