Ashly VCM-88C Operating Manual Download Page 7

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Operator Manual – VCM-88C Controller

Page - 7

VCM-88C Rear Panel

DC Control -

A 12-position Euroblock

connector is used for DC control of the eight
VCA channels and Master Attenuation,
providing a simple and cost-effective method
for custom control. Most electronics hardware
stores will have the male connector
complement. The reference DC voltage is also
provided, thus requiring only the male
connector, wire, and a 10K ohm potentiometer
for each channel to control audio levels from
any reasonable distance.

Data Protocol Selector -

These two DIP

switches allow selection of four data protocols.
The Standard protocol is selected for use with
current AMX, or Crestron controllers. The
Protea Software protocol is selected for use
with Ashly's Protea System Software. The RD
protocol is used for control by an Ashly RD-8C
remote. The Legacy protocol is selected for
control by a legacy Ashly or AMX device.

Device ID Select -

Each VCM-88C can be set

to one of 16 addresses, allowing for control of
up to 128 channels (16 x 8) from a single data
line. The device ID on the VCM-88C is selected
in binary format from the Device ID DIP switch
on the rear panel.

RS-232 Input -

RS-232 is a bi-directional serial

communications connection which allows
computer devices to control other hardware.
Ashly Protea System Software uses RS-232 to
control the VCM-88C.

Remote Control Data Input -

This connector is

used for remote control by the Ashly RD-8C or
RW-8C, or other third party controllers.

RS-232 Mode Switch -

The RS-232 mode

switch is pushed in only when the VCM-88C’s
RS-232 Input is connected to a PC, and
another unit is connected to the Slave Data
in/out connector.

Master Output and Channel Pass Through -

The VCM-88C can be used as an eight-in/one
out remote level control for personal monitor
mixing using the Master Output. Multiple VCM-
88C units can be daisy chained to produce
several unique mixes from the same program
source. To simplify cabling for this application,
the VCM-88C has the ability to internally pass
each channel’s input signal directly to its output
jack, disabling that channel’s direct VCA output
but eliminating the need for special “Y” cables.
The passed-through channel’s VCA output is
automatically summed to the 200 Ohm
pseudobalanced Master Output along with
other channels for final output. The gain from
any one input channel to Master Output is -6dB
so that a mix of several audio channels will
have approximately the same volume as one of
the input channels. See section 8.2 for channel
pass-through details.

Slave Data In/Out -

Multiple VCM-88C units

can be placed in the same control loop using
the Slave Data In/Out euroblock connectors.
Control data originates from another unit under
RS-232 control.

Power Switch -

This rocker switch, switches

the AC power to the unit. A blue front-panel
LED indicates when the unit is powered on.

Installation

Always switch the unit off before making substantial changes to the settings or connectors.
Use four screws and washers when rack mounting. This unit has specific electrical and
signal requirements, please take special care to double check all connections and settings and
refer to the specifications section of this manual. The unit should be connected to a standard
3-wire grounded electrical outlet supplying 100-240 Volts, 50-60 Hz. To reduce the risk of
ground loop hum, connect all audio equipment to the same electrical power source. Removal
of the ground pin is both unlawful and dangerous, as a potential shock hazard could result.
Overall power consumption is less than 30 watts.

NOTE

: The power switch does NOT isolate the appliance from mains. Make sure the mains

power socket or an alternative disconnect device is near by and easily accessible. When the
product is connected to mains, the line-filter and the input of the fuse are energized.

Safety Instructions – 3

Introduction - 4

VCM-88C Controller – 5

Connectors & Cables - 5

Physical Description - 6

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Installation – 7

Applications - 8

Data Connections – 9

Troubleshooting – 11

Dimensions - 11