HELIX Remote Control: Hardware Set-up Guide
User Guide
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2
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ONTROLLING A
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ETWORK
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HELIX
RCS
To control an equaliser or processing system (or network) using a laptop/PC, a software program called
ELGAR is required. ELGAR is a software shell that allows Add-Ins (product control software) to operate.
So, for example, to control a processing system comprising HELIX DN9848E units, you would run ELGAR
and add the required devices through the HELIX DN9848E Remote Control Software (RCS) Add-In.
When the laptop/PC running the appropriate RCS is connected to a HELIX unit system, it assumes
control of that system. In an equaliser network the PC replaces the master DN9340E unit and assumes
control of the daisy-chained HELIX units under preset slave addresses.
The following laptop/PC-system connections are available:
Ethernet:
Three options are available for connecting the system to a laptop/PC via Ethernet:
direct Ethernet; local area network (LAN); and wireless. The wireless option offers
increased flexibility during the event set-up, as the engineer can move around freely
with a laptop and adjust the equalisation while listening to the end effect at any place
in the venue.
Serial (option):
The optional RS-232 serial connection is via the “PC PORT” on the front panel of the
first HELIX unit. The other HELIX units can still be connected via the Ethernet
two-port switches on their rear panels. Serial must be used if Solo Tracking input is
required. Please note that this serial method of connection will be slower than using
Ethernet.
2.1
Solo Tracking System (STS)
If Solo Tracking input is required, there are three connection options:
•
Direct to console (via a Lantronix UDS1100 converter).
•
Via a serial link to the “PC PORT” socket on the front panel of the HELIX unit.
•
Via the Rapide.
2.2
Working with a RapidE
The RapidE unit, which forms the networking centre of the Show Command System, allows you to
remotely control the graphic equaliser (GEQ) systems within digital consoles or HELIX units. An
eight-external port Ethernet hub is incorporated into the device, allowing the connection of Helix digital
equalisers and system processors, with wired or wireless connections to laptop or tablet PCs running the
equivalent ELGAR RCS.
The RapidE can be operated in multi-master mode, which uses two masters in a system to control the
GEQ, such as a PC and the RapidE.